Abstract: Apparatus for separating articles supplied by a plurality of supply lines, into a plurality of groups and supplying these to a receiving line comprises a plurality of clamping devices at the outlet of the supply lines arranged to clamp the articles, a plurality of support elements arranged as a continuation of the supply lines lower than the outlets removable to release the groups, a plurality of faces reciprocatable between the outlets and an end position which reach the end position after the clamping devices have closed and are returned to the outlet on re-opening of the devices, a plurality of carriers movable between a raised position, immediately beneath the support elements and overlying the receiving line, and a lowered position beneath the line, arranged in their raised position, to receive groups of articles released by the support elements and to release them in their turn into the receiving line.