Acquisition

Hunting PLC
5 December 2001


                                 Hunting PLC


       Acquisition of Thread Tech and Columbia Fuels for £9.1million


Hunting PLC, the international oil services company, announces the recently
completed acquisitions of two Canadian companies, Thread Tech Energy Systems
Ltd (Thread Tech) and Columbia Fuels.

Thread Tech has operated for over 14 years as a highly regarded oilfield
supply company in Canada. It supplies oilfield tubulars, premium connections
and associated products.

Columbia Fuels has a network of operations on Vancouver Island where it
provides propane equipment, supply and service to customers in the
residential, commercial and auto sectors.

The acquisition represents a further broadening of Hunting's range of service
capabilities as well as the geographic expansion of Hunting's network of
bases in North America.

The aggregate cash consideration for the net assets acquired of £3.3 million
is £9.1 million. The turnover and operating profits for the acquisitions for
the year to 30th September 2001 was £31.8 million and £2.17 million
respectively.

Commenting on the acquisitions, Dennis Proctor, Chief Executive of Hunting
PLC said:

'These acquisitions help to position Hunting as a leading provider of oil
country tubular products in Canada and further complements the mid-stream
activities of Gibson Petroleum.

The acquisitions fit Hunting's active growth strategy and diversifies our
products & services. It enhances our growing market position and builds on
our global market leadership in the oil services industry.'


Enquiries:

Dennis Proctor                                         020 7321 0123
Chief Executive, Hunting PLC                           001 281 442 7382

Dennis Clark
Finance Director, Hunting PLC                          020 7321 0123

Derek Bainbridge / Catriona McDermott
Brunswick Group Limited                                020 7404 5959


Notes to Editors:

Hunting PLC is an international oil services company providing support
solutions to the world's largest oil and gas companies.