Charles Holroyd New Managing Director

Oxford Instruments PLC
5 November 1999


Oxford Instruments appoints new managing director
for its Instrumentation business
                                 
Oxford Instruments plc, the advanced instrumentation company, has
appointed Charles Holroyd, 43, as the new Managing Director of its
Instrumentation business with effect from 8th November.

Charles joins the company from United Industries plc, where he has
been responsible for the Engineering Plastics Division.  He
previously held the post of Divisional Chairman of the Electronics
Division of B. Elliot plc.  This followed a successful period as
Managing Director at Bowthorpe plc.  He brings to Oxford
Instruments a strong track record in change management, profit
enhancement and overseas experience, particularly in Europe and
the USA.

The Instrumentation business of Oxford Instruments is a world
leader in the supply of measuring and processing equipment for a
wide range of industrial applications.  Products include chemical
analysis and wafer processing tools for the semiconductor and
telecommunications industries as well as quality control products
for petrochemical applications.  Turnover in 1998/9 was £54m.

Andrew Mackintosh, Chief Executive of Oxford Instruments said:

'Charles has an excellent operational record in a range of highly
competitive industries which will prove invaluable as we increase
our focus on the commercial exploitation of technology.  He also
brings a strategic approach which will allow us to take advantage
of the growth opportunities for our Instrumentation business.'

Charles Holroyd said:

'I am delighted to be joining Oxford Instruments, which is one of
the leading UK businesses in this field with a world-wide
reputation.  The company has excellent products and market
positions, recently enhanced by the acquisition of the business of
Auburn International Inc.  The opportunities for growth in both
profitability and volume are very attractive and I look forward to
playing a major role in achieving this.'

For further information contact:
Andrew Mackintosh, Oxford Instruments
Tel: [phone]
John Rudofsky, Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Tel: [phone]