Acquisition

IMI PLC
1 June 2001

1 June 2001


    IMI plc acquires Display Technologies for US$37 million (£26 million)

          - Further step in refocusing IMI on higher growth markets


IMI plc, the major international engineering group, today announces its
acquisition of 80% of Display Technologies for a cash consideration of
approximately £26 million. Richard Jay, President of Display Technologies and
responsible for most of the strong growth in recent years, will retain a
minority stake and continue to play a leading role in the further development
of the combined businesses. Display Technologies reported turnover of US$56
million and operating profit of US$6 million for the year to 31 December 2000,
with net assets of around US$13 million. The cash consideration is payable on
completion. IMI has agreed put/call options on the minority stake.

Display Technologies, located in New York, is an industry leading designer and
supplier of Point-of-Purchase (PoP) displays in the US and Europe for a wide
range of consumer product companies within the beverage, cosmetics and food
industries. Specialising in highly creative plastics designs, Display
Technologies has developed an enviable reputation for innovation and quality.

IMI's own involvement in PoP has expanded quickly under its US-based Cannon
Equipment subsidiary, part of the Drinks Dispense group. Cannon has focused on
heavier duty, metal and wire formed solutions for the dairy, newspaper,
confectionery and clothing industries, with strong in-house, highly automated
manufacturing plants spread throughout the US.

The combined businesses will have sales in excess of US$160 million. Product
and market positions are highly complementary, with numerous cross-selling
opportunities, not just within the new combine, but more broadly with IMI
(most notably with the beverage business).

Martin Lamb, Chief Executive of IMI plc, said: 'The Point-of-Purchase market
is a US$24 billion business, growing by at least 5% per annum, with a blue
chip customer base comprising most of the world's leading consumer products
companies and retailers. Consolidation amongst the customer base, particularly
in the US retail sector, is driving rationalisation on the supply side, which
is currently highly fragmented. IMI is well placed to lead this supply side
consolidation in what is a high growth, innovative and high added value
business.'


                                   - Ends -


Further information regarding this acquisition, including some product
photographs, can be accessed on IMI's website www.imi.plc.uk and direct from
the Company.


Enquiries:

IMI plc                                           Tel: [phone]
Martin Lamb, Chief Executive
Trevor Slack, Finance Director


Issued by:

Weber Shandwick Worldwide                         Tel: [phone]
Ben Padovan