Acquisition

Grafton Group PLC
06 October 2003


                               Grafton Group plc

                       Announces Two Further Acquisitions


Grafton Group plc is pleased to announce the acquisition of The Telford Group
Limited in Ireland and Plumbline Supplies Limited in Scotland.

Plumbline is Scotland's leading independent plumbers merchant with 17 branches.
The company reported sales of €40 million for the year ended July 31st, 2003.
Grafton's plumbing network in the UK trades under the Plumbase brand and this
acquisition brings the network into Scotland for the first time. Plumbase will
now have a total of 135 branches in the UK.

Telfords has three branches and is based in Portlaoise. The company holds a
leading position in the midlands builders merchanting market and the acquisition
enhances Grafton's coverage in that area. Telford's sales for the year ended
January 31st, 2003 were €27m.

The cash consideration for both companies totals €40m.

Commenting on the announcement today, Michael Chadwick, Chairman of Grafton
said: 'The Plumbline acquisition gives the Group an initial but important
presence in the Scottish plumbers merchanting market. We already have strong
market positions in the south and in the midlands of England

The Telford acquisition is significant in strengthening our presence in the
midlands. We will now have branches in Portlaoise, Athy and Mountrath.

We are committed to the continued growth of our branch network in Ireland as
well as overseas.'

Ends                                                     6 October 2003

For reference:

Michael Chadwick                       Joe Murray
Executive Chairman                     Murray Consultants
Grafton Group plc                      Telephone: (++353) [phone]
Telephone: (++353) [phone]

Colm O Nuallain                        Ginny Pulbrook
Finance Director                       Citigate
Grafton Group plc                      (++44) [phone]
Telephone: (++353) [phone]


Charles Rinn
Group Financial Controller
Grafton Group plc
Telephone: (++353) [phone]

  A copy of this statement is also available on our website www.graftonplc.com




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