Chairman's Statement

Travis Perkins PLC
18 April 2000

     
     Travis Perkins Make 'Satisfactory Start' to Current Year



'In  line  with  our  expectations  the  company  has  made   a
satisfactory start to the year 2000', Tony Travis, chairman of  builders
merchants Travis Perkins plc, told shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in
London today.

'We have achieved a leading position in our industry in the last twelve months
and look forward to the further benefits to come from the development of
our acquisitions.'

In  a  programme of vigorous expansion last year Travis Perkins
acquired 18 individual businesses, adding 165 branches to its UK network.  By
the  end of 1999 it was trading from 454  branches.  The two largest
acquisitions were Keyline, with 101 branches, in June and the 38 branch Sharpe &
Fisher in December.

Expansion  has  continued  into the current  year  with   three
further acquisitions including the nine branch Cumbria-based Broombys Limited.


Issued   on   behalf  of  Travis  Perkins  plc   by   Tavistock
Communications  Limited (contact Keith  Payne,  tel:  [phone]
2288).