Wolseley boosted by UK and US markets

Wolseley, the world's largest trade distributor of plumbing, heating and building materials products, has performed well in key UK and US markets in the five months to 31 December 2003.

In a trading statement released to the Stock Exchange this morning, the group revealed that its turnover and trading profit were up 23.1% and 24.4% respectively. There was a slight increase in trading margin.

The UK was Wolseley's "most positive" European market thanks to demand in the repair, maintenance and improvement sector remaining strong. The UK business recorded double-digit sales and trading profit growth, with organic growth of more than 6%.

Wolseley will announce its results for the six months to 31 January on 22 March.