Trading Statement
04 Julio 2003 - 2:05AM
UK Regulatory
RNS Number:1657N
AGA Foodservice Group PLC
04 July 2003
4th July 2003
AGA FOODSERVICE GROUP
Pre-close interim trading statement
In line with best practice, Aga Foodservice Group is issuing this pre-close
trading update in advance of the interim results announcement for the six months
ended 30th June 2003 on 5th September 2003.
UK consumer operations have continued to perform well with Aga-Rayburn achieving
good year on year growth. Rangemaster has also had a pleasing first half
assisted by strong current product ranges in both cookers and sinks. Sales at
Fired Earth are well ahead of last year, mostly driven by its new shop opening
programme. In the US, Domain has been hampered by continued mixed US consumer
markets and traded down on the first half of 2002.
The UK bakery business has performed satisfactorily in spite of the
uncertainties in the supermarket sector. Millers facilities management contract
to maintain Sainsbury's bakery estate is underway. The weak hotel and pub
markets continue to depress performance at Williams and Falcon.
In the US there were good performances at Belshaw, the doughnut equipment
business and at Victory Refrigeration. On the continent, the market conditions
faced by Bongard, a second half weighted business, were mixed.
The group's cash flow and balance sheet remains strong. In September the Group
expects to announce the results of the latest pension scheme actuarial valuation
as at 31st December 2002. The initial indications are that funding costs will
not increase.
The results in the first half of the year taken overall will be little changed
to the first half of 2002 and the current outlook for the full year continues to
meet market expectations in spite of challenging market conditions.
- Ends -
Enquiries:
Aga Foodservice Group 0121 711 6015
William McGrath, Chief Executive
Shaun Smith, Finance Director
Brunswick 020 7404 5959
Jonathan Glass
Simon Sporborg
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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