Bunzl Pre Close Statement

11 Dec 2008

Bunzl plc, the international distribution and outsourcing Group, is updating the market today prior to entering the close period relating to the year ending 31 December 2008.

The Company announces that:

• Group revenue growth is consistent with the recent Interim Management Statement and overall performance is in line with expectations despite increasingly difficult economic conditions, particularly in the UK and the eurozone. The stronger US dollar and euro have had an increasingly positive translation impact on Group performance.
• In North America stronger underlying revenue growth in the second half, the highest of any business area resulting from new customer wins and expansion with existing accounts, has been partially offset by some margin pressure.
• In the UK & Ireland overall revenue has grown due to the positive effect of acquisitions in spite of the impact of the weakening economy on the results as the second half has progressed. The integration of the 2007 and 2008 acquisitions is going to plan.
• Revenue in Continental Europe has continued to grow in the second half due to good performance from acquisitions and underlying growth. The integration of King Benelux, which is contributing significantly to the business area, is progressing as planned.
• The Rest of the World is performing strongly due principally to the ahead-of-plan performance from Prot Cap in Brazil and to underlying revenue growth in Australasia.
• Its geographically diversified and market leading businesses position the Group well and should enable it to take advantage of appropriate opportunities to develop further.

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