AGM Trading Update

Future Network PLC 29 May 2002 29 May 2002 THE FUTURE NETWORK PLC AGM STATEMENT: TRADING UPDATE At today's Annual General Meeting of The Future Network plc, the international specialist consumer magazine publisher, Chairman Roger Parry gave the following update to shareholders. I am pleased to report today that our Group no longer has any net debt. As at 30 April 2002, the group had modest cash balances amounting to £2.0m. This compares favourably with the high levels of net debt a year ago, which peaked at some £78m at 30 June 2001. Net debt was subsequently reduced to under £8m by 31 December 2001 and the group is now debt-free. The Board continues to be encouraged by year-on-year growth in Group revenues from continuing operations. For the first four months of 2002, circulation revenue, which last year accounted for approximately two-thirds of Group revenues, grew by 23% compared with the same period last year while advertising revenues were 4% lower than for the same period last year. Total Group revenue increased by 15% from continuing activities. As we announced with our annual results on 19 March, our success for 2002 overall will be determined primarily by our ability to capitalise on the continued growth of the games market. The video games market continues to show encouraging growth. Overall, the Group's business continues to perform in line with the board's expectations for 2002. Shareholders are reminded that historically, Future has derived the majority of its profits from the second half of the year, particularly the fourth quarter. Although there has been encouraging trading in the first four months, it is too early to estimate the full-year outcome. The Group's results for the half-year to 30 June are expected to be announced on Wednesday 4 September 2002. Enquiries: The Future Network plc Greg Ingham, Chief Executive Tel: 01225 442244 John Bowman, Finance Director Hogarth Partnership James Longfield/Georgina Briscoe Tel: 020 7357 9477 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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