UNG.L Regulatory News (UNG)

16 Jan 2006 07:00

Universe Group PLC16 January 2006 16 JANUARY 2006 UNIVERSE GROUP PLC ("Universe" or the "Company") Result of the scrip alternative and Director shareholdings Universe, the retail and information systems company, today announces that,under the Company's Scrip Dividend Scheme, shareholders representing 25.3% ofthe ordinary shares have elected to receive shares in lieu of cash in respect ofall or part of the Interim Dividend for the six months to 30 June 2005. Underthe terms of the Scrip Dividend, electing shareholders receive new ordinaryshares of 5p each ("New Ordinary Shares") at an effective price of 18.9 penceper share in lieu of the interim dividend of 0.25 pence per share. As a result, a total 205,232 New Ordinary Shares have been allotted. Applicationhas been made for the New Ordinary Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM anddealings are expected to commence on 19 January 2006. The following Directors elected to receive the Scrip Dividend alternative inrespect of their entire shareholdings and as a result their shareholdings are: Previous Scrip Current Percentage Ray Mackie 8,417,327 95,070 8,512,397 13.48%Barrie Brinkman 874,579 11,568 886,147 1.40%Catherine Wines 240,051 3,174 243,225 0.39%Adrian Grinsell 59,751 790 60,541 0.10%Eddie Paul 50,595 668 51,263 0.08%Keith Buchanan 39,015 516 39,531 0.06% For further information: Universe Group plc 020 7287 0888Ray Mackie, Group Chief Executive Charles Stanley & Co Limited 020 7739 8200Russell Cook Bishopsgate Communications Ltd. 020 7430 1600Dominic BarrettoFran Read This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange