Acquisition

Serco Group PLC
20 August 2001


            Serco Group plc has entered into a conditional agreement
                       with AEA Technology plc to acquire
                   AEA Technology plc's Consulting Division

Following the announcement made by Serco Group plc ('Serco') on 29 June 2001,
Serco is now pleased to announce that it entered into a conditional agreement
with AEA Technology plc ('AEAT') to acquire AEAT's Consulting Division ('AEAT
Consulting') on Friday 17 August 2001.

The consideration to be paid to AEAT, in cash from within Serco's existing
banking facilities, is £69.8 million.  In addition, AEAT will retain the
benefit of the trade debtors on completion.  The contribution of the business
is expected to be earnings enhancing after phase-in and financing costs.

AEAT Consulting, which provides critical science and safety based services
under long term contracts to customers including the Ministry of Defence,
BNFL, British Energy and the UK Atomic Energy Authority, reported a profit,
after the deduction of group management charges and before tax, of £7.6
million in the year to 31st March 2001 on turnover of £41.9 million.  The net
book value of assets and liabilities to be acquired was £(0.2) million at 31st
March 2001.  No debt is being assumed as part of the transaction.

Completion is expected to be in early September, once AEAT's shareholders have
approved the transaction.

                                   - ENDS -

For further information please contact Serco Group plc:
T [phone]

Kevin Beeston                         - Chief Executive
Christopher Hyman                     - Finance Director

Kevin Johnson                         - Media & Public Relations Manager