Subsidiary Acquires CSM Limited

Sage Group PLC
5 April 2000

                                       
                          The Sage Group plc ('Sage')
                                       
                              Acquisition of CSM
                                       
Sage announces the acquisition by its subsidiary Sage Software Limited of the
trading assets of CSM Limited ('CSM'), a subsidiary of freecom.net PLC, for
£9.0 million in cash.  Sage is assuming net liabilities of £1.058 million of
which approximately £1.3 million relates to deferred license revenue.  CSM
generated turnover of £3.8 million in the year to 31 December 1998.

The acquisition will provide Sage with a range of products to sell to the
professional accountants' community.

Graham Wylie, Managing Director of Sage's UK business, commented:

'The acquisition of CSM will further enhance our growing Accountants division.
We believe that the accountancy profession will have a pivotal role to play in
the development of e-business for small and medium-sized businesses.'



For further information please contact:

Paul Walker, Chief Executive
Paul Harrison, Finance Director
The Sage Group plc                                  0191 255 3000

Jon Earl
Financial Dynamics                                   020 7831 3113