Acquisition

Rentokil Initial PLC
30 August 2000


   RENTOKIL INITIAL MAKES £30M TROPICAL PLANT SERVICE
                   ACQUISITION IN USA

Rentokil  Initial, the global business  services  company
announces  that, subject to regulatory approval,  it  has
agreed  to  purchase the business and assets of  TruGreen
Interior  Plantcare,  the  second  largest  provider   of
tropical  plant  services in USA, from the  ServiceMaster
Company.

TruGreen Interior Plantcare, which, in 1999, had turnover
of  US  Dollars  42m (£28m), operates  from  branches  in
twenty-four cities throughout the USA.

The  maximum  purchase consideration is  US  Dollars  45m
(£30m) payable in cash.

Commenting  on  this  acquisition,  Sir  Clive  Thompson,
Rentokil Initial Chief Executive, said:-

'This acquisition further consolidates Rentokil Initial's
leadership of the USA tropical plant services market.  As
well  as the excellent bolt-on opportunities provided  by
the  integration of twelve overlapping branches  and  the
divisional head office, the enlarged operation will enjoy
additional  benefits  arising from  increased  purchasing
power.    Furthermore,  the  acquisition   provides   the
strategic benefits of taking Rentokil Initial into twelve
new  cities  and these, in turn, will offer opportunities
for  further  bolt-on  acquisition  as  well  as  organic
growth.'

The company also announces the acquisition of Lavaplanch,
a  textile  services business in Spain, for  some  £2.2m,
which will add some £2.3m to the company turnover.

Enquiries:

Sir Clive Thompson, Chief Executive
R C Payne, Finance Director Designate
01342 833022