New Non Executive Director for Coats plc

GUINNESS PEAT GROUP PLC

("GPG" or the "Company")

New Non-Executive Director for Coats plc

GPG announces the appointment of Ruth Anderson as Non-Executive Director of its wholly owned subsidiary Coats plc, effective 2 January 2014. Ruth is currently Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee at Ocado Group plc and Travis Perkins plc.

Ruth is a chartered accountant and has spent much of her career at KPMG LLP where she was a member of the UK board for the six years to 2004 and vice chairman for the five years to 2009.  

Rob Campbell, Chairman of GPG, said: 'This significant appointment has been made by Coats confirming the moves towards its independence as a listed company and ongoing completion of the GPG restructure process.'

Mike Clasper, Chairman, Coats plc, said: 'Ruth is an important addition to the Coats Board as the business readies itself to return to listed company status. Ruth has deep and relevant experience in finance and audit which, coupled with her non-executive directorships in both the consumer and industrial sectors, provides an excellent fit with our business. I look forward to working with her and to the contribution and insight she will bring.'

Ruth Anderson added: 'I am delighted to be joining the board of Coats plc, which has such a strong heritage and continues to innovate for the benefit of its extraordinary range of customers across the world. I am also looking forward to being part of the board which will return it to listed company status.'

Chris HealyCompany SecretaryGuinness Peat Group plc17 December 2013

Enquiry details are:

New Zealand and Australian media: Geoff Senescall on: +64 9 309 5659

UK media: Kevin Smith on: +44 20 7282 1054

Coats plc: Anna Mitchell on: +44 20 8210 5015