Acquisition

De La Rue PLC
6 March 2001



DE LA RUE PLC


DE LA RUE ACQUIRES SWISS CASH HANDLING SALES, SERVICE AND DISTRIBUTION
BUSINESS


De La Rue, the cash to secure transactions Group, has today announced that it
has agreed to purchase Ascom Business Unit Cash Handling (Ascom BUCH), the
Swiss cash handling sales and service network of Ascom Autelca AG, the
telecommunications and service automation group. De La Rue acquired Ascom's
international cash handling activities, Ascom Banking Automation, in February
2000 including the product rights to the Twin Safe Teller Cash Recycler (TCR).
The acquisition, which completed in March 2000 then excluded Ascom's Swiss,
sales and service operations.

Cash consideration is expected to be CHF 20.9m (£8.5m), comprising net assets
of CHF 0.9m and goodwill of CHF 20m. The transaction is expected to complete
at the beginning of April 2001 with the transfer of operations taking place on
that date.

Ascom BUCH is focussed on sales, installations and maintenance of hardware and
software, of teller assist units and self-service cash automation products
across Switzerland. For the 12 months ended 31 December 2000, the business had
a turnover of CHF 45.2m (£18.4m) and recorded an operating profit of CHF 6.8m
(£2.8m) before interest. Under the terms of the agreement, approximately 142
sales and service staff based in Berne, Switzerland will transfer to De La Rue
Cash Systems division. The costs associated with integrating the Ascom BUCH
business, mainly concerning systems and processes integration, are not
expected to exceed £1m.

The integration of Ascom BUCH will strengthen De La Rue's presence in the
Swiss cash handling market and enhance its sales, service and distribution
network in the region. The business also has existing service contracts with
several leading Swiss banking organisations.

Commenting Pietro Armanini, managing director, Cash Systems division, said:

'The acquisition of Ascom BUCH will significantly strengthen our Branch Cash
Solutions business in Europe and gives De La Rue a strong presence in one of
our key markets. As a leading supplier of banking technology and cash
processing automation the integration of the Ascom BUCH team will considerably
enhance De La Rue's service and distribution capabilities. De La Rue is now
able to offer the full range of its cash handling solutions to the Swiss
market covering the entire cash cycle within the modern bank branch, from self
service to the front and back office, including both hardware and software
solutions.'

-ends-

For further information please contact:

Paul Hollingworth   Finance Director                  [phone]
Mark Fearon         Head of Corporate Affairs         [phone]
Stephen Breslin     Brunswick                         [phone]

6 March 2001

Editors notes:
1.  De La Rue is the world's largest commercial security printer and paper
    maker, involved in the production of over 150 national currencies and a
    wide range of security documents such as stamps and vouchers as well as
    brand protection. The company is also a leading provider of cash handling
    equipment and solutions to banks and retailers as well as a range of
    identity systems to governments worldwide. De La Rue also acts as a
    strategic partner and adviser to customers offering them total solutions in
    areas of activity that capitalise on De La Rue's reputation for security,
    integrity and trust.