Trading Update

Halma PLC
27 April 2000

                                 Halma p.l.c.                                 
                                                                              
                                Trading Update                                

Halma p.l.c. issued a trading update today, 27 April 2000.  Halma issues
trading updates each April and October.

Good performances continued to be reported by many of the Group companies in
the second half of the financial year, particularly those companies involved
in water related activities, in fire detection and in high power electrical
resistors.  However, the gas detection companies and those serving the oil
industry, in particular, had more difficult trading conditions and suffered
project delays.  Overall, it is expected that the profits for the whole
financial year will lie within the range of analysts' forecasts.

Cash flow continues to be very strong and the financial year ended with a
positive net cash balance after substantial expenditure over the past twelve
months.  During the second half year some £14 million was spent on
acquisitions and a further £2 million on share buy backs, paid for in cash. 
The acquisitions completed during the year were all tightly focused and each
one has subsequently traded in line with expectations.  These acquisitions
continued the growth of electronic and electrical technology based activities
within the Group. The Group has ample resources to make further acquisitions.

Contact for further information:   Mr Stephen R O'Shea
                                   Chief Executive, Halma p.l.c.
                                   Tel: [phone]