RNS Number:9035M
Soldier Limited
27 June 2003

Holding statement



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Not for release, publication or distribution in, into or from the United States,
Canada, Australia or Japan

                                   Cash Offer

                                       by

                             KPMG Corporate Finance

                                  on behalf of

                          Soldier Limited ("Soldier")

                                      for

                            Hamleys plc ("Hamleys")



The board of Soldier has noted the announcement by ING investment Banking on
behalf of Children's Stores Holdings Limited regarding its proposed offer for
Hamleys and is considering its position.

A further announcement will be made in due course.


Enquiries:
Gavin Anderson & Company                              Tel: 020 7554 1400
Neil Bennett
Halldor Larusson


Soldier                                               Tel: 020 7479 7313
John Watkinson

KPMG Corporate Finance                                Tel: 020 7311 1000
David McCorquodale
Michael McDonagh



This announcement does not constitute an offer or an invitation to purchase or
subscribe for any securities.

KPMG Corporate Finance, a division of KPMG LLP which is authorised in the United
Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority for investment business activities,
is acting exclusively for Soldier as financial adviser in relation to the Offer
and is not acting for any other person in relation to such Offer.  KPMG
Corporate Finance will not be responsible to anyone other than Soldier for
providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in
relation to the contents of this announcement or any transaction or arrangement
referred to herein.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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