RNS Number:5600U
Capital Group Companies Inc
23 January 2004

Re:     SAR 3 Filing - RNS# 5111U

Dear Sirs:

The Capital Group Companies, Inc. ("CGC") hereby retracts the SAR 3 filing for
AstraZeneca plc (RNS# 5111U, released at 07:00, 22 January 2004). The
transaction noted as a purchase of 2,352,771 shares did not take place and
therefore, CGC did not increase above 15%.

Should you have questions or require additional information, please contact
David Gaw at (213) 615-0469.


Liliane Corzo

Counsel





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