De La Rue Appoints New Group Finance Director

October 15, 2002

DE LA RUE PLC

DE LA RUE APPOINTS
NEW GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR

De La Rue plc today announces the appointment of Stephen King as group finance director and an executive director of the Board with effect from 31 January 2003. He will join De La Rue from Aquila Networks plc, formerly Midlands Electricity plc where he has been group finance director since 1997.

Mr King, 42, has a broad range of financial and commercial expertise. Previously, he was Group Financial Controller at Seeboard plc, the electricity company for four years and prior to that he was Group Chief Accountant at Lucas Industries plc the automotive and aerospace engineering group.

Commenting on his appointment, Sir Brandon Gough, De La Rue chairman, said:

"I am delighted that Stephen is joining De La Rue. His excellent financial and management skills and well rounded experience will be a tremendous asset to the Company. His broad experience within large international companies will also prove invaluable in a global operation such as De La Rue. This is an important step in the strengthening of our management team at a time of both challenge and opportunity."

ends

For further information please contact:

Mark Fearon, Head of Corporate Affairs,  +44 (0)1256 605303
Stephen Breslin, Brunswick, +44 (0)207 404 5959

15 October 2002