Sub-Division of Share Capital

Grafton Group PLC
30 March 2001


                              GRAFTON GROUP PLC


                    PROPOSES SUB-DIVISION OF SHARE CAPITAL


Grafton Group plc is proposing a Sub-Division of Share Capital to shareholders
at the company's forthcoming AGM in Dublin on May 2nd, which, if approved,
would result in each shareholder holding ten shares for every one they
currently hold.


The decision by Grafton to proceed with a Subdivision of Share Capital is
taken in view of the significant rise in the market value of the Group's
shares in recent years. The share split, if passed, should have the benefit of
improving the liquidity and marketability of the Group's shares.


The split is proposed at a ratio of ten to one. It is expected that, subject
to market movements, the price of each new Grafton Unit on the Irish and
London Stock Exchanges, following the split, will be one tenth of the price
prior to the split.





ENDS                                              30 March 2001


For reference:                                                   For reference:
Michael Chadwick                                   Joe Murray / Grainne O'Brien

Executive Chairman                                           Murray Consultants

Grafton Group plc                              Telephone: (++353) [phone]

Telephone: (++353) [phone]
                                                                 Ginny Pulbrook

                                                         Citigate Dewe Rogerson

                                              Telephone: (++44) [phone]


     This statement is also available on our web site www.graftonplc.com