AGM Statement

Derwent Valley Holdings PLC 20 May 2004 Derwent Valley Holdings plc AGM Statement Derwent Valley Holdings plc ("Derwent Valley" or "the Group") is a commercial property investor focused on Central London. The Group invests not only in the West End, but also in improving locations where it perceives future value. At today's Annual General Meeting, John Ivey, Chairman, made the following comments: "In my statement of 18th March, which accompanied our 2003 results, I expressed our confidence that a return to growth in the West End market was close at hand. Today, I am pleased to confirm that we are indeed seeing an upturn in letting activity, both in the West End and in our other London villages. "Since 18th March, we have continued to make progress in letting the available space within the portfolio. From the start of this year to the time of my statement, we had achieved lettings, or had property under offer, which eventually would add £2.3 million to our rent roll. This momentum has been maintained and that figure now stands at £3.4 million. "In a market where acquisition opportunities are hard to source, we were pleased to announce today the £77 million purchase from Chelsfield plc of three West End office properties with reversionary and refurbishment potential. Details of this transaction can be found in a separate stock exchange announcement or on the company's website. "Within our existing portfolio, we are now on site at New Garden House, Hatton Garden, EC1. This 166,000 sq. ft redevelopment is the principal scheme currently being undertaken by Derwent Valley. We are also progressing planning applications for a number of other projects, in the West End, at Paddington and within our Islington portfolio. "The management team remains firmly focused on its strategy of delivering above average returns to shareholders through creative planning, the highest standards in architecture and design and enterprising lease management. I have every confidence that continued implementation of this strategy will enable us to achieve another successful year." 20th May 2004 ENQUIRIES: DERWENT VALLEY HOLDINGS PLC 020 7659 3000 John Burns, Managing Director COLLEGE HILL 020 7457 2020 Gareth David Email: gareth.david@collegehill.com -------------------------------------- This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
UK 100