Trading Update

Travis Perkins PLC
08 January 2003

                                                                  8 January 2003


  Travis Perkins End-Year Trading Update - 'Continued steady progress' in the
                                  second half.


Travis Perkins plc, a leading distributor of timber, building materials and
plumbing and heating equipment to the building and related trades, today issues
a pre-close period trading update for the year ended 31 December 2002.  The
preliminary results for that year will be announced on 10 March 2003 and are
anticipated to produce earnings in line with market expectations.

Travis Perkins traded well in the year to 31 December 2002, against a generally
favourable market background particularly in the first four months.  A steady
second half performance complemented first half results which produced an
overall profit margin for the group of over 11%.  Results for the year as a
whole were driven by steady growth across the business.

The group consolidated and improved its position in the UK market for builders
merchants.  Acquisitions added 99 branches to the network, including 48 from the
acquisition of City Plumbing and 20 from the acquisition of CCF.  In addition 9
greenfield sites were opened.  At the end of the year, Travis Perkins was
trading from a total of 610 branches.

The trend of strong cash flow and high interest cover continued.  Gearing at 31
December 2002 is expected to be below 35 per cent compared with 19.8 per cent at
the half year and 32 per cent at 31 December 2001.


Press Enquiries:

Frank McKay                                     Paul Hampden Smith
Chief Executive                                 Finance Director
Travis Perkins plc                              Travis Perkins plc
Tel: [phone] (office)                      Tel: [phone] (office)
Tel: [phone] (mobile)                      Tel: [phone] (mobile)



Issued on behalf of Travis Perkins plc by Tavistock Communications Limited
(Contact Keith Payne, tel: [phone])


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