Balfour Beatty Utilities

Balfour Beatty PLC
28 November 2002

                          BALFOUR BEATTY UTILITIES


Balfour Beatty, the international engineering, construction and services group,
announces today that it is to integrate its two gas and water utility services
businesses, John Kennedy and Kentons, to form a new operating company, Balfour
Beatty Utilities, effective from 1 January 2003.  The combined business will
have a turnover of circa £200 million and will be amongst the leading providers
of utility services to the growing UK gas and water markets.



John Kennedy was acquired in October 2001 and Kentons in March 2002.  Diarmaid
Kelly, currently Managing Director of Kentons, has been appointed Managing
Director of the integrated business.



Announcing the move, Mike Welton, Chief Executive, Balfour Beatty Group, said:
'The integration of these two companies will further improve both our capacity
to service existing customers and win new work.  It will also provide the
opportunity for the joint development of skills, products and capabilities.'



Balfour Beatty Utilities offers a complete asset management solution to
customers in the gas, clean water and wastewater sectors, including feasibility
studies, design, logistics and customer services together with specialist asset
replacement and maintenance services.



Its principal customers include Transco, Fulcrum Connections, Yorkshire Water,
South West Water, Northumbrian Water, United Utilities, Scottish Water, Severn
Trent Water and Mid-Kent Water.  It has an order book of over £400 million,
largely in long-term partnership contracts.



Enquiries to:

Tim Sharp

Tel: [phone]

www.balfourbeatty.com





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