ABM.L Regulatory News (ABM)

19 July 2011

Albemarle & Bond Holdings plc ("Albemarle & Bond" or "the Company")

Directorate Changes

Albemarle & Bond, a leading pawnbroking and retail financial services business, announces the following Board Changes:

Joseph (Joe) Rotunda is retiring from the Board and will be replaced by Geoffrey (Geoff) Brady who will be an independent Non-executive Director. Geoff brings to the Company extensive experience of multi-site businesses having held senior executive roles with Sainsbury, Superdrug, Woolworths, Allied Carpets and Mercedes Benz Retail in the last 15 years. He is currently a Non-executive Director of Harvard International Plc and Non-executive Chairman of Robert Dyas. Geoff's previous Non-executive Director positions include Matalan Plc and Carpetright Plc.

John Farrell was appointed to the board in June 2010 and has quickly made an invaluable contribution to strategic and marketing aspects of the Company's commercial directions. EZCORP, Inc (29.9% shareholder of the Company) has recognised this and has offered him a position on their Board, which he has taken up from yesterday. He remains a Director of Albemarle & Bond but in view of this directorship with EZCORP, ceases to be an independent director. As a result, the Company has commenced a search for an additional independent Director.

Greville Nicholls, Chairman said: "We would like to thank Joe Rotunda for his significant contribution over many years. He was CEO of EZCORP until he retired in 2010 and under his leadership the company increased its market capitalisation from $14m to more than $1bn. During his time at Albemarle & Bond he has contributed greatly, reflecting his knowledge and experience of a similar marketplace in the USA."

Barry Stevenson, Chief Executive Officer said: "We welcome Geoff Brady to the company and are delighted that someone of his experience and stature has agreed to join our board. Geoff's appointment and the broadening of John Farrell's portfolio, further strengthens the board and provides excellent support and expertise for the executive team as it steers the business through the key phases of our expansion plan."

Ends

The following information is disclosed in relation to Schedule 2 paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules:

Geoffrey Brady (aged 57) holds or has held in the last 5 years, the following directorships:

Enquiries

Notes to Editors

Albemarle & Bond Holdings PLC is a leading pawnbroking and retail financial services group with 155 full line branches offering pawnbroking, jewellery retailing, gold buying and financial services through two formats: Albemarle Bond and Herbert Brown. Founded in Bristol in 1986, the Company is now headquartered in Reading and was admitted to AIM in 1995 (TICKER: 'ABM'). Since breaking into profit in 1992, the Company has delivered 19 years of consistent revenue and profit growth.