Chairman's Statement

De La Rue PLC
19 July 2001

                       DE LA RUE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

                                 19 JULY 2001

                             CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT



At the Annual General Meeting of De La Rue plc, today, the Chairman, Brandon
Gough, commented on the following:

Trading

'A detailed comment on Group trading was contained in the Chief Executive's
statement published in the annual report in June. I am pleased to say that
sales and profits for the first quarter of this year are ahead of the same
period last year and in line with our expectations. The overall business
outlook for the current year remains favourable with the orderbooks in both
our banknote business and Cash Systems division remaining strong.'

'At the full year results in May, De La Rue confirmed the receipt of a
banknote overspill order. We are pleased to confirm the order is for the
production of the Euro. Printing is currently underway at our Gateshead
factory in the UK with the bulk of shipments scheduled for the second half.'

Business Development

'During April and May Cash Systems completed three acquisitions, the most
significant of which was Currency Systems International Inc. (CSI), the US
based provider of wholesale cash processing systems and software. Work
continues on integrating CSI with our Cash Processing business and we will be
in a position to provide a detailed update of our progress at the half year.
CSI is an excellent fit with our own business and enhances our global position
in this important market. The timing of CSI sales is heavily weighted towards
the second half, but overall, accounting for the benefit of synergies from
integrating CSI's business with our own, we are confident that the acquisition
will be earnings enhancing, before goodwill and integration costs, for the
full year.

'As previously announced we are concentrating on integrating our Global
Services and Security Products businesses under the leadership of Jon Marx.
This project will be a major area of focus for the Group in the coming year
and we look forward to giving a further update at De La Rue's interim results
in November.'

Outlook

'As I stated, in the annual report, the success of the reorganisation of the
Group and the strength of our financial position provide a strong base from
which to concentrate on growth opportunities in the year ahead.

De La Rue is, therefore, well placed to continue its forward momentum.'

                                    -ends-

For further information please contact:
Paul Hollingworth   Finance Director                        [phone]
Mark Fearon         Head of Corporate Affairs               [phone]



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