AN SU(5)XU(2) THEORY OF FERMION MASSES AND MIXINGS

A model of fermion masses and mixing parameters is described based on the SU(5) gauge group and on a U(2) flavour group. The model gives a q ualitative understanding of the pattern of masses and mixings in terms of U(2) and SU(5) breakings and it reduces in a unique way the 13 phy sical parameters in the Yukawa sector of the Standard Model to 8 real parameters plus 2 phases, accounting for all observed data so far. Pre dictions for the B-s - <(B)over bar (s)> mixing parameter, a class of CP asymmetries in neutral B-decays and the branching ratio BR(K+ --> p i(+) <nu(nu)over bar>) are made.