Trading Statement

Caffyns PLC 15 April 2005 Caffyns plc ('the Company') Statement - MG Rover Following the appointment of administrators to MG Rover Group Limited ('MG Rover'), the Board considers that an exceptional charge will need to be made in the Company's financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2005. The Company trades from eight locations with this franchise. Turnover generated from MG Rover dealerships of the Company in the six months ended 30 September 2004 was £15.8m and operating profit was £355,000. At 31 March 2005, the Company had stocks of MG Rover new and used vehicles amounting to approximately £3.6m (including £1.5m consignment stock) representing 16% of the Company's total vehicle stock. The branch in Tunbridge Wells will continue to operate under the Vauxhall franchise which is already in place at these premises. The MG Rover branches in Eastbourne, Brighton and Worthing are in the process of being re-franchised. The branches in Lewes and Uckfield will continue to trade as used car and after-sales operations. The alternatives available to the Company with regard to the dealerships in Seaford and Ramsgate are currently being considered. The Company was owed £54,000 by MG Rover at 31 March 2005. In addition, further exceptional charges may be required against the value of the Company's vehicle stocks noted above, as well as warranty obligations which may no longer be funded by MG Rover. The full costs of the provisions necessary are likely to have become clear by the time the preliminary announcement of the Company's results for the year ended 31 March 2005 is made on 27 May 2005. Simon Caffyn, Chief Executive of Caffyns said: 'Since the mid 1990's, in line with MG Rover's declining market share, we have taken action to reduce our exposure from 21 MG Rover dealerships to eight. Similarly, we have in recent months taken steps to reduce our exposure to MG Rover vehicle stocks. We have priced our stock attractively and demand for these vehicles is strong. Whilst there will be some disruption, our actions over the last few years and our swift response to the current situation has ensured that this is kept to a minimum. Our move away from MG Rover and our increasing representation of strong and successful franchises, will improve the core structure of the Company in line with our strategic plan.' For further information: Simon Caffyn, Chief Executive, Caffyns plc Mark Harrison, Finance Director, Caffyns plc 01323 730201 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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Caffyns (CFYN)
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