Pre Close Statement

Bunzl PLC
14 December 2005

                                                                14 December 2005


                           BUNZL PRE CLOSE STATEMENT

Bunzl plc, the international distribution and outsourcing Group, is updating the
market today prior to entering the close period for the year to 31 December
2005. Following Mike Roney's appointment as Chief Executive on 1 November,
Australasia is now treated as a separate business segment reporting directly to
him. Therefore the Group's results will be presented in four business segments:
North America, UK & Ireland, Continental Europe and Australasia. For comparison
purposes the revenue and operating profit for Australasia for 2004 and the first
half of 2005 were £78.4m and £6.4m and £47.2m and £3.3m respectively.

The Company also announces that:

   •    Overall trading is expected to be in line with market estimates.

   •    The good sales progress seen in North America in the first half of 2005
        has continued, supported by generally firm product prices resulting from
        higher commodity input prices to suppliers. During the second half the 
        pace of acquisition activity has increased. The acquisitions of SOFCO,
        Mendenhall, Retail Resources and Weiss have enabled Bunzl to develop 
        further its positions in the higher growth redistribution and non-food 
        retail areas in particular, while adding marginally to the traditional 
        supermarket area where trading continues to be more difficult than in 
        other sectors.

   •    In the UK & Ireland growth continues to be satisfactory though general
        economic activity has softened in the second half of 2005. The business
        continues to benefit from the ongoing refinement of the operating 
        platform.

   •    Continental Europe has performed well in spite of the lethargic economic
        growth in the euro zone. The new acquisitions are being integrated and 
        are contributing to the strong development of this business area.

   •    Australasia has continued its above Group average growth rate in 2005.
        The Sanicare acquisition completed in July has opened up a new front to
        service the growing healthcare market. Cooperation with other business 
        areas continues to offer new sourcing opportunities.

   •    Annualised revenue of the acquisitions completed in 2005 is c.£270m. 
        This strong acquisition activity, particularly in the second half of the 
        year, is encouraging and the process of integration is ongoing.


Enquiries:

Bunzl plc                                                  Finsbury
Michael Roney, Chief Executive                             Roland Rudd
Brian May, Finance Director designate                      Morgan Bone
Tel: [phone]                                         Tel: [phone]



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