ABF Adds Enzymes to Growing Ingredients Portfolio

Associated British Foods PLC
1 November 1999



ABF Adds Enzymes to Growing Ingredients Portfolio

In a move aimed at progressing Associated British Foods' (ABF) growth in the
international food ingredients sector, ABF has today (1 November) acquired
Rohm Enzyme GmbH from Degussa-Huls GmbH of Germany.

Rohm Enzyme is one of the world's leading enzyme producers in the food sector,
and is strong in the bakery ingredients market.  It also supplies enzymes for
the industrial and animal feed markets.

Commenting on the acquisition, Peter Jackson, Chief Executive of ABF, said,

'Rohm Enzymes is a technically advanced business which will provide an
excellent fit with ABF's other food ingredient businesses.  The combination of
enzymes with our existing operations will allow the Company to substantially
improve its product offering and enhance its geographical spread in a sector
where we see considerable potential for growth.'

ABF's new subsidiary has its headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany, with
production and industrial enzyme facilities in Rajamaki, Finland.  Rohm Enzyme
is expected to generate revenues approaching DM 50 million this year from its
sales spread throughout Europe, North America and Asia.

The Company will be managed through ABF's fast growing ABITEC subsidiary,
which manufactures and markets a range of complementary ingredients and has
particular strengths as a supplier to the bakery sectors of Europe and North
America.

Enquiries to:
John Bason, Finance Director - 020-7589 6363