Re Agreement

AstraZeneca PLC
1 February 2001

ASTRAZENECA & IBM SIGN GLOBAL STRATEGIC OUTSOURCING AGREEMENT WORTH $1.7
billion

One of the world's largest pharmaceuticals companies - AstraZeneca - and IBM,
the world's largest information technology company, today announced that they
had signed a global strategic outsourcing agreement worth $1.7 billion over
seven years.  The agreement, covering the provision of IT infrastructure
services to 45 countries, is the largest of its kind in the pharmaceuticals
industry.

Under this agreement, IBM will provide a range of IT services to AstraZeneca
throughout its global organisation.  These cover PC Management, network and
communications services, including E-Mail, and computer operations support.
AstraZeneca will retain control of its IT technical strategy and the
development and support of its application systems.

Paul Burfitt, Chief Information Officer of AstraZeneca, said, 'Our partnership
with IBM will enable AstraZeneca to concentrate the effort of its Information
Services (IS) capabilities on such strategic opportunities as e-business and
informatics in R&D, and to further encourage added value from IS activities. 
This partnership will give AstraZeneca access to greater expertise and
resource world-wide and will enhance competitive edge.  It will also provide
additional career and personal development opportunities for IT professionals
joining IBM.'

Frank Kern, General Manager, Professional Services, IBM Global Services,
said, 'This alliance joins two world class players.  Our combined strengths,
global reach and culture will enable AstraZenenca to optimise its global IT
infrastructure and create business value.  IBM will contribute its proven
skills and expertise in leveraging technology.  This will ensure a robust IT
infrastructure to support AstraZeneca's fast moving business, allowing the
organisation to focus on strategic IS opportunities.'

Up to 1200 AstraZeneca staff currently involved in the provision of IT
services, principally from the US, UK and Sweden, will transfer to IBM.  No
redundancies are anticipated. 

1 February 2001

Further enquiries to:

Michael Olsson       Tel [phone]        
Ed Seage             Tel [phone]
Jorgen Winroth       Tel [phone]