Offer Update - Confirmation of closing

FIRSTGROUP PLC                                 

                  ACQUISITION OF LAIDLAW INTERNATIONAL, INC.                   

                            CONFIRMATION OF CLOSING                            

FirstGroup is delighted to announce that the Acquisition of Laidlaw
International, Inc. has now closed and is effective today.

Contacts:

Malcolm Moir

JP Morgan Cazenove

Tel: [phone]

Rachael Borthwick

Group Corporate Communications Director

FirstGroup plc

Tel: [phone] (US business hours)