Expansion in North America

Bunzl PLC
03 August 2005



                                                                   3 August 2005



                        BUNZL TO EXPAND IN NORTH AMERICA

Bunzl plc, the international distribution and outsourcing Group, today announces
that it has entered into an agreement to acquire SOFCO, a distributor to a
number of sectors including grocery, foodservice and healthcare.

SOFCO, a division of US Foodservice, is based in New York State and had sales of
$175 million in the year ended 31 December 2004. Gross assets to be acquired are
expected to be $30 million. Completion of the acquisition is subject to
clearance from the relevant competition authority.

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

'This is an excellent opportunity to continue our momentum in North America.
SOFCO will strengthen our business in the northeast in our traditional grocery
and redistribution markets while also expanding our position in the healthcare
and industrial sectors.'



Enquiries:

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




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