End Year Trading Update

Travis Perkins PLC
9 January 2002

9 January 2002


  Travis Perkins End-Year Trading Update - 'Sound Performance' 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 2001.
The preliminary results for that year will be announced on 11 March 2002.

Against a generally favourable market background, Travis Perkins traded well
in the year to 31 December 2001.  The sound second half performance
complemented first half results which produced a 10 per cent overall profit
margin for the group.  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 saw 18 branches being added to the network and in
addition 11 greenfield sites were opened.  At the end of the year Travis
Perkins was trading from a total of 502 branches.

The trend of strong cash flow and high interest cover continued.  Gearing at
31 December 2001 is expected to be below 32 per cent compared with 38.1 per
cent at the half year and 53.5 per cent at 31 December 2000.

Press Enquiries:

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


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