Castorama offer: bank named

Kingfisher PLC
17 May 2002


KINGFISHER ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF FAIRNESS OPINION BANK - SCHRODER SALOMON
SMITH BARNEY

Kingfisher plc announces that the commercial court (Tribunal de Commerce) in
Paris has ruled that Schroder Salomon Smith Barney ('SSSB') is appointed,
subject to its acceptance of the role, as the independent bank to deliver a
fairness opinion (certificat d'equite) on its 67 per share offer for the
minority interests in Castorama Dubois Investissements SCA (Castorama), under
the process specified in Article 21 of Castorama's articles of association
(statuts).

Kingfisher and the other partners (Commandites) of Castorama had previously
identified SSSB as an acceptable independent bank, although they did not reach
agreement to start its appointment. The court decision requires the bank to
confirm that it has no conflicts, is independent and is willing to take on the
role. Once the bank accepts the role, the appointment will take immediate
effect.

Sir Geoffrey Mulcahy, Chief Executive, said: 'Kingfisher welcomes the decision
of the Tribunal and is looking forward to the bank starting work promptly.'

Following the earlier and separate decision of the commercial court in Lille
rejecting the request from the Commandites A for the appointment of a mediator
(manditaire ad hoc),  Kingfisher remains confident of being able to progress its
offer to the stage where it can be formally presented to the minority
shareholders.

Further Enquiries:


Broker and Institutional Enquiries

Ian Harding, Director of Investor Relations                 [phone]

Media Enquiries:
Andrew Mills, Director of Corporate Affairs                 [phone]
Jonathan Miller, Head of Corporate Comms, UK                [phone]

France

Graham Fairbank, Head of Corporate Comms                   [phone]

Kingfisher plc                                              [phone]
Kingfisher Website                                            www.kingfisher.com
The Maitland Consultancy
Angus Maitland  / Duncan Campbell-Smith                     [phone]
Euro RCSG C&O
Laurent Wormser                                            [phone]
Marie-Noelle Brouaux                                       [phone]



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