Acquisition

Wincanton PLC
23 December 2004




                                                            23 DECEMBER 2004





                 Wincanton acquires German specialist midiData

                Creates leading position in high-tech logistics





European supply chain solutions provider Wincanton is acquiring specialist
high-tech logistics provider midiData, based in Langen, Germany from Sirva, Inc.
for approximately £7m in cash.

The acquisition will strengthen Wincanton's existing position in the specialist
area of logistics services for high-tech customers.  The new combined business
unit will operate under the brand 'Wincanton midiData', and will be a leading
operator in this sector in Germany.  The enlarged business will have a strong
European reach and an excellent customer and skill base.

Paul Bateman, Wincanton's Chief Executive, explains: 'Wincanton midiData will be
a strong, highly skilled business that will have a leading position in the area
of high-tech logistics. This move will enable us to broaden our service offering
for our customers' benefit. Moreover we will increase our pan-European scope in
this area and enhance our skill base, benefiting from midiData's well developed
specialist IT systems.

Expansion in the high-tech sector underlines our commitment to developing our
position as a leading pan-European provider of solutions for complex supply
chains.'

The acquisition is conditional upon appropriate merger clearances from
regulatory authorities.



Further information from:



Wincanton plc
Gerard Connell
Group Finance Director


Charles Carr
Group Communications Director

Tel:                    [phone]
E-Mail:                 [e-mail]





Buchanan Communications
Charles Ryland
Jeremy Garcia

Tel:                    [phone]



Editors Notes

midiData concentrates on logistics services for complex installation and order
fulfilment services. Warehousing and European distribution services for
sensitive high-tech products complement the product offering. The business
employs some 300 employees at 15 locations in Germany, the Netherlands and the
UK.

In its market sector the company is a leading provider.




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange