Acquisition

DCC PLC
03 August 2004


3 August 2004


               DCC Food & Beverage acquires 100% of Allied Foods

DCC plc's Food & Beverage division has reached agreement, subject to the
clearance of the Competition Authority in Ireland, to acquire 100% of its
associate company Allied Foods Limited. DCC first invested in Allied Foods in
1989 and has owned 50% of the voting share capital and 51.5% of the total share
capital of Allied Foods' holding company, Millais Investments Limited, since
1998. DCC is now acquiring the other 50% of the voting share capital and the
other 48.5% of the total share capital for €14.5 million.

Allied Foods is a leading player in the Irish chilled and frozen food
distribution market with substantial operations based in Dublin and Cork. Its
subsidiary, Allied Logistics, is the leading temperature controlled logistics
provider to some of the largest food retailers and suppliers in Ireland. It has
237 full-time employees.

Allied Foods is generating operating profits of approximately €3.5 million per
annum and is unborrowed with a modest cash surplus. The assets of Allied Foods
include a temperature controlled distribution facility of 155,000 square feet on
a valuable 10 acre site in Dublin and a temperature controlled distribution
facility of 30,000 square feet on a valuable 3 acre site near Cork city. The
consideration of €14.5 million represents a multiple of 8.5 times operating
profits.

Mitchel Barry, who founded Allied Foods in 1989 and who has led its success,
will continue as Chairman and Chief Executive and John Casey will continue as
Managing Director of Allied Logistics.

Jim Flavin, Chief Executive/Deputy Chairman of DCC plc, said today:

'The acquisition of 100% of the Allied Foods group strengthens the position of
DCC Food & Beverage in the growing food service and chilled and frozen food
sectors in Ireland. Allied has a strong management team and excellent facilities
that will drive the company's continued growth in the years ahead.'


For reference:

Jim Flavin, Chief Executive/Deputy Chairman         
Frank Fenn, Managing Director - DCC Food & Beverage 
Kieran Conlon, Investor Relations Manager 


Tel.: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.dcc.ie




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