Ferguson plc is a leading distributor of plumbing and heating products. Headquartered in Winnersh Triangle, UK, the company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and as a component of FTSE 100 Index. The company was launched in 1887 by Herbert Austin under the name Wolseley to manufacture sheep shearing machineries. Herbert established the company after gaining experience in the use of sheep shearing machines in Melbourne, Australia.
In 2017, the company name was rebranded to Ferguson plc to blend with its largest US-based operations. Ferguson Enterprises was acquired in the US in 1982 to distribute plumbing supplies. However, the firm still operates as Wolseley in Canada and the UK. It has three key brands; Ferguson Enterprises (US), William Wilson (UK), and Wolseley (the UK and Canada). Since most of its earnings are generated by Ferguson plc brand, the firm opted to rebrand its entire operation with the brand name, Ferguson plc.