U.S. Subsidiary Acquires 'Metal Muncher'

600 Group PLC
5 January 2000

                                                                              
                               THE 600 GROUP PLC
                                       
                                  ACQUISITION
                                       
The 600 Group PLC announces that its U.S. subsidiary, Clausing Industrial,
Inc., based in Kalamazoo Michigan, has acquired from Center Engineering
company Inc., of Clay Center, Kansas the business and assets of the Metal
Muncher line of U.S. made hydraulic punch presses and metal fabrication
equipment.  The consideration is $900,000 subject to a post balance sheet
adjustment.

                                   - Ends -


Enquiries:     Tony Sweeten, Group Chief Executive, The 600 Group PLC
               Tel: [phone]

               John Fussey, Group Finance Director, The 600 Group PLC
               Tel: [phone]