Acquisition of Tilbury Douglas Homes Limited

Persimmon PLC
22 February 2000

                                                                              
                 ACQUISITION OF TILBURY DOUGLAS HOMES LIMITED
                           FROM TILBURY DOUGLAS PLC
                                       
Persimmon  plc, one of the largest UK housebuilders, has today  completed  the
acquisition of Tilbury Douglas Homes Limited from Tilbury Douglas  plc  for  a
total  cash consideration of £19.5m.  Persimmon will acquire as part  of  this
transaction  16  new  sites to add to their already existing  developments  in
Scotland plus a significant involvement in partnership housing, extending this
area of activity for Persimmon in Scotland.

The  acquisition  of  Tilbury Douglas Homes Limited adds  approximately  1,000
plots  to  Persimmon's  Scottish landbank which now totals  3,100  plots  with
Planning Permission.

In  1999  Persimmon completed approximately 600 homes in Scotland and  Tilbury
Douglas  Homes approximately 400.  We expect to complete well over 1000  homes
in Scotland during 2000.

John  White, Group Chief Executive of Persimmon, said: 'Persimmon has achieved
tremendous  growth  in  Scotland having significantly increased  market  share
through organic growth and acquisition.  Our last acquisition from Laing Homes
was successfully integrated and I believe that the Tilbury Douglas acquisition
will provide similar support to further improve growth and profitability.'

Persimmon  plc's preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 1999  will
be announced on Monday 6 March 2000.

Enquiries:   John White, Group Chief Executive, Tel: [phone]
             Mike Killoran, Group Finance Director, Tel: [phone]
             John Millar, Regional Chairman, Tel: [phone]
             Michael Sandler/Justin Strong, Hudson Sandler, Tel: [phone]