Acquisition

Wolseley PLC
01 May 2003

                                  NEWS RELEASE

                                   1 May 2003



                                  Wolseley plc

                Proposed acquisition of Pinault Bois & Materiaux

                          Workers' councils agreement



Further to the announcement on 24 April 2003 regarding the proposed acquisition
of Pinault Bois & Materiaux ('PBM'), Wolseley plc confirms that a sale and
purchase agreement was signed yesterday, following approval from PBM's workers'
councils.

The offer remains conditional upon approval of the appropriate competition
authorities.



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Enquiries:

Brunswick                       020 7404 5959
Nina Richmond




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