Not for distribution in or into the United States of America, Canada, Japan or
Australia

                   United Business Media plc (the "Company")                   

                         Repurchase Offer for B Shares                         

As anticipated in the circular to shareholders in connection with the capital
reorganisation that took place in April 2001, the Company is arranging a
further repurchase offer to holders of outstanding B shares.

The Company has today sent to B shareholders documentation relating to a
further repurchase offer that is proposed to be made by Merrill Lynch
International at 245 pence per B share.

The proposed timetable for the repurchase offer is as follows:

Latest time for receipt of acceptance forms            3 p.m. on 7 October 2003
                                                                               
Announcement of repurchase offer for B                           8 October 2003
shares                                                                         
                                                                               
Despatch of proceeds                                         By 13 October 2003

A copy of the documentation sent to B shareholders has been submitted for
publication through the Document Viewing Facility, which is situated at:
Financial Services Authority, 25 The North Colonnade, London E14 5HS.

Enquiries:

United Business Media plc

Anne Siddell                            020 7921 5000                          

Merrill Lynch International

Edward Knight                           020 7628 1000                          



END