Appointment

API Group PLC
18 December 2000


18 December 2000

                      APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE


API Group plc announced today the appointment of Derek Ashley (40) as its new
Chief Executive. Derek joins from the NASDAQ listed, US group Applied Graphics
Technologies, Inc where he was Chief Executive Officer. Derek will be
appointed to the API Board immediately following the forthcoming AGM on 8th
February 2001 and will be commencing employment with the Company in January
2001.

Mr Ashley joined AGT in June 1999 following its acquisition of Wace Group plc,
where he had been Group Chief Executive since May 1998. AGT's annual turnover
is in excess of $600m and the Group operates from over 50 locations, of which
6 are outside the US.

At Wace, Mr Ashley was responsible for the Group's US business from July 1997,
successfully returning the division to profitability through refocusing the
management team, selling poorly performing businesses and consolidating
operations. He defended the Group successfully from an unwelcome bid from
Photobition Group plc and in selling Wace to AGT achieved a premium of 80%
above the initial hostile offer.

Commenting on API's new Chief Executive, the Group's Chairman Moger Woolley
said:

'Derek has the blend of experience that we are looking for at API. He knows
our sector, he has worked at an international level and he has successfully
turned around businesses. He has also worked under difficult circumstances
and, in the process, delivered shareholder returns that might not have
previously been expected. Importantly, he will bring focus to the Group and
bring new impetus to our management team.'

There are no disclosures in respect of Derek Ashley which require to be made
under paragraph 6.1.2 (b) to (g) of the Listing Rules of the UK Listing
Authority.


ENDS

Enquiries:


Moger Woolley, Chairman
Dennis Holt, Finance Director, API Group plc                 01625 610334

Tim Spratt, Director, Financial Dynamics                     0207 831 3113