Abstract: A clinching apparatus (1) including a top die (3) comprising a plurality of forming elements (5), and guide means to force the forming elements (5) into close abutment in a closed configuration in response to movement in a first direction to define a void (16) and to permit the forming elements (5) to move apart into an open configuration in response to movement in second opposite direction. A centrally disposed floating bottom die (22) is disposed intermediate the forming elements to define a lower boundary of the void. A punch (20) is operable with the dies (3,22) to force overlapping portions of sheet material (2) into the void to form a clinch (21), whilst displacing the bottom die in the first direction. Clamping means (30) clamp the sheet material against the top die and thereby close the top die. First bias means (25) provide a restoring force on the bottom die upon withdrawal of the punch and an ejecting force tending to open the top die upon disengagement of the clamping means.