Disposal

9 Jun 2008 16:51

Humberts Group PLC  09 June 2008  Humberts (AIM: HUM), the national group of full service estate agents and  valuers, announces today the sale of Blenheim Bishop Estate Agents ("Blenheim Bishop") for a total consideration of £967,000 which represents the cancellation of the outstanding deferred consideration Blenheim Bishop is a Mayfair London based residential estate agency specialising in land and new home developments 

 It has been sold back to the original Vendor. Blenheim Bishop Ltd was purchased in October 2006 for a total consideration of £2,708,000 of which £1,455,000 was paid in cash with the balance representing deferred consideration and acquisition costs.  In the year to 30 September 2007, Blenheim Bishop made a turnover of £1.677.000 and profits of £569,000 on net assets of £987,000.  In recognition of the current financial condition of Humberts Group plc, the  Directors have concluded the disposal of Blenheim Bishop in a very short timeframe and consequently have not had sufficient time to seek prior consent of its shareholders to the terms of the transaction pursuant to Rule 15 of the AIM Rules for Companies. However, the Directors believe that the terms of the transaction are fair and reasonable insofar as its shareholders are concerned. In making this statement the Directors have taken into account the advice of its restructuring advisers.  The proceeds from the sale of Blenheim Bishop will be used to assist the Group's working capital position.  Following the above, Humberts will continue to evaluate its options in the  current challenging market and will update shareholders in due course with  further actions it has taken.

For further information:  Humberts Group plc - 020 7491 8888 John McLean, Executive Chairman Nigel Cartwright, Chief Financial Officer  This information is provided by RNS  The company news service from the London Stock Exchange  END