Acquisition

Allen PLC
30 October 2000


                             ALLEN PLC ('Allen')

           (Hire Services, Utility Services & Building Contracting)

ACQUISITION ADDS TO HIRE SERVICES DIVISION


Allen, the construction services group, through Speedy Hire Centres (Northern)
Limited has acquired the assets of New Mills Tool Hire Company Limited for a
consideration of £200,000 in cash.


The acquisition will enhance Speedy Hire Centres' coverage in the North West
of England and takes the number of outlets trading under the Speedy banner to
195.


Ken Fox, the Chief Executive of Allen, said:


'Since our exit from housebuilding in August, we have been clearly focused on
executing our plans to more rapidly extend the Hire Services Division.  We are
pleased to announce yet another acquisition in this division and continue to
set more ambitious targets for this highly profitable area of the Group.'


For further information contact:


Ken Fox (Chief Executive)               01204 699277
                                     (8.00 am - 5.00 pm)

Neil O'Brien (Finance Director)         01204 699277
                                     (8.00 am - 5.00 pm)

Brian Coleman-Smith / Bruce Croxford  0207786 9600
Binns & Co Public Relations          (7.00 am - 6.00 pm)