UNG.L Regulatory News (UNG)

31 May 2007 11:25

Universe Group PLC31 May 2007 For immediate release: 31 May 2007 Universe Group PLC ("Universe" or the "Company") AGM, Trading Update and Expansion of Sales and Marketing Team Universe, the retail and loyalty systems Company, announces that at the AnnualGeneral Meeting held earlier today, all the resolutions proposed were dulypassed. At the meeting the Chairman reported that it is trading in-line withmarket forecasts. Universe continues to focus on implementing a new sales and marketing strategyto drive growth, in-line with statements made at the time of its recentsuccessful placing. As part of this ongoing process the Company has nowreorganised into three sales driven divisions: •Retail - petrol forecourt managed systems; •International Oils and Loyalty - online payment and loyalty schemes for global customers; and •Manufacturing Services. Universe has also strengthened the sales team at HTEC Limited ("HTEC"), theCompany's operating subsidiary, with the appointment of two new senior salesdirectors. Charles Goulding has joined Universe to manage the re-organisationand execute the growth strategy for HTEC, and Darren Graham will join on July 12007 as Head of the Retail Division. Charlie is an experienced sales professional with relevant experience at IBM andVerizon. Charlie's role will be to develop the sales organisation to match thegrowth targets set by Universe's Board. Darren has a wealth of relevant forecourt industry experience and will beresponsible for sales activity and support of key customers, including WmMorrison Supermarkets plc and ASDA Group Limited as well as the independentforecourt owner groups. Commenting on the announcement of these appointments Paul Cooper, ChiefExecutive of Universe said: "These key appointments are a further step in thestrategy to take HTEC from its position as a leading UK supplier to the petrolforecourt sector, to that of a truly international operation, building on itsstrong customer base. With the new financing in place, we are building a productand sales strategy focusing upon growth and improving shareholder returns." -ends- For further information please contact: Universe Group plc Charles Stanley Securities Tavistock CommunicationsJohn Scholes, Chairman Russell Cook John WestPaul Cooper, Chief Executive Carl Holmes Andrew DunnTel: 02380 689510 Tel: 020 7149 6000 Tel: 020 7920 3150 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange