Acquisition

GUS PLC
18 April 2005




                                                                   18 April 2005

                                    GUS plc

                           Argos buys 33 Index stores

GUS plc, the retail and business services group, today announces that Argos has
agreed to buy 33 Index stores and the Index brand from Littlewoods Limited
('Littlewoods'). The purchase price is £44m payable in cash upon completion,
which is expected to be during July 2005.

Argos has agreed to purchase 33 of Index's 66 standalone stores from
Littlewoods. It expects, subject to lease assignment in each case, to convert
all of these 33 stores to the Argos fascia over a three-month period following
completion. In the year to 30 April 2004, sales at these stores were
approximately £75m. No merchandise stock will be acquired as part of the
transaction.

Argos will acquire the Index brand, certain intellectual property rights and
other assets within three months of the completion date.

Argos will not incur costs in respect of any closure of the remaining 33
standalone Index stores or the 93 concessions that Littlewoods will retain.

Commenting on the purchase, Terry Duddy, Chief Executive of Argos Retail Group,
said:

'The purchase of these stores enables us to extend Argos' proven model of
offering better choice, value and convenience to more customers in a cost
effective and efficient way. We are pleased to welcome around 800 Index store
employees to Argos.'


Enquiries

GUS
Richard Ashton Finance Director, Argos Retail Group           020 7495 0070
Fay Dodds      Director of Investor Relations, GUS

Finsbury
Rupert Younger                                                020 7251 3801

GUS announcements are available on its website, www.gusplc.com.




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