US listing

Wolseley PLC
1 May 2001






                                 NEWS RELEASE

                                  1 May 2001



                      Wolseley announces its US listing

Wolseley announces today that it has been approved for listing a new American
Depositary Receipt ('ADR') programme on the New York Stock Exchange ('NYSE').
Trading of the ADR's on the NYSE is expected to commence on 31 May 2001. This
will be in addition to the present listing in London.

The US listing represents a further important step in the international
development of the group. Since making its first US acquisition in 1982,
Wolseley has expanded its US activities significantly. In the 2000 financial
year, the USA accounted for 61% and 57% of group turnover and trading profit,
respectively. Wolseley has over 18,000 employees in the USA.

As part of a plan to promote its corporate identity internationally, Wolseley
has decided to harmonise the stock exchange symbol by which it is known in
London and New York. With effect from 31 May, Wolseley's London Stock Exchange
symbol will change from WLY to WOS.

Richard Ireland, Executive Chairman, said, 'We are delighted to announce that
we are seeking a listing for Wolseley's shares on the NYSE, in addition to our
London listing. This will bring important benefits to Wolseley and its
employees in terms of wider share ownership and increased visibility in the
USA.'





                                  ENQUIRIES:

                     Richard Ireland - Executive Chairman

                    Wolseley plc - Telephone [phone]

                        Tom Wyatt - Financial Dynamics

                           Telephone [phone]



                               www.wolseley.com