Appointment of Non-Executive Chairman

Grafton Group plc

Appointment of Chairman

On 31 March 2016 Grafton Group plc ("Grafton" or "the Group"), the international Builders Merchanting and DIY Group, announced the planned retirement of Mr. Michael Chadwick as Non-Executive Director and Chairman and the appointment of Mr. Michael Roney as Chairman designate to succeed Mr. Chadwick. The Group confirms that Mr. Roney has succeeded Mr. Chadwick as Chairman with effect from 1 January 2017.

Commenting on the announcement Mr. Michael Roney, Chairman of Grafton Group plc said:

"We wish Michael Chadwick continued success in the future and thank him sincerely for his remarkable contribution and legacy to Grafton over 41 years including 26 years as Executive Chairman and for his excellent stewardship of the Board as Non-Executive Chairman for the last five and a half years."

Commenting on the announcement Mr. Michael Chadwick said:

"I am delighted that the Board has chosen Mike Roney to succeed me as Chairman. His outstanding track record during a ten and a half year tenure as Chief Executive of Bunzl plc and his international business experience demonstrate that the Board will benefit in the years ahead from his strategic insights and leadership skills."

For further information please contact:

Grafton Group plc (+353 1 2160600)

Gavin Slark Chief Executive Officer

David Arnold Chief Financial Officer

Murray + 353 1 498 0300

Pat Walsh

MHP Communications + 44 20 3128 8100

James White

About Grafton

Grafton Group plc is an international distributor of building materials to trade customers and has leading regional or national positions in the merchanting markets in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium. Grafton is also the market leader in the DIY retailing market in Ireland and is the largest manufacturer of dry mortar in the UK. Grafton trades from circa 650 branches and has circa 11,000 employees. Its portfolio of brands include Selco, Buildbase, Plumbase, MacBlair and CPI EuroMix in the UK; Chadwicks, Heiton Buckley and Woodie's in Ireland; Isero in the Netherlands and YouBuild and MPRO in Belgium.

For further information visit www.graftonplc.com