Softline Limited

27 August 2003

Sage offer for Softline: purchase agreement signed

Further to its offer announcement of 1 August 2003, The Sage Group plc ('Sage')
announces that it has entered into an agreement with Softline Limited
('Softline') to acquire its business and assets, for an equity value of £66.0m
(enterprise value £54.9m).

The acquisition is now conditional upon approval by Softline shareholders at a
meeting on 23 September 2003. It is also conditional upon regulatory
clearances. 

Simultaneous with this announcement, Softline has issued an announcement
outlining details of the terms of the agreement. Further information on the
progress of the offer will be announced as appropriate.

Financial information calculated on the basis of £1 = ZAR 11.9

Enquiries:

The Sage Group              0191 255    Financial              020 7831   
plc                         3000        Dynamics               3113       
                                                                          
Paul Walker, Chief                      Giles Sanderson                   
Executive                                                                 
                                                                          
Paul Harrison, Finance                  Harriet Keen                      
Director                                                                  
                                                                          
Phil Branston, Investor                 Caroline Ledosquet                
Relations                                                                 
                                                                          

Notes to editors:

The Sage Group plc is a leading international supplier of accounting and
business management software solutions and related products and services for
small to medium-sized enterprises.  Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the
London Stock Exchange in 1989 and the Group now employs over 5,500 people
worldwide.