Acquisition

Kier Group PLC
19 February 2002


               KIER ACQUIRES TAYWOOD PLANT'S CRANE HIRE BUSINESS

                                FOR £2.4 MILLION

Kier Group plc announces the acquisition by its subsidiary, Kier Plant Limited,
of the tower crane hire business ('the business') previously carried on by
Taywood Plant Ltd. The transaction includes 28 modern tower cranes and ancillary
equipment together with the assignment to Kier Plant of Taywood Plant's existing
crane hire contracts. In addition, 18 employees of Taywood Plant have been
transferred to Kier Plant as a result of the acquisition.

The aggregate consideration for the acquisition is £2,400,000, of which
£1,750,000 is payable in cash on completion, with the balance of £650,000 being
deferred against the future performance of the business.

This latest move forms part of Kier Plant's strategy to strengthen its tower
crane fleet. The company currently offers an internal and external plant hire
service through six UK depots.

                                    - ENDS -

For further information, please contact:

Colin Busby

Kier Group plc                          Tel: [phone]

Caroline Sturdy

Bell Pottinger Financial Ltd            Tel: [phone]



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