Disposal

Centrica PLC 04 November 2002 4 November 2002 Centrica and DCC reach agreement on sale of LPG business Centrica plc and DCC plc today announced that DCC, the business support services group, has reached agreement to acquire, subject to completion, Centrica's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) business, British Gas LPG, for a consideration of £41.1 million (approximately €64.5 million) in cash. The sale of the business comes after a strategic decision by Centrica to focus on direct customer relationships in its core businesses, whereas a large portion of the LPG cylinder business operates through third party retailers. DCC is already one of the leading companies in the LPG market in Britain and Ireland, operating under the Flogas and Alta Gas brands. The acquisition of British Gas LPG will double DCC's share of the British market to 21%, making it the second biggest LPG company in Britain. In the year ended 31 December 2001, British Gas LPG generated operating profits of £2.3 million on turnover of £54.1 million. For the eight months to 31 August 2002, unaudited operating profits were £2.9 million. The business had net assets at 31 August 2002 of approximately £40 million net of debt of £2.1 million. The assets being transferred consist mainly of bulk tanks at customers' premises, cylinders, road tankers, 23 depots, an operations centre in North Wales and a commercial centre at Witney, Oxford. Consultations with British Gas LPG employees and trade unions are now taking place. It is anticipated that the transaction will be completed by the end of November 2002. Jim Flavin, Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman of DCC, said: 'The acquisition of British Gas LPG continues the strong growth momentum in DCC's substantial energy operations. This acquisition, along with the Alta Gas acquisition last year, will significantly strengthen DCC's position in the LPG market in Britain and is expected to lead to a substantial increase in the profit contribution to DCC Energy from this market.' Mark Clare, Managing Director of British Gas, said: 'This transaction is in line with Centrica's strategy of concentrating on building deeper customer relationships and our commitment to continue delivering shareholder value by focusing on our core businesses. We are delighted to have reached this agreement with DCC, who we believe are in an excellent position to continue to provide the highest standards of service to this customer group.' Enquiries: Centrica plc DCC plc Centrica Investor Relations Jim Flavin, Chief Executive / Deputy Chairman, DCC plc 01753 494900 Centrica Media Relations Kevin Murray, Managing Director - DCC Energy 01753 494085 Conor Costigan, Investor Relations Manager Tel. + 353 1 279 9400 Email: investorrelations@dcc.ie For further information on DCC: www.dcc.ie Editor's notes: About Centrica - Since it was formed in 1997, Centrica has developed into a leading provider of energy and other essential home services. In the UK, Centrica offers gas and electricity supply and related products under the British Gas brand, roadside and financial services from the AA, telecoms products and services through One.Tel and British Gas, and financial services through Goldfish. The group's strategy of international expansion has seen it make acquisitions in Canada and the United States. About DCC - DCC is a business support services group focused on sales, marketing and distribution in the energy, IT, healthcare and food markets, operating principally in Britain and Ireland. In its latest financial year to 31 March 2002, DCC had sales of €2.049 billion and generated operating profits of €102.7 million. DCC's shares are traded on the Irish and London Stock Exchanges. DCC's energy operations have a track record of strong profit growth and excellent returns on capital employed and cash generation and in the year to 31 March 2002 generated operating profits of €35.0 million on turnover of €717.6 million. Through strong organic growth and value enhancing bolt-on acquisitions, DCC has become a substantial marketer and distributor of LPG and oil products in Britain and Ireland. For further information please visit www.dcc.ie. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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