Analysts' Visit to French Operations

Wolseley PLC
9 May 2000

                                                                             
                                                                              
                                                                              
               Analysts' visit to Wolseley's French operations                
 
Wolseley is meeting with stockbroking analysts in Paris on 9 and 10 May to
provide a general overview of its French and Italian building materials'
distribution operations.  A brief update will also be provided on the overall
trading outlook for the group and on e-commerce developments within the
principal group operating companies, including a new Web partnership in the UK
between Wolseley and EMAP which was announced yesterday.

Recent announcements

Since the interim announcement, the group has completed two significant
transactions.
 
The acquisition of Anderson Lumber Company ('Anderson') in the western USA was
completed on 24 April for a total estimated consideration of $172 million
(£108 million).  In its most recent financial year ended 31 December 1999,
Anderson reported a trading profit of $22.2 million (£14.0 million) on sales
of $390 million (£245 million).

On 25 April, the disposal of certain businesses in Wolseley's Manufacturing
Division was completed. The effect of this disposal was to reduce the group's
borrowings by approximately £126 million and gearing by approximately 10%. 
The disposal will give rise to an estimated book loss on disposal of
approximately £38 million.  After adding back goodwill of £65 million
previously written off to reserves, shareholders' funds will be increased by
approximately £27 million.  In the previous financial year, these businesses
reported a trading profit of £23.2 million on sales of £262 million.


Trading outlook

Since the interim announcement on 14 March 2000 there has been no change of
any significance to the anticipated trading outlook for the group's principal
markets.


   Note:       The exchange rate used in this announcement is £1 = 1.59 US    
                                   dollars.                                   

                                                                             


                                  ENQUIRIES:                                  
                                                                              
                      John Young - Group Chief Executive                      
                    Steve Webster - Group Finance Director                    
                    Hugh Teagle - Corporate Communications                    
                                                                              
                    Wolseley plc - Telephone [phone]                     
                                                                              
                        Tony Knox - Financial Dynamics                        
                           Telephone [phone]                            
www.wolseley.com