In its regular trading statement prior to entering its close period, Wolseley PLC (Reading, U.K.) offered a preview of the preliminary results for the year ended July 31, 2003, due to be announced Sept. 23.

On a constant currency basis, sales and trading profit for the 11 months ended June 30 are up by 7.1% and 2.7%, respectively, the company said.

Regarding its North American Plumbing and Heating Distribution operations, Wolseley said sales for U.S. plumbing operations in local currency for the 11 months to June 30 are up 6.2% vs. the prior year. The industrial and commercial sector remains the weakest segment and is unlikely to show any significant improvement before spring 2004, Wolseley said.