Acquisition of Apex Software International Ltd

Sage Group PLC
24 May 2000

                          The Sage Group plc ('Sage')
                                       
              Acquisition of Apex Software International Limited
                                       

Sage  announces the acquisition of the entire share capital of  Apex  Software
International Limited ('Apex'), based in Eire, for £15.7* million in cash.

Apex provides PC based solutions for accountants in practice. This acquisition
combined  with Sage's existing business in Eire, provides Sage with  a  market
leading position in this market.


*  Using, for illustration purposes, an exchange rate of £1 = £1.278 Irish
Punts.

Enquiries:

The Sage Group plc                          0191 255 3000
Paul Walker, Chief Executive
Paul Harrison, Finance Director
Web-site address: http://www.sage.com

Financial Dynamics                          0207 831 3113
Jon Earl