Half yearly financial report for six months ended
30 June 2010 and acquisitions in the US and Brazil

31 Aug 2010

Bunzl plc, the international distribution and outsourcing Group, today publishes its half yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2010.

Other highlights include:

• Underlying revenue growth of 5% in North America, the largest business area
• Group operating margin improved due to significant increases in the UK & Ireland and the Rest of the World
• Eight acquisitions announced to date in 2010, six in Continental Europe
• Continued strong operating cash flow with operating cash flow to operating profit* of 94%
• Dividend growth continues with 8% increase

* Before intangible amortisation and acquisition related costs

Commenting on today’s results, Michael Roney, Chief Executive of Bunzl, said:

“In spite of the continuing difficult economic conditions, I am pleased to report good growth in profitability and continued strong operating cash flow for the first half of 2010. This, combined with the resumption of acquisition activity which has resulted in us acquiring businesses with annual revenues of £140 million so far this year, gives us a platform and momentum for further growth.”

Bunzl also today announces that it has completed two further acquisitions.

The Company has acquired Cool-Pak, LLC from the Weber Family Trust, Niall Kelly, Jim Borchard and John Murphy and other members of the Weber family. Based in Oxnard, California, Cool-Pak is a leading distributor of plastic and pulp packaging to fruit and vegetable growers in the US. Revenue in the year ended 31 December 2009 was $51.4 million and the gross assets acquired are estimated to be $17 million.

The Company has also acquired A.M. Supply Comércio Representação e Serviços Ltda from Henrique and Pedro Bonan Pinaud de Oliveira. Based in Macaé, Brazil, A.M. Supply is engaged in the supply of personal protection equipment to the oil and petrochemical sectors in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Revenue in the year ended 31 December 2009 was R$7.4 million and the gross assets acquired are estimated to be R$3 million.

Commenting on these acquisitions, Michael Roney said:

“I am pleased that we have acquired a leading position in the developing market of innovative packaging solutions for both growers and food retailers in the US. The team of Cool-Pak is well known for providing quick and creative solutions for their customers and we are excited to have them as part of the Bunzl Group.

“The acquisition of A.M. Supply is another step into the fast growing Brazilian market and will enable us to participate fully in the significant future investments in the offshore exploration programme recently announced by Petrobras, Brazil's state controlled oil company. The business has an excellent reputation and we are delighted to welcome all of their employees to the Group.”

Enquiries:

Download the Half yearly financial report for six months ended 30 June 2010 (PDF 290 KB).

Notes:

A live webcast of today’s presentation to analysts will be available on the Company’s website at www.bunzl.com commencing at 9.30 am. A copy of the presentation will also be available on the website.

If you require a hard copy of this report, a copy is available at www.bunzl.com or please contact the Company by email (investor@bunzl.com) or telephone (+44 (0)20 7725 5000begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +44 (0)20 7725 5000       end_of_the_skype_highlighting).