Acquisition

Bunzl PLC
23 December 2002




            BUNZL ACQUIRES OUTSOURCING SERVICES BUSINESS IN IRELAND
            


Bunzl plc, the international distribution and outsourcing Group, today announces
the acquisition of Thomas McLaughlin Ltd, a leading distributor of catering
equipment in both Northern Ireland and the Republic.


McLaughlin's, which operates from three locations, had sales of £14.3 million in
the year ended 31 March 2002. Net assets at completion are estimated to be £3.2
million.


Commenting on the acquisition Anthony Habgood, Chairman of Bunzl, said:



'McLaughlin's is a logical extension of our Outsourcing Services business in
Ireland and complements Lockhart which we acquired earlier this year.'





Enquiries:


Bunzl plc:                                            Finsbury:
Anthony Habgood, Chairman                             Roland Rudd
David Williams, Finance Director                      Morgan Bone
Tel: [phone]                                    Tel: [phone]






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