Mr Peter Goulandris, a brother-in-law of Dr Tony O'Reilly, has announced to the Stock Exchange that he has an interest in 35,729,431 ordinary Fitzwilton shares. His 13.22 per cent stake in the company is registered in the name of Davy Nominees Ltd. Mr Goulandris acquired 877,790 shares at 53.6p per shares under the companies scrip dividend scheme.

Other directors who increased their shareholdings under the scrip scheme included Mr Kevin McGoran who acquired 537 shares, Mr Len O'Hagan who added 5,143 shares and Mr PJ Dowling who acquired 6,120 shares.