AGM Statement

RNS Number:1714L
Bell Group PLC
16 May 2003


16 May 2003


                                 BELL GROUP PLC

                                 AGM Statement


Addressing today's AGM at 2.30pm, Bell Group plc, the international designer,
installer and maintainer of high-tech security systems, will say:

"Last year was very successful for Bell Group. Profit before tax, at #3.0m, was
some 87% greater than 2001. Turnover rose 11% to #63.6m and international
turnover (non-UK) increased 19% to #14.6m.

"Our performance was underpinned by consistent delivery in our core UK retail
bank security market. We continue to focus on this important business sector and
were pleased to be able to announce a collaborative agreement with Lloyds TSB
Bank in March this year. This is similar in nature to a relationship that has
been ongoing with The Royal Bank of Scotland since 1999.

"Our first class reputation in banking security, in combination with new
developments within our Pacom security technology range and the appointment of
new reseller/partners, delivered opportunities for us in a number of new market
sectors, including retailing, distribution and property development.

"Having appointed Diebold, Inc as our new banking reseller in the USA in
September 2001, the major part of the year for Pacom Systems (North America) was
focused on the establishment of continuing support to existing customers. In
October a major success of this programme was a contract for Pacom technology at
an additional 500 bank branches.

"Bell ID's improved performance was a key achievement of 2002. The business
returned an operating profit of #0.7m and was cash generative. We won contracts
in a number of key target markets and successfully implemented the majority of
these strategically important projects before year-end. Growing market
recognition of Bell ID's ANDiS product suite is further evidenced by the recent
signing, publicised on 30 April, of a global partnership agreement with Giesecke
& Devrient.

"The acquisition of the access control businesses from Maas International,
announced this February, will build our presence in mainland Europe and I am
pleased to report that the business is performing well.

"The Group balance sheet was strengthened further by the 2002 results and our
net debt substantially reduced. A renegotiation of banking facilities underpins
our ambition to continue to expand the business and further improve shareholder
value. The Group has made a satisfactory start to 2003 and we look forward to
improving on last year's result".



For further information please contact:

Pat Curran                 Bell Group plc                      020 8553 5932
Rob Gurner                 Financial Dynamics                  020 7269 7221



Editors Note:

Bell Group plc floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1999. It specialises in
the development, supply, installation, management and maintenance of high
security systems for a wide range of markets, including banks, other financial
institutions, industrial and commercial enterprises, state, government and
diplomatic bodies. Bell Group's headquarters are in London and it has offices
throughout the UK and in Ireland, Sweden, The Netherlands, France, Switzerland,
Australia, the USA, and Hong Kong. For more information, visit the company's
website at www.BellGroupplc.com.


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