Acquisition

Bunzl PLC
31 August 2004

                                                                  31 August 2004

              BUNZL TO EXPAND OUTSOURCING SERVICES IN NORTH AMERICA

Bunzl plc, the international distribution and outsourcing Group, today announces
that it has agreed in principle to purchase TSN, a leading distributor of goods
not for resale to the growing convenience stores sector across the United
States. Based in Denver, Colorado and with a facility in Richmond, Indiana, TSN
had sales in 2003 of $130 million. Its largest customer is McLane Company, Inc.
through which it serves many convenience store chains. Net assets at completion
are estimated to be $11 million on a debt free basis.

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

'This is an excellent opportunity to expand our Outsourcing Services business in
North America in a growing sector. Combined with our existing convenience store
business, it puts us in a strong position to take advantage of that growth. It
will enable us to use our distribution network more effectively and potentially
to increase the breadth of product provided to TSN's customers and to the
convenience store market more generally.'

Enquiries:

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






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