Logistics Review

Marks & Spencer Group PLC 27 March 2003 (Thursday, 27 March 2002) MARKS & SPENCER ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF ITS GENERAL MERCHANDISE LOGISTICS REVIEW Marks and Spencer Group p.l.c. today announces that, as a result of its UK General Merchandise logistics review, it has reduced its contractors for warehousing from four to two. Marks & Spencer has awarded a contract to Exel to operate seven UK warehouses. Christian Salvesen will continue to manage its current three UK warehouses. GIST will continue to operate the majority of our Food Supply Chain and Tibbett & Britten remains a partner in our General Merchandise transport network. This decision, together with our earlier announcement of the proposed closure of Hayes, will incur an exceptional cost of approximately £35m this financial year. It will generate savings of £20m on an annualised basis and supports the business' previously stated intention to reduce operating costs as a percentage to sales. Marks & Spencer is in preliminary discussions with existing owners of the distribution centres with a view to acquiring the property assets which will operate under service contracts. This arrangement will provide greater operational flexibility in the future. David Norgrove, Director of Clothing & International at Marks & Spencer commented: 'The UK General Merchandise logistics review aims to streamline Marks & Spencer's supply chain, from raw material to customer, to deliver aspirational products, with speed and flexibility, at outstanding values. 'This was a very difficult decision. We had four excellent tenders and we thank GIST and Tibbett & Britten for the very professional services that they have offered us in General Merchandise warehousing over many years.' -END- For investor enquiries, contact: Investor Relations 020 7268 4195 For media enquiries, contact: Corporate Press Office 020 7268 1967 / 6166 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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