Trading Statement

Persimmon PLC
27 June 2001

                                                                27th June 2001



                        TRADING AND ACQUISITION UPDATE



Persimmon plc, the UK's leading housebuilder, is today holding a seminar and
site visit to update analysts on progress with the integration of Beazer and
on current trading.


*   Successful integration of Beazer Group plc substantially completed
*   Synergies estimate increased to more than £33 million, including
    procurement
*   Reorganisation costs in line with original estimates of £12 million
*   Sales of £1.2 billion already achieved for the current year
*   Market outlook positive



The c. £610 million acquisition of Beazer Group plc was successfully concluded
on 14 March 2001. The integration process is progressing extremely well and is
now substantially completed. Persimmon has fully integrated Beazer into
Persimmon's North and South Divisions. Synergies and procurement benefits are
already being realised and the Group is on track to deliver in excess of £33
million of annualised savings from the acquisition. Reorganisation costs are
projected to be in line with original estimates of £12 million.

Persimmon has consolidated its position as the UK's leading housebuilder with
the industry's largest landbank. The Group has now closed 12 offices and has
reduced staff numbers by 660. We now operate three divisions: Persimmon South,
Persimmon North and our premium brand, Charles Church.

Persimmon's continued focus on working capital management and cash generation
has ensured that debt levels are being successfully reduced and the Group
remains confident of achieving a 70 per cent gearing target by the year-end.

Sales volumes in the enlarged group are very encouraging and customer demand
remains strong. We have already achieved sales of approximately £1.2 billion
for the current year. The original Persimmon business has performed
particularly well.

Average selling prices continue to advance and the effects of Persimmon's
mantra of increasing profit per plot will ensure that margins continue to
grow. Persimmon's management took immediate action to achieve improved margins
on the former Beazer developments.

Duncan Davidson, Chairman of Persimmon, commented: 'The integration of Beazer
is going very well. We are certain that by applying the well-tried Persimmon
business principles we will achieve significant improvements in the old Beazer
business. Shareholders can expect to see considerable benefits from the
enlarged Group.

'We have a great opportunity ahead of us. John White and I would like to
welcome our new staff as we ensure that Persimmon becomes the model for
profitable housebuilding in the UK.'



                                    -ENDS-

For further information, please contact:
Persimmon plc                                       Finsbury Group
John White, Group Chief Executive                   Jenna Littler
Mike Killoran, Group Finance Director               Tel: [phone]
Tel: [phone]                                   Faeth Finnemore
                                                    Mobile: [phone]



Print resolution images are available for the media to download from
www.newscast.co.uk