RNS Number:1405K
Coats PLC
16 April 2003


                                 Board Changes

Coats plc (the "Company") announces that Sir Victor Blank has resigned from the
board of directors of the Company and that Donald La Vigne, Rex Wood-Ward,
Anthony Gibbs and Dr. Gary Weiss have been appointed to the board as
non-executive directors, in each case with effect from 15 April 2003.

Donald La Vigne, Rex Wood-Ward and Dr. Gary Weiss are directors of Avenue
Acquisition plc, with whom the Company has agreed a recommended cash offer for
the entire issued ordinary share capital of the Company, which was declared
unconditional in all respects on 7 April 2003.  Anthony Gibbs and Dr. Gary Weiss
are directors of Guinness Peat Group plc, the parent company of GPG (UK)
Holdings plc which is a member of the consortium of companies that control
Avenue Acquisition plc.

These changes to the board reflect the fact that, following posting of the Offer
Document, the Consortium holds a controlling interest in the Company.

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS DIRECTORSHIPS OF PUBLICLY QUOTED COMPANIES:

Rex Wood-Ward: Emess plc (alternate director)

Anthony Gibbs and Dr. Gary Weiss: Guinness Peat Group plc

There are no further disclosures to be made in relation to any of the directors'
appointments under paragraph 16.4 of the Listing Rules.




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