Re Contract

Synstar PLC
23 June 2004

23 June 2004





          Synstar signs full Managed IT Services contract with Avecia





Synstar plc ('Synstar' or 'the Group') is pleased to announce that it has signed
a full Managed IT Services contract with Avecia, a leading global fine and
specialty chemicals company.  This will increase the value of Synstar's
relationship with Avecia to circa £19 million in the next 3 years.



Synstar is already a trusted supplier to Avecia and has, for a number of years,
provided IT maintenance and helpdesk support services.  Under the terms of this
additional contract, which begins on 1 July 2004, Synstar will be providing IT
infrastructure and applications support to Avecia's key locations.  As part of
the agreement, 54 Avecia staff and some full-time contractors will transfer to
Synstar.



The agreement provides for a possible extension of a further three years after
the initial three-year contract period.



Steve Vaughan, Chief Executive of Synstar commented today:



'This contract demonstrates that we are continuing to fulfil the strategy
outlined 6 months ago which sees Synstar pursuing larger, more complex Managed
Services contracts.  Our agreement with Avecia delivers a broad range of IT
managed services to a company that is itself focused on delivering innovative
technology and service excellence to customers. The contract will help us
deliver on our plans for profit improvement driven by revenue growth.'



Derrick Nicholson, CFO of Avecia added:



'In outsourcing the majority of our IT requirements to Synstar, we are building
on an established relationship with a company we see as a trusted supplier in
the field of IT management. The deal also provides continuity for Avecia with
the transfer of staff and full time contractors skilled in a broad range of IT
services.'






Steve Vaughan / Stephen Gleadle
Synstar Plc                                          Tel: [phone]


Edward Bridges / James Melville-Ross
Financial Dynamics                                   Tel: [phone]






Avecia - A World Leader in Fine and Specialty Chemicals

Avecia is a leading global fine and specialty chemicals company focused on
delivering innovative technology and service excellence to customers across a
range of high technology industries.



With unique capabilities in organic chemistry, biological & polymer sciences and
process technology, each of our business sectors offers bespoke products and
services to our global customers, supported by highly focused technical
expertise.



Avecia is divided into three divisions - Biotechnology,  Chemicals, NeoResins -
with a rich history and long track record of innovation and service excellence.



Avecia operates at the leading edge of technology investing ca 10% of annual
turnover in research, development and process technology.



The knowledge and skills of our international workforce of 2500+ employees have
pioneered many important products which are in everyday use.






                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange