Acquisition

Serco Group PLC
29 June 2001

Serco Group plc to Acquire

AEA Technology plc's Consulting Division



Serco Group plc ('Serco') is pleased to announce that its offer to acquire AEA
Technology plc's Consulting Division ('AEAT Consulting') has been accepted,
subject to contract, for a consideration to be finalised, but in the region of
£75 million.  The contribution of the business is expected to be earnings
enhancing after phase-in and financing costs.



AEAT Consulting, which had a turnover of £42 million in the year to 31st March
2001, provides critical science and safety based services under long term
contracts to customers including the Ministry of Defence, BNFL, British Energy
and the UK Atomic Energy Authority.



This acquisition provides a strong fit with, and positions Serco well to
further grow, its science related activities which include the management of
both the UK's National Physical Laboratory (NPL), on behalf of the Department
of Trade and Industry, and the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), on behalf
of the Ministry of Defence.  It also offers synergy with Serco's existing
customer base.



Adrian Marks will be appointed Managing Director of the new Serco operating
company.  Adrian is currently a director of AWE plc and, prior to this, was a
director at NPL.  He has a strong background in both scientific and defence
related services.



Completion is expected to be in the first half of AEA Technology plc's
financial year, once their shareholders have approved the transaction, and
will be funded from within Serco's existing bank facilities.



Kevin Beeston - Serco's Chief Executive said:



'I am delighted to announce the acquisition of a business which adds
outstanding science and safety management expertise and high quality customers
to Serco.  AEAT Consulting is a major player in the scientific and safety
management business, not just in the nuclear industry but, increasingly, in
other safety critical environments.



This acquisition provides an opportunity for mutual benefits between the
scientists employed in this business and our current operations at AWE and
NPL.  This, in turn, strengthens the strong science and technology base that
already exists within Serco, positioning us well for further support to both
government and industry in these areas.



I look forward to welcoming the staff members of AEAT Consulting to Serco and
in their contributing to our success into the future.'



                                   - ENDS -



Notes to Editors:



-        Serco is an international provider of management services to government
         and industry, covering a comprehensive range of engineering and
         support activities across many applications.



-        AEAT Consulting will continue to be based in Risley, Cheshire and at
         its other locations.  It currently employs in excess of 450 highly     
         qualified and specialist staff.



For further information please contact Serco Group plc:
T [phone]

Kevin Beeston           - Chief Executive
Christopher Hyman       - Finance Director

Kevin Johnson           - Media & Public Relations Manager