Cookson To Acquire Dexter's PCB Materials Business

COOKSON GROUP PLC
22 October 1999

COOKSON TO ACQUIRE DEXTER'S PCB MATERIALS BUSINESS

Cookson Group plc ('Cookson'), the international
materials technology group, announces that it has
reached agreement to acquire the printed circuit board
('PCB') materials business of the Dexter Corporation of
the USA (NYSE: DEX) for a cash consideration of US$33
million (£19.8 million).

The Dexter PCB materials business manufactures process
chemicals, imaging products and solder primarily for
fabricators of printed circuit boards in North America,
Europe and Asia.  For the twelve months ended 30
September 1999, the business had sales of US$39 million
(£23.5 million).  Closing is conditional upon receipt
of regulatory approvals, which are expected to be
granted by no later than the end of November.

Stephen Howard, Cookson's Group Chief Executive,
commented: 'The acquisition of Dexter's PCB product
range will complement Cookson Electronics' current
offering of speciality chemical products to its PCB
fabrication customers.  Together with its leading
position in the supply of laminates, the acquisition
will also enable Cookson Electronics to provide its PCB
fabrication customers with a more complete product
range, an enhanced service capability, and greater
geographic reach.'

For further information, please contact:

Stephen Howard     Dennis Millard      Ray Sharpe
Group Chief        Group Finance       Chief Executive Officer
Executive          Director            Cookson Electronics
Cookson Group plc  Cookson Group plc   Foxborough, MA 02035
London WC2N 6HJ    London WC2N 6HJ     Tel: [phone]
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]  Fax: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]