Trading Statement

Montpellier Group PLC 19 February 2004 Montpellier Group plc ('Montpellier' or the 'Group') Trading Update Montpellier, the construction and property Group announces that following the sale of its Investment Division in late 2003 it has now completed a comprehensive review of its operations. After a disappointing result for the year to 30th September 2003 the effects of the management changes which have been implemented should result in an improvement in the contribution from the Construction Division for the current year, with a particularly encouraging outlook for 2005. Since the year end the Group has disposed of four loss making subsidiaries and is continuing to substantially reduce overheads. Whilst the cost of these actions will impact on the result for the current year the benefits will be visible from 2005 onwards. The Group now comprises nine UK focused construction businesses operating across a wide range of specialist markets. Property assets in the UK and America will continue to generate strong cash flows. After taking account of the impact of the non-recurring cost reduction initiatives that are being implemented, both in the operating subsidiaries and at Group level, it is expected that the Group operating profit for the current year will be not less than the published Group operating profit for the year ended 30th September 2003. In the absence of unforeseen circumstances the Board expects at a minimum to maintain the dividend while continuing its policy of further dividend growth in line with improved trading performance. The Company has an ungeared balance sheet with good cash reserves and is well placed to take advantage of further selective acquisition opportunities. 19 February 2004 ENQUIRIES: Montpellier Group plc Tel: 020 7522 3200 Paul Sellars, Group Managing Director Rowan Dartington & Co. Limited Tel: 0117 933 0020 John Wakefield Barrie Newton College Hill Tel: 020 7457 2020 Matthew Gregorowski Mark Garraway This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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