Acquisition

Smith (DS) PLC
27 October 2003

27 October 2003


       DS Smith Acquires Corrugated Packaging Operations from Macfarlane



DS Smith Plc (SMDS), the international packaging and office products supplier,
has agreed, subject to various conditions including consultation with the
employees, to acquire the business and certain assets and liabilities of the
Macfarlane Group Plc corrugated packaging operations at Dundee, Govan and North
Shields.  These operations in total employ 108 people and had a turnover of £7.3
million in the nine months to September 2003. Net assets being acquired are £0.9
million as at 30 September 2003.




Enquiries


Financial Dynamics                                   020 7269 7221
Rob Gurner





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