AGM Statement

Wolseley PLC
21 November 2003


                                                               21 November 2003


                                  NEWS RELEASE

                                  Wolseley plc
                                 AGM Statement


Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing,
heating and building material products, is holding its Annual General Meeting
today at 12 noon.


At the meeting, John Whybrow, Chairman, will make the following comments to
Shareholders:


'There has been no significant change in the market conditions affecting the
Group's businesses since the Preliminary results announcement for the year ended
31 July 2003, issued on 23 September 2003.


Good progress continues to be made in the UK where the business environment
remains favourable. Continental European markets are still generally flat but we
would expect the group's businesses to outperform in local markets and achieve a
modest improvement in sales and profitability.


In the USA, both the new housing and the repairs, maintenance and improvement
markets continue to be robust. Although we are not expecting an improvement in
the industrial and commercial sectors until the second half of 2004, it is
encouraging to see more positive economic growth data being reported. In Canada
the outlook remains positive.


The group has made a good start to the new financial year and is in an excellent
position to take advantage of market or acquisition opportunities as they
arise.'


In accordance with normal practice, Wolseley plc will be issuing a more detailed
pre-close period trading update on 14 January 2004.



ENQUIRIES:


Wolseley plc                                          Brunswick Group Ltd
tel: [phone]                                    tel: [phone]

Steve Webster - Group Finance Director                Sophie Fitton
Guy Stainer - Head of Investor Relations              Nina Richmond

                                    - Ends -






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