Acquisition

De La Rue PLC
21 March 2001






                                DE LA RUE PLC



                   DE LA RUE ACQUIRES BELGIUM CASH HANDLING

                   SALES, SERVICE AND DISTRIBUTION BUSINESS



De La Rue, the cash to secure transactions Group, has today announced that it
is to purchase Ascom Business Unit Cash Handling (Ascom BUCH) Belgium, the
Belgian cash handling sales and support network of Ascom Autelca AG, the
telecommunications and service automation group.  De La Rue announced on
6 March 2001 a similar agreement with the company to purchase Ascom BUCH
Switzerland, Ascom's Swiss sales, service and distribution business.



Cash consideration is expected to be Euro 622,000, comprising estimated net
assets of Euro 172,000 and goodwill of Euro 450,000  and the transaction is
expected to complete in April 2001, with the transfer of operations taking
place on that date.



                                    -ends-



For further information please contact:



Paul Hollingworth         Finance Director           [phone]

Mark Fearon               Head of Corporate Affairs  [phone]

Stephen Breslin           Brunswick                  [phone]





21 March 2001



Editors notes:



 1. De La Rue is the world's largest commercial security printer and paper
    maker, involved in the production of over 150 national currencies and a
    wide range of security documents such as stamps and vouchers as well as
    brand protection. The company is also a leading provider of cash handling
    equipment and solutions to banks and retailers as well as a range of
    identity systems to governments worldwide. De La Rue also acts as a
    strategic partner and adviser to customers offering them total solutions
    in areas of activity that capitalise on De La Rue's reputation for
    security, integrity and trust.



 2. De La Rue acquired Ascom's international cash handling activities, Ascom
    Banking Automation, in February 2000 including the product rights to the
    Twin Safe Teller Cash Recycler (TCR).  The deal, which completed in March
    2000 was excluding some of Ascom's sales and service operations in Europe.