22 September 2003

The Sage Group completes acquisition of US business management software vendor
Timberline 

Further to its announcement of 17 July 2003, The Sage Group plc announces that
it has completed its acquisition of Timberline Software Corporation
("Timberline"), based in Oregon, US.

The acquisition was approved at a Timberline shareholder meeting on Friday, 19
September.  All regulatory clearances have been received.

Enquiries

The Sage Group plc           +44 (0)    Financial Dynamics         +44 (0) 20
191 255 3000                            7831 3113                            
                                                                             
Paul Walker, Chief Executive            Giles Sanderson                      
                                                                             
Paul Harrison, Finance Director         Harriet Keen                         
                                                                             
Phil Branston, Investor Relations       Caroline Ledosquet                   
                                                                             

Notes to editors

The Sage Group plc is a leading international supplier of accounting and
business management software solutions and related products and services for
small to medium-sized enterprises.  Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the
London Stock Exchange in 1989 and the Group now employs over 5,500 people
worldwide.



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