Investors

 

2003

Development Update

Released: 02/07/2003

Grafton Group plc is pleased to announce that the Jackson Building Centres' acquisition completed by the Group on 3 March 2003 is achieving good like for like sales growth. Jackson's trading performance and profitability are ahead of initial expectations.

In addition, the Group has completed the acquisition of three single branch merchanting businesses and opened seven greenfield merchanting branches to date this year in the U.K.

EuroMix, the Group's silo mortar division, commenced production and sales from its sixth plant in Harlow, Essex.

Woodies DIY is actively progressing the opening of five new stores in Ireland with two likely to open before Christmas 2003.

Group profits in the first half of 2003 are expected to be slightly ahead of market forecasts.

Ends

Equiries:

Michael Chadwick
Executive Chairman
Grafton Group plc
Telephone: (++353)(01) 216 0600

Colm ó Nualláin
Finance Director
Grafton Group plc
Telephone: (++353) (01) 216 0600

Joe Murray
Murray Consultants
Telephone: (++353) (01) 498 0300

Ginny Pulbrook
Citigate
Telephone:(++44)(0207) 282 2945