AGM Statement

Claims Direct PLC 19 September 2001 Claims Direct plc ('The Company') AGM Statement At the Company's AGM held today, the new Chief Executive, Ronnie Henderson, made the following remarks to shareholders: 'I find myself in an unusual, if not a unique situation. Claims Direct was listed on the London Stock Exchange just 14 months ago and in that short period, its business model has collapsed and in its year to 31 March 2001, a profit expectation of £20 million has turned to a loss of £20 million. This has led to: * The collapse of the share price * The removal or resignation of all directors on the board at the time of flotation * Information gathering by the Department of Trade and Industry * and a change in the control of the business. In addition, the Company is in contested litigation with a number of its franchisees. The Company is still loss making and although losses had been falling in June and July they increased in August, primarily as a result of the costs of litigation and the defence of the bid from Barker Securities. Nevertheless, the tireless efforts of the management and staff have led to a rise in new business in July and August, although we are still some way short of breakeven, which is estimated to be around 2300 accepted cases per month. June totalled 1100 accepted cases, July, 1600 and August, 2000, respectively. As you will be aware, the Company was visited earlier this year by representatives of the DTI. The Company co- operated fully and provided all necessary answers to their enquiries. Therefore, it is clear that Claims Direct has a number of challenges which it must address immediately: 1. To return the company to profitability 2. To repair its reputation with its customers, its business partners, City institutions and the media. 3. To re-establish working relationships with our franchisees and end the litigious situation which presently exists. Of all of these issues, it is the latter which I believe is the one which needs to be most urgently addressed. Franchisees When we come to a resolution of our franchisee arrangements, I believe that all other matters will fall into place. There are only 2 solutions to our franchisees' problems: * We agree a new contract to the benefit of both parties. I shall, after discussions with franchisees, be preparing new terms before the intended new business model is introduced. In the meantime, I urge those franchisees who have not yet accepted the temporary arrangements to do so without delay in order that the Company can concentrate on revitalising the business. * Earlier this year, franchisees were offered an exit package which was open until 20th March. Some 90 franchisees took advantage of this offer and exited the business. I sincerely hope that we can agree new terms with all concerned but if we cannot, then we shall look at new proposals to allow franchisees to terminate their agreements ahead of schedule. Litigation by its very nature is both costly and confrontational and is not conducive to a negotiated settlement, so every effort is being made to ensure we return as quickly as possible to a harmonious business partnership. I believe that when our differences are resolved, we can go a long way to improving our image and return the Company to profitability. Callery vs Gray In July 2001, the Court of Appeal gave Judgment on the issues in the case of Callery v Gray. Although this was not a Claims Direct case, we accepted the Court's invitation to any interested party to give evidence. There were three Judgements handed down and although the Court did not go as far as we would have liked, in giving certainty to the industry, there were a number of positive issues decided in favour of the After The Event insurance industry, of which Claims Direct is a leading member. As a result of this, we are continuing with our own test cases which are due to be heard by the Court of Appeal during early October. Future of Claims Direct's business model It was made clear in the Callery vs Gray Judgment that our business model would have to change going forward. The way Claims Managers are remunerated and the issue of ring fencing particularly affected Claims Direct. The indicators are that in order to regain our competitive edge in the market, we will require a range of products and not just the universal product that we have marketed in the past. Future of The After the Event Industry The Court of Appeal did however provide encouraging signals that the Defendant Insurance industry must recognise that after the event policies are the replacement for Legal Aid, as was intended by the Government when it introduced the Access to Justice Act. However, we recognise that the industry must demonstrate that After The Event policies are the most cost effective method of funding personal injury and non-personal injury claims. Given that the Government will not reverse its policy and reinstate Legal Aid, Claims Direct must strive to be the complete solution provider in the After The Event market. The Future It has been reported that we are in discussions with Claim Line regarding the acquisition of their business. Should this be concluded, it will give the Company a choice of two brands and two business models. Early indications are positive and due diligence should be concluded in a few weeks. Naturally we shall be announcing new board appointments when suitable candidates are identified. In the meantime we are making renewed efforts to return the business to profitability as soon as possible, building on the work undertaken by the management team in the last six months. I look forward to reporting to shareholders on the progress we are making at the time of the Company's interim results for the six months to 30 September 2001, which are expected to be released in late November.' For further information, please contact: Claims Direct plc 01952 284800 Ronnie Henderson, Chief Executive www.claimsdirect.com Golin/Harris Ludgate 0207 324 8888 Reg Hoare/Trish Featherstone
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