Acquisition

Trifast PLC
9 May 2001



Issued by Citigate Dewe Rogerson, Birmingham

Date: Wednesday, 9 May 2001     IMMEDIATE RELEASE


        Trifast adds Taiwanese Fastener Business to its global network


Trifast plc ('Trifast'), the international logistics and fastenings group is
pleased to announce that it has agreed to acquire Special Fasteners
Engineering Company Limited ('SFE'). Completion of the acquisition is subject
only to the approval of the Taiwanese Foreign Investment Agency, which is
expected by the end of May.


SFE, which has QS9000 quality approval, was established some 18 years ago and
employs 105 staff. Based in Kaohsiung Taiwan, SFE manufactures and distributes
industrial fasteners supplying a large number of major distribution companies
across a variety of industries both in Europe and the U.S.A.


The founder and managing director, Leon Huang, his management team and staff
will remain with the Company, and report directly to Main Board Director,
Steven Tan who has overall responsibilities for the Group's Far Eastern
Operations.


Trifast will pay a maximum consideration of New Taiwanese dollars ('NT$') 722m
(approximately £15.26m). The consideration will be satisfied as to 80% in cash
on completion with the balance being retained to cover normal warranties which
will be released over the next three years.


In the year ended 31st December 2000, SFE had unaudited sales of NT$550.7m
(approximately £11.64m), and unaudited operating profits after adjustment for
various non recurring items of NT$79m (approximately £1.67m). Unaudited net
assets at 31st December 2000 were NT$233.6m (approximately £4.94m).


Commenting on the acquisition, Malcolm Diamond, Chief Executive, Trifast plc,
said:


'We are delighted to be joining forces with SFE. It will add a further
dimension to our manufacturing and distribution capabilities in this important
region, whilst also further strengthening our competitive edge when supplying
global manufacturers.


'It has been well documented that a key part of Trifast's strategy is to
strengthen our supply position through cost down manufacturing without
sacrificing our high quality products and service to our major customers, and
we look forward to growing the existing business and exploiting the many new
opportunities that exist.'


£1= NT$47.32


Enquiries:

John Wilson

Group Finance Director

Trifast plc

Tel: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

www.trifast.com


Fiona Tooley

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Tel: [phone]

Mobile: [phone]