De La Rue Company p.l.c.

Beautifully engraved certificate from the De La Rue Company p.l.c. issued in 1979-1983. This historic document was printed by the Thomas De La Rue & Company, Ltd. and has an ornate border around it with a vignette of a man's silhouette. This item is over 18 years old.

De La Rue is the world's largest commercial security printer and paper maker, involved in the production of over 150 national currencies and a wide range of security documents such as stamps and vouchers as well as brand protection. The company is also a leading provider of cash handling equipment and solutions to banks and retailers as well as a range of identity systems to governments worldwide. De La Rue also acts as a strategic partner and adviser to customers offering them total solutions in areas of activity that capitalise on De La Rue's reputation for security, integrity and trust.

Company History

1813 Thomas de la Rue's first commercial venture, publishing the first edition of Le Miroir Politique newspaper in Guernsey 1821 Thomas de la Rue sets up as printer, stationer and fancy goods manufacturer in London

1851 Thomas de la Rue at the Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace, London

1855 Thomas de la Rue began printing British postage stamps, and obtained the contract for all Indian postal requirements

1860 Thomas de la Rue printed its first paper money - Mauritius £5, £1 and 10/- notes

1940 De La Rue's Bunhill Row factories in London destroyed in Blitz

1967 The first ever cash dispenser was installed at Barclays Bank in Enfield, North London, on June 27 1967. De La Rue won the race to unveil the first machine, which drew crowds to the unveiling.

1994 Camelot Group plc is awarded licence to operate UK National Lottery. De La Rue initially has 22.5% shareholding

1995 Portals Group plc (banknote and security paper) acquired

1997 De La Rue acquires Harrison & Sons, High Wycombe Brandon Gough takes over as Chairman from Lord Limerick

1998 Ian Much appointed as chief executive on 1 September

1999 Launch of Valora S.A. joint venture between Bank of Portugal and De La Rue Paul Hollingworth appointed as new financial director Sale of Card business to F C Oberthur of France for £200m New managing director Christopher Chadwick appointed for new Global Services division

2000 Global Services division begins trading 1 April Acquisition of InterClear (digital security) and Ascom banking automation businesses

Dr Jon Marx appointed Managing Director of Security Products business