RNS Number:7303R
Heiton Group PLC
06 November 2003

                        Strictly Embargoed until 7.00 am
                           Thursday 6th November 2003

 Atlantic Homecare announces 220 new jobs as part of Euro10 million expansion plan

Atlantic Homecare, one of the leading DIY and homecare retailers in Ireland has
today, (Thursday November 6th) announced that 220 new jobs are to be created
under a Euro10 million investment by parent company, Heiton Group plc.  The
announcement, which is part of a large regional expansion plan by Atlantic
Homecare, coincides with the official opening of Ireland's largest Atlantic
Homecare store in Galway tomorrow and the announcement of three new stores
planned for Tullamore, Wexford and Limerick.

40 new jobs have been created in Galway with a further 180 jobs planned for the
remaining three stores to be opened in 2004 and 2005.  The planned openings are
in line with the company's strategy to service growing consumer demand in the
rapidly expanding Irish home improvement market. This announcement will bring
the number of Atlantic Homecare stores in the Irish market to 16, which in total
will then employ approximately 700 people.

Commenting on the expansion, Paul Lynch, Managing Director of Heiton Retail
said, "This is a very exciting development for Atlantic Homecare.  The creation
of three new stores plus our store in Galway, which is the largest Irish owned
DIY and homecare store, will have a positive impact on the Irish economy both
through the direct creation of jobs but also through the knock on effect on the
Irish companies who supply 70% of our products.

This announcement forms part of our regional expansion strategy which is to
locate new stores in prime, densely populated locations around the country.
Huge potential for growth exists in the rapidly expanding Irish Home improvement
market and Atlantic Homecare is well positioned to tap into this opportunity.

The growth in the housing market outside Dublin, coupled with the extension of
commuting distances, means that the consumer is looking for DIY and Homecare
solutions closer to home rather than having to travel to superstores on the
outskirts of the capital.  We are bringing quality products at competitive
prices to people on their doorstep"

The four stores in total will comprise of 189,000 sq ft of prime retail space
and each store will feature over 22,000 different products.

The DIY market in Ireland has seen major changes in its traditional customer
base over recent years.  To reflect this, Atlantic Homecare has introduced a
number of new ranges and products, with a greater emphasis on interior design,
soft furnishings and garden products, to cater for its customers who are now
predominantly female.

Atlantic Homecare is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Heiton Group plc.  Heiton
Group is the parent company for Heiton Trade (Heiton Buckley, Heiton Steel Cork
Builders Providers, Wrights Window Systems and Sam Hire) Heiton Retail (Atlantic
Homecare and In-House at the Panelling Centre) and Heiton UK (Cooper Clarke and
Willis).



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For further information, please contact Orla Benson at Drury Communications at
01 260 5000 or 087 8033262

Leo Martin                    Paul Lynch
Chief Executive               Managing Director
Heiton Group plc              Heiton Retail
01 403 4002                   01 403 4020
087 256 3296                  086 813 6119




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