UNG.L Regulatory News (UNG)

12 May 2006 11:56

Universe Group PLC12 May 2006 12 MAY 2006 UNIVERSE GROUP PLC ("Universe" or the "Company") AGM STATEMENT Ray Mackie, Chairman of Universe Group plc, the AIM listed retail andinformation systems company, made the following statement at the AGM heldearlier today, where all the resolutions were duly passed: "Universe has had a comparatively quieter start to 2006. At HTEC, our sales inthe first quarter were behind those for the first quarter of 2005 but this comesafter a particularly buoyant start to last year. Our current level of orderswill benefit mostly the second half of this year and 2007. Overall, the Board isconfident of a good result for the year as a whole. "Looking further ahead, the Company is continuing to develop a strong range ofproducts and we remain particularly excited by the opportunities which are nowpresenting themselves for our PIN enabled unattended payment system and also forour online services at HTEC. "The Currency Division had a respectable level of activity, given marketconditions for tourism in Paris at this time of the year and despite the riotsand strikes that have been a feature of Paris recently. "The Board has looked closely at our strategy and believe that this firmlyrevolves around the business of HTEC. We have completed the restructuring of ourCurrency Division and now that it has achieved sustained profitability, we willcommence a process which will lead to a disposal of this business. We believethe nine shops will be a superb addition to potential acquirers' portfolio. Thesites are situated in all the important tourist locations including Sacre Coeur,Eiffel Tower, St Germain des Pres, Notre Dame, Rivoli and Opera. "We expect to announce the interim results for the six months ending 30 June2006 on 4th September 2006." --ENDS-- Enquiries: Universe Group plc 02380 689 510Ray Mackie, Chairman Charles Stanley Securities 020 7953 2000Russell Cook Bishopsgate Communications Limited 020 7430 1600Dominic BarrettoFran Read This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange