Character Regulatory News (CCT)

27 Jul 2005 16:23

Character Group PLC27 July 2005 Issued on behalf of The Character Group plcDate: Wednesday 27 July 2005 Immediate Release The Character Group plc (the "Group" or "Character Group" or the "Company") Further to the announcement made by the Group on 6 July 2005 regarding one ofits Directors, Enrico Preziosi, the Board has been made aware that the Italianfootball governing body (the FIGC) has found the Genoa Football and Cricket Club("Genoa Club") of which, Enrico Preziosi is President and a major shareholder,guilty of committing a sporting fraud. Subsequently, the Disciplinary Council of the FIGC has demoted Genoa Club to theThird Division (C1) of the Italian football league and also given a five-yearban from any involvement in sporting business to Enrico Preziosi. It is understood that the Genoa Club and Enrico Preziosi will be appealingagainst these rulings made by the Disciplinary Council of the FIGC to both theC.A.F. in Rome and in the Courts of Justice. However, in the interim, EnricoPreziosi has decided to resign today as President of the Genoa Club although heremains a substantial shareholder. No other director of the Character Group has an interest in the Genoa Club. Enrico Preziosi is President and the largest shareholder in Giochi PreziosiS.p.A. ("GP") which holds 22.5% of the ordinary shares in the Character Group.Recently it was announced that 3i had acquired a 40% shareholding in GP. The Board of Character Group wishes to reiterate that it believes that thismatter has not had nor will have any direct or indirect effect on the Group orits trading relationship with Giochi Preziosi S.p.A. The Company will keep the market and shareholders informed as appropriate. Enquiries:Richard King, ChairmanKiran Shah, Group Finance Director Fiona Tooley, DirectorThe Character Group plc Citigate Dewe RogersonTel: +44 (0) 20 8949 5898 Tel: +44 (0) 121 455 8370Mobile: +44 (0) 7836 250150 (RK) Mobile: +44 (0) 7785 703523 (FMT) www.charactergroup.plc.uk--------------------------- This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange