MOSB.L Regulatory News (MOSB)

30 Jul 2007 07:36

Moss Bros Group PLC30 July 2007 MOSS BROS GROUP PLC PRE-CLOSE STATEMENT Moss Bros Group Plc, the UK hire, formalwear and fashion retailer, today reportson trading ahead of entering a close period for the half year ended 28 July2007. • Following strengthening in sales over the last 10 weeks (compared with the equivalent period in the previous year), like for like sales for the first 26 weeks are up 2.5%; compared to being down 0.8% for the first 16 weeks • Total retail margin has been maintained • As previously reported, property and distribution costs for the first half have increased ahead of inflation Philip Mountford, Chief Executive, commented: "The Company has taken action to improve performance following a tough finalquarter last year and a slow start to the current year; these actions haveproduced better results. Sales have shown progressive improvement through thefirst half compared with last year; in particular during the last 10 weeks ofthe half. We are encouraged that total like for like sales have increased by2.5% over the first half. Our management team is planning for the trading environment to remain demanding.The Company is encouraged by recent performance trends and believes it cancontinue the improvement through the more significant second half of the year." The announcement of the Company's half-year results will be made on 27 September2007. There have been no material changes in the financial position of theCompany since the publication of the Report and Accounts in respect of thefinancial year ended 27 January 2007. For further information: Moss Bros Group Plc: 07810 055 799Philip Mountford, Chief ExecutiveMichael Hitchcock, Finance Director Tulchan Communications: 0207 353 4200Celia Gordon Shute This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange