Chairman's AGM Statement

ANGLIAN GROUP PLC 27 July 1999 Contact: Eddie Boss, Chief Executive Robert Aitken, Finance Director Anglian Group PLC Tel no: 01603 787000 Tom Baldock Financial Dynamics Tel no: 0171 831 3113 Chairman's AGM Statement Speaking at the company's Annual General Meeting today, David Perry, Anglian Group's Chairman said: 'The last three years has seen a fundamental improvement in the group's earnings growth and cash generation. We also made a special payment to shareholders of £44.0m - 50p per share on 21 May 1999 - a direct outcome and demonstration of the benefit to be derived from the strong cash generation of the group. Consumer home improvements turnover benefited from a strong sales drive in the second half. During the third quarter the Living Design operation was restructured as a specialist direct sales branded kitchen company and we now anticipate a useful contribution to future group earnings. Commercial building products turnover was up as we gained share in the public sector refurbishment market and benefited from increased PVCu market demand in new house building. Manufacturing production increased and new improved glass toughening plant and sealed unit production equipment is being installed. A major IT programme successfully went live recently which, although inevitably impacting short term on manufacturing output, will bring operational benefit as the year progresses. We see potential to continue our growth through a combination of product and market development, productivity improvement, and benefit from growth in PVCu demand. Since the year end, consumer confidence has continued to hold. We are seeing increased order intake in both consumer home improvements and commercial building products markets. However, the increased turnover will come through more in the second half year. The first half profits will continue to benefit from the impact of measures taken over the recent years. We are in advance discussions with a view to filling the vacant position of non executive director, and hope to be in a position to make an announcement shortly. Finally, I would like to thank our employees and suppliers for their continued commitment to our company's success.'
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