Acquisition

12 April 2006

Sage offer to acquire Visma: update

Further to its announcement of 4 April, The Sage Group plc ("Sage") notes that
Visma ASA ("Visma") has withdrawn its 22 March recommendation of Sage's
acquisition offer to Visma shareholders, by announcing to the Oslo Stock
Exchange that its Board "can no longer endorse the view that the bid is fair on
the current level".

Sage is unaware of any material new financial or other information relating to
Visma that should cause Visma's Board to withdraw its recommendation.

Notwithstanding Visma's announcement, Sage's offer to Visma shareholders
remains open, as described in its formal offer of 4 April. Sage will not be
changing its offer price, or any other material terms of its offer.

The offer period ends on 20 April, following which Sage will make a further
announcement in relation to the offer.

Enquiries

The Sage Group plc [phone]

Paul Walker, Chief Executive

Paul Harrison, Finance Director

Phil Branston, Investor Relations

Tulchan [phone]

Kirstie Hamilton

Julie Foster