Imprint Search and Selection plc

Imprint Search and Selection plc is pleased to announce the proposed Acquisition of ECHM Group Limited (ìECHMî) and a proposed Placing to raise 10 million (gross) for the Company.

The Acquisition

ECHM focuses on the placement of finance professionals from part-qualified accountants to middle management to the commerce and industry, professional services and financial services sectors

Operates from London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Dublin and Amsterdam

76 fee earners, 132 total headcount at 30 September 2004

Net fee income for the nine months to 30 September 2004 was 7.1m (full year to 31 December 2003 - 6.5m)

Initial consideration of 6 million, with deferred consideration of up to a further 8 million payable in 2006, dependent upon the profitability of ECHM in the two years ending 31 December 2005

Strong strategic fit with existing Imprint plc and WoodHamill Executive Search brands

Significantly earnings enhancing from the outset

The Placing

Conditional placing to raise 9.15 million (net of expenses) for:
initial consideration for the Acquisition

enlarged group working capital part-funding of the deferred consideration

Conditional on the approval of the Companyís shareholders

Current trading and prospects of Imprint Search and Selection plc

Imprint has sustained the improved performance reported on 24 August 2004

Maturing fee earners and stable market conditions contributing to strong pipeline of retained mandates and placement opportunities

Trading in line with the Boardís expectations

Directors view the Enlarged Groupís prospects with confidence

Pierce Casey, Chairman of Imprint, commented:

ìECHM is the Companyís first acquisition since its flotation in 2001. Over the last three years we have adopted a cautious approach to acquisition opportunities, only considering those which meet strict operational, cultural and valuation criteria.

ìIn acquiring ECHM we believe we have met all of these criteria through increasing the size of our operations significantly in terms of fee earners, market penetration and geographical coverage, whilst at the same time enhancing shareholder value. We look forward to reporting on the progress of the enlarged group.î