Trading Statement

Hunting PLC
21 December 2004




21 December 2004

                                  Hunting PLC
                           ('Hunting', the 'Company')

                            Pre-close trading update

Hunting's results for the full year to 31 December 2004 will be announced on 3
March 2005. Subject to no major change in crude oil prices as at 31 December
2004, the trading result for the year will be in line with current market
expectations.

The Company's trading since 30 June 2004 has seen an improving trend,
particularly in the Hunting Energy Services business in both its US and North
Sea markets.

The preliminary results for 2004 will include exceptional charges of
approximately £9.4m before tax following the further refocusing of the business.
These comprise the closure of Hunting Custom Packaging in the USA, the
settlement of a legal action relating to a business sale in 2001 and some vacant
property costs in the UK following the failure of a tenant. Recent developments
include the re-financing of US $70m short-term funding with US institutional
investors for a seven year period.

Dennis Proctor, Hunting's Chief Executive, said: 'We are encouraged by the
Company's current trading and are entering 2005 from a stronger base than in
2004 following the improved market for our services.'

                                     -Ends-

For further information, please contact:

Hunting PLC                                     Tel: [phone]
Dennis Proctor, Chief Executive                 Tel: [phone]
Dennis Clark, Finance Director

Hogarth Partnership Limited                     Tel: [phone]
Andrew Jaques
Edward Westropp

Notes to Editors:

Hunting PLC is an international oil services company providing solutions to the
world's oil and gas companies.




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