Cancellation of Preference Share Capital

HALMA PLC
22 October 1999


                   CANCELLATION OF PREFERENCE SHARE CAPITAL                   

On 22 June 1999, Halma p.l.c. announced that, subject to obtaining the
approval of shareholders and the necessary confirmation of the High Court, it
proposed to cancel and repay all of its 11% Cumulative Preference shares at
175 pence per share.

Approval of shareholders was obtained at the Annual General Meeting held on 
4 August 1999, and confirmation of the reduction of capital was obtained from
the High Court on 20 October 1999.  The cancellation of the Preference shares
became effective today, 22 October.  As a consequence, an application has been
made to the London Stock Exchange to have the Preference shares delisted.

Cheques in respect of the repayment and accrued dividend, calculated down to
the date on which the reduction of capital became effective, will be
despatched to shareholders on 29 October 1999.


Contact for further information:    Ms Carol Tredway
                                    Company Secretary, Halma p.l.c.
                                    Tel:  [phone]