Acquisition

Origin Enterprises Plc
22 January 2008



             Origin Enterprises plc reaches agreement to acquire 
                       Masstock Group Holdings Limited

Origin Enterprises plc ('Origin') announces that it has reached agreement to
acquire Masstock Group Holdings Limited ('Masstock').

Masstock, with operations in the United Kingdom and Poland, is the leading
provider of specialist agronomy services directly to arable and grassland farm
enterprises. Masstock, which has been synonymous with the development of
state-of-the art farming systems throughout the world, was established in the
1970's through the vision of two leading Irish entrepreneurs Paddy and Alistair
McGuckian.

The initial consideration for the equity share capital of Masstock will be
Stg£26.3m. Deferred consideration of up to Stg£10m will be payable based on the
achievement of profit targets over the period to July 2012. Masstock generated a
turnover of Stg£250.6m for the year ending 30 June 2007 and operating profit
before non recurring items and goodwill amortisation amounted to Stg£6.8m.
Masstock had net tangible assets of Stg£23.6m at 30 June 2007 and net debt of
Stg£30.6m.

The acquisition is being funded by additional bank facilities. It is expected
that the acquisition will be earnings enhancing for Origin from the date of
completion which is expected in early February 2008.

The existing management team led by Declan Giblin as Group CEO, David Cribbin as
Managing Director for the UK business and Graham Harris as Managing Director of
the Polish business, who have been responsible for the development of Masstock
over the past twenty years will be remaining with the Group.

Commenting on the acquisition, Tom O'Mahony, Chief Executive of Origin said:

'Masstock provides system-based solutions directly to over 10,000 farm
businesses throughout the United Kingdom and Poland. This leading approach
delivers a fully integrated production system, based on a superior research and
on-farm agronomy management. The business combines an extensive arable research
and development capability with a major sales, marketing and distribution focus,
delivering a superior advisory and inputs offering to leading growers. The
service encompasses varietal selection, nutrition, crop protection and
application techniques necessary to ensure high performing marketable crops,
which adhere to the highest levels of safety, quality, sustainability and
environmental requirements.'

'The acquisition of Masstock significantly enhances Origin's capability to
support primary food production. The structural shifts taking place globally in
the form of rising food demand and an increased awareness of agriculture as an
alternative supplier of energy is placing an enormous focus on best farming
practice and soil protection techniques required to deliver sustainable
productivity. Masstock has the capability, expertise and proven ability to
respond to this changing dynamic which combined with the geographical spread of
its business presents a new exciting growth opportunity for Origin.'

Commenting on the transaction, Masstock Group CEO, Declan Giblin said: 'The
acquisition represents an important milestone in the development of Masstock. We
will become an integral part of a leading organisation focussed on the value
added and primary sectors of the food industry enabling us to leverage a
combined capability within an exciting market environment.'

                                      Ends

Enquiries

Origin Enterprises plc
Brendan Fitzgerald, Chief Financial Officer              Tel: [phone]

Murray Consultants
Joe Murray                                               Tel: [phone]
                                                         Tel: [phone]

Nominated Advisor
Davy Corporate Finance
Ivan Murphy, Director                                    Tel: [phone]


About Origin Enterprises plc

Origin Enterprises plc is a leading Agri-Nutrition and Food company listed on
the IEX and AIM markets of the Irish and London Stock Exchanges. The
Agri-Nutrition division, through its manufacturing and distribution operations
in Ireland and the United Kingdom, has leading market positions in the supply of
feed ingredients, crop nutrition and specialist marine proteins. The Group's
Food division, comprising sales, marketing, distribution and manufacturing
activities in Ireland, has leadership positions in ambient food across the
retail, food service and manufacturing sectors. The Group has the benefit of a
substantial operating asset base including a number of significant properties
with development potential located in areas destined for future development and
regeneration.

Website: www.originenterprises.com

A webcast in relation to this announcement will be available on the company's
website later today.



                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange