Acquisition

For Immediate Release

WOOD GROUP ACQUIRES MAJORITY INTEREST IN SANTOS BARBOSA IN BRAZIL

Wood Group Engineering & Production Facilities Brasil Ltda, a subsidiary of
John Wood Group PLC ('Wood Group'), has acquired 51% of Santos Barbosa Técnica
Comércio e Servicos Ltda, a Macae-based provider of offshore modifications and
maintenance services to the Campos Basin in the Brazilian offshore market. The
initial cash consideration being paid for Santos Barbosa is approximately $2.9
million including acquired debt, plus further payments between 2004 and 2007.
An additional 29% of the company will be acquired in 2007; the value of all
future payments will be dependent upon company performance.

'We believe Brazil offshore has the potential to be an important market for
Wood Group and the acquisition of Santos Barbosa gives us a key presence in the
country,' explained Bill Edgar, Group director responsible for Wood Group's
Engineering and Production Facilities business. 'We intend to use our wide
international offshore experience to augment Santos Barbosa's significant
indigenous capability in the modifications and maintenance of offshore
facilities and to grow a successful Brazilian company.'

Established in 1995, Santos Barbosa employs approximately 700 personnel, the
majority of whom work offshore. José Augusto Barbosa Reis will continue in his
role as president of the company.

-ends-

17 September 2002

Note to editors

Wood Group is a leading international energy services company employing more
than 10,000 people worldwide and operating from bases in over 30 countries.
Wood Group operates in three businesses comprising Engineering and Production
Facilities, Gas Turbine Services and Well Support. Wood Group reported revenues
in excess of US$1.50 billion in 2001. Wood Group is now a public company,
having successfully completed an IPO on the London Stock Exchange this year.

For enquiries please contact

Alan Semple, group finance director, Wood Group

Tel: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]

Chris Watson, group financial controller, Wood Group

Tel: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]

Carolyn Smith, corporate communications manager, Wood Group

Tel: [phone], mobile: [phone], e-mail: 
[e-mail]

Bobbie Ireland, director - corporate communications - Americas, Wood Group

Tel: [phone], mobile: [phone], e-mail: 
[e-mail]