UNG.L Regulatory News (UNG)

23 Dec 2008 17:25



Immediate release: 23 December 2008

Universe Group PLC

("Universe" or "the Company")

Appointment of a new Finance Director

Universe Group plc (UNG.L) the AIM listed retail and loyalty systems provider, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Robert Smeeton ACA as Finance Director with effect from 1st January 2009.

Robert John Smeeton, aged 40, joined Universe earlier this year, as the finance director of HTEC Limited, the Company's principal operating subsidiary. Robert, who qualified as a chartered accountant while at PricewaterhouseCoopers, was previously at OpSec Security Group plc, an AIM quoted company, latterly as its European Finance Director.

During the past 5 years, Robert has been a director of the following companies: 

Fryco Limited;

OpSec Security Group Holdings (Europe) Limited;

OpSec Security Limited;

The OpSec Security Group Employee Trustee Company Limited;

The AH Quest Trustee Company Limited; 

AOT Holdings (International) Limited; and 

OpSec Crowther plc. 

Mr. Smeeton holds 79,160 ordinary shares of 5p each in the capital of the Company, representing 0.07 per cent. of the Company's issued share capital.

There are no other matters required to be reported pursuant to Schedule Two (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies. 

Mr Edward Paul the Company's current Finance Director and Company Secretary will step down from the board as a director of the Company with effect from 1 January 2009, but will remain as Universe Group Company Secretary.

Paul Cooper, CEO of Universe commented: "Bob is a dynamic business orientated Finance Director with both excellent professional qualifications and experience in shaping growing companies. Thanks also go to Eddie Paul for steering the group through a period of change and I am pleased that we will be able to call upon his experience going forward in his new role."