RNS Number:9624K
Applied Optical Technologies PLC
12 May 2003


APPLIED OPTICAL TECHNOLOGIES PLC

NOTIFICATION OF MAJOR INTERESTS IN SHARES


The Company received notification on 8 May 2003 that Crane and Company, Inc. are
currently interested in 2,282,590 ordinary shares representing 4.3 per cent on
the issued share capital. This notification does not reflect a change in Crane's
holding. The apparent disparity with previous notifications relates to the
transfer of 32,410 ordinary shares by Crane in lieu of payment as part of the
Opsec deal in 1999.

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