ACT.L Regulatory News (ACT)

20 Jan 2005 07:00

Actif Group PLC20 January 2005 Actif Group plc Trading update Christmas 2004 Trading Statement Actif Group plc announces that like for like sales in its retail business forthe 5 weeks to 8th January 2005 were up by 6.0% on the previous year. This salesimprovement was driven by an increase in Christmas gift products, a generallyfavourable reaction to the Autumn / Winter product offer and an earlier start tothe Winter Sale. Cumulatively, like for like retail sales for the 23 weeks to 8th January 2005were down 2.5% on the previous year. As reported in the 2004 Annual Report inOctober, the financial year got off to a poor start as we were up against verystrong comparative sales figures in August, due to the exceptionally hot summerof 2003. Since then, retail sales have been on a recovering trend as the Autumn/ Winter collections have been well received. Looking ahead however, the Board endorses the concerns that are being expressedelsewhere regarding the outlook for retail in 2005 and we remain cautious aboutthe impact this could have on our retail sales and wholesale forward ordersduring the second half of our financial year. Mark Evans, Chief Executive, commented: "The Christmas trading period has beenencouraging for our retail business and it has helped to recover most of theshortfall we saw in this part of the Group during August. However, we remaincautious about prospects for the second half of our financial year given theuncertainty over the economic outlook for 2005." Enquiries: Mark Evans, Chief Executive, Actif Group plc Tel: 0207 462 8810Julian Ghinn, Finance Director, Actif Group plc Tel: 0207 462 8801 Jessica Rouleau, gcg hudson sandler Tel: 0207 796 4133 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange