Trading Statement

Wolseley PLC
10 July 2000



               Update on trading outlook for the financial year
                ending 31 July 2000 prior to analysts' briefing


Wolseley is meeting with stockbrokers' analysts for a pre year end briefing on
the  general  trading position of the group and the overall  outlook  for  the
current financial year.

The  trading outlook for the group's principal markets continues to be in line
with our interim announcement on 14 March 2000. The two interest rate rises in
the  USA  since  the interim announcement will increase the  group's  interest
charge  for the current year but have not had any material impact on  business
conditions in the USA up to the end of June.

On  9  May 2000, the group announced two significant transactions, namely  the
acquisition   of  Anderson  Lumber  company  in  the  USA  for  $172   million
(£114   million)  and  the  disposal  of  certain  businesses  in   Wolseley's
Manufacturing Division.  The disposal resulted in a reduction of £126  million
in  the group's borrowings. The net effect of these transactions is marginally
dilutive to earnings for the year ending 31 July 2000.  In the financial  year
ending  31  July 2001, the profit contribution from acquisitions made  in  the
current financial year is expected to exceed the reduction in earnings arising
from the disposal of these manufacturing businesses.

Note:     The exchange rate used in this announcement is £1 = 1.51 US dollars.


                                  ENQUIRIES:
                                       
                    Steve Webster - Group Finance Director
                    Hugh Teagle - Corporate Communications
                                       
                     Wolseley plc - Telephone [phone]
                                       
                        Tony Knox - Financial Dynamics
                            Telephone [phone]
                                       
                               www.wolseley.com