Trading Update

De La Rue PLC
02 March 2005

                                        DE LA RUE PLC                    

                              PRE CLOSE PERIOD TRADING UPDATE

Prior to entering its close period for the year ending 26 March 2005, the Board
of De La Rue issues the following trading update:

Trading since the half year has been strong throughout the Security Paper and
Print division. This is primarily as a consequence of both good order receipts
and a continuation, for longer than we had originally expected, of an unusually
high level of banknote overspill work. The Group has also benefited from reduced
losses at its Sequoia Voting Systems subsidiary and increased income from
associates. Interest receipts have been higher than expected due to the
continuing high level of advanced customer prepayments and further reductions in
working capital throughout the second half.

In the light of these factors, which have benefited the Group's trading and net
cash position in the current year, the Board now expects full year profit before
tax (exceptional items and goodwill) to be well ahead of current market
consensus forecasts.

                                     -ends-

For further information please contact;

Stephen King     Group Finance Director            [phone]
Mark Fearon      Head of Corporate Affairs         [phone] 
Richard Mountain Financial Dynamics                [phone] 

2 March 2005 

Notes to Editors:

1. De La Rue will announce its preliminary results on 25 May 2005

2. De La Rue is the world's largest commercial security printer and papermaker,
   involved in the production of over 150 national currencies and a wide range 
   of security documents such as travellers cheques and vouchers. The Company 
   is a leading provider of cash handling equipment and software solutions to 
   banks and retailers worldwide, helping them to reduce the cost of handling 
   cash. Employing over 6,600 people across 31 countries, De La Rue is also 
   pioneering new technologies worldwide in government identity solutions for 
   national identification, drivers licence, passport issuing schemes and 
   election systems.


For more information visit www.delarue.com



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