Acquisition

De La Rue PLC
31 May 2001

                                                                   30 May 2001


                                DE LA RUE PLC

                         DE LA RUE ACQUIRES US BASED
  CASH PROCESSING BUSINESS - CURRENCY SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL INC. FOR US$ 55m

        Acquisition by Cash Systems division will enhance De La Rue's
                global position in the cash processing market.

De La Rue, the cash to secure transactions Group, has today announced it has
acquired the entire share capital of Currency Systems International Inc. (CSI)
a US based provider of wholesale cash processing systems and software.  De La
Rue has acquired the business from GD S.p.A., the Italian packaging machinery
manufacturer and another shareholder.  Cash consideration is US$ 35.5m with De
La Rue also assuming CSI's debt, estimated at US$ 19.0m.  CSI has estimated
net shareholders' funds of US$ 9.0m.

CSI provides cash handling solutions, including banknote sorters and software
systems for Central Banks, commercial banks, cash in transit companies and
other bulk cash operations worldwide.  The business's principal manufacturing
location and operational headquarters are in Dallas, Texas with its commercial
headquarters being situated in the UK.  It also has a network of sales,
service and distribution centres in six other locations worldwide. CSI employs
274 staff of whom, 128 are based in the USA, 82 in the UK and the balance in
CSI's other overseas offices.



CSI is the only company in the cash processing industry dedicated solely to
high-performance currency processing systems and the provision of advanced
cash management solutions.  It recorded sales of US$ 51m in the year to 31
December 2000 and an operating profit of US$ 5.3m before interest and tax,
although this included one off licence fee income of US$1m.  De La Rue
believes that the transaction will be earnings enhancing, before goodwill and
integration costs, in the first year of acquisition.



De La Rue intends to merge CSI's operations with its existing Cash Processing
business and anticipates substantial cost savings as a result of the merger
because of the substantial overlap in operations in many areas.  A thorough
review will be undertaken by both management teams, with appropriate
consultation, to establish the size of the opportunity and cost of
implementing the savings plan.



De La Rue believes there are excellent synergies between CSI and its Cash
Processing business with scope for enhancing revenue where the complementary
strengths of the two businesses can be exploited.  CSI is strong in the
commercial market and has a well developed sorter product range particularly
in super fast sorters and multi-denomination sorting systems.  De La Rue has
strong links with many of the world's Central Banks and a product range with
particular strengths in the desktop sorting and desktop counting markets.
Geographically, De La Rue is well placed in Africa, Middle East, South and
Central America and the Far East, whereas CSI is strong in the UK, US and
Australian markets.



The combined business will offer customers unrivalled levels of service and
access to leading edge sorting technologies, software, consulting and holistic
solutions.   The CSI brand will be retained in the combined operations due to
its excellent reputation in this market.



Commenting Ian Much, Chief Executive, De La Rue plc said:



'Following the successful reorganisation of Cash Systems over the past two
years our strategy is now focused on growth opportunities to expand our global
reach and the range of products and solutions we offer to our customers.
CSI's large and respected cash processing business is an excellent fit with
our own business and enhances our global position in this important market.
The combined business will possess market leading expertise and offer a
comprehensive range of cash processing solutions to those organisations which
handle and process large volumes of cash.'



                                    -ends-



For further information please contact:



De La Rue plc


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





www.delarue.com



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.



2.     CSI is the only company in the world dedicated solely to
high-performance currency processing systems and advanced solutions in
high-speed and medium-speed currency processing applications. CSI services
central and commercial banks, currency deposit receivers, armoured car
companies, bank note printers, casinos, and other establishments that require
automated handling of large amounts of currency or other negotiable documents.
  Its network of sales, service and distribution centres includes France,
Spain, Netherlands, South Africa, Malaysia and Australia.



3.     GD S.p.A. are based in Bologna and specialise in the manufacture  and
distribution of packing machines for the tobacco, food, diaper and large
consumption goods industries, as well as machine tools and fine gearings.



4.     De La Rue's Cash Processing business stream accounts for about 15% of
sales within the Cash Systems division.  It provides Central and commercial
banks and cash in transit companies with a comprehensive range of high level
cash processing solutions ranging from banknote sorters to integrated hardware
and software.  It also offers a facilities management service tailored to suit
the requirements of each client.  The business employs over 300 people with
its main manufacturing location situated in Portsmouth, UK.