Acquisition

Vp PLC 14 July 2003 Press Release 14 July 2003 Vp plc Acquisition of Trench Shore Limited for £2.7m Vp plc, the equipment rental specialist, today announces the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Trench Shore Limited for a cash consideration of £2.7 million. Trench Shore hires and sells specialist shoring products to the construction and civil engineering industry. Established in 1987 the business operates from four locations in the UK and has 57 employees. In the year ended 31 October 2002, Trench Shore reported profits of £257,000 on turnover of £4.1 million. Net assets at 31 October 2002 were £2.45 million. The Trench Shore business will be integrated within Groundforce, Vp's own shoring business, which provides rental, sale and design of shoring systems and allied services to the water, civil engineering and construction industries. Jeremy Pilkington, Chairman & Chief Executive, commented: 'The acquisition of Trench Shore consolidates our position as market leader in this sector in the UK. This well established and reputable business complements Groundforce's activities and will provide increased customer and geographic penetration. The Group's strong balance sheet enables us to take advantage of growth opportunities, such as this acquisition, as they arise.' - Ends - For further information: Vp plc Jeremy Pilkington, Chairman & Chief Executive Tel: +44 (0) 1423 533 405 Neil Stothard, Group Finance Director www.vpplc.com Media enquiries: Bankside Sarah Carrell / Henry Harrison-Topham Tel: +44 (0) 7764 947 137 sarah.carrell@bankside.com Notes to Editors Vp plc The principal activity of the Group is equipment rental and associated services almost entirely conducted within the UK. Vp plc listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1973. As of 31 March 2003, turnover for the Group was £75.5 million. The Group is focused on five businesses: Torrent Trackside • Hire of portable track repair and renewals equipment, trackside lighting and related support services to rail infrastructure maintenance companies. Hire Station • Rental and sale of tools, small equipment and allied services to industry, construction and homeowners plus three specialist offerings: - Safeforce - hire and sale of safety and survey products, asset management and training services. - Lifting Point - materials handling and lifting gear hire. - One Call - national call centre for tool hire. UK Forks • Hire of rough terrain material handling equipment and accessories to the house building and construction industry. Unique in the transaction of the business through a national call centre and dedicated services outlets. Groundforce • Rental, sale and design of shoring systems and allied services to the water, civil engineering and construction industries. Airpac Oilfield Services • Servicing the international oil and gas exploration and development markets with specialist air compressors and associated equipment. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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