Trading Statement

Travis Perkins PLC
07 January 2004


7 January 2004

Travis Perkins End-Year Trading Update - Good Progress Points to 2003 Earnings
                         in line with Market Expectations

In a pre-close period trading update issued today (Wednesday 7 January), Travis
Perkins plc, a leading distributor of building materials, timber and plumbing
and heating equipment to the building and related trades, reports that the 2003
preliminary results to be announced on 8 March 2004 are expected to show
earnings in line with market expectations.

The company made good progress in the year to 31 December 2003, helped by
generally favourable market conditions particularly in the first six months.  A
satisfactory second half performance followed a first half in which the group
profit margin exceeded 11 per cent.

The trend of strong cash flow and high interest cover continued during the last
year.  Gearing at 31 December 2003 is expected to have been below 28 per cent
compared with 40 per cent at 31 December 2002.

The group put on 100 new branches during the year to end 2003 on 700.  The
purchase of the Jayhard and B&G plumbing and heating businesses in August and
October added 53 and 12 branches respectively to the Travis Perkins-owned
network, with other acquisitions adding 18 branches and brownfield openings 17.
There were 10 branch consolidations during the year.

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]


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange