Acquisition

St. Ives PLC
26 January 2001



        Acquisition of Avanti Press Inc and The Case-Hoyt Corporation

The Board of St Ives announces that it has reached agreement on the terms of
the acquisition of the whole of the outstanding common stock of Avanti Press
Inc and of its subsidiary, the Case-Hoyt Corporation, (together 'Avanti/Case-
Hoyt') for a cash consideration of $42 million.

Avanti/Case-Hoyt operates from two manufacturing locations based in
Rochester, New York and Miami, Florida as a printer of high quality brochures
and catalogues for  the retail, cruise line, commercial and automotive
markets as well as Annual Reports and Accounts.  In addition it offers
design, photographic (both digital and film) and other creative services from
its studio facilities in New York City and Miami.

Both in terms of its locations and the markets which it serves Avanti/Case-
Hoyt complements the existing US businesses of St Ives in Cleveland, Ohio
and Hollywood, Florida which serve the publication, catalogue and commercial
markets.

Turnover and profit before tax (after adding back certain expenses which are
not expected to continue following the acquisition) for the year ended 29
February 2000 were $109.2 million and $7.2 million respectively.  At that
date, the net assets attributable to the interests being acquired (after
making adjustments for assets excluded from the transaction) were $4.6
million.

The acquisition, which will be financed out of St Ives' cash resources and
available facilities, will be completed on 1 February 2001.


Enquiries to:       Brian Edwards, Managing Director   St Ives plc
                    020 7928 8844

                    Cary Martin/Duncan Murray          Citigate Dewe Rogerson
                    020 7638 9571