AGM Statement-Replacement

Holidaybreak PLC 26 February 2002 The issuer advises that the following replaces the AGM Statement announcement released on 26 February 2002 at 0730 under RNS Number 0033S. The Holidaybreak plc contact telephone number should have read 01606 787 100 not 01608 787 100 as previously stated. All other details remain unchanged, the full text appears below: For Immediate Release 26 February 2002 Holidaybreak plc 2002 AGM CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT In 2001 Holidaybreak recorded a fifth successive year of profits and earnings growth. This reflects the strength of our businesses, which all enjoy good margins, a flexible cost base and robust customer demand, and also our committed and capable management teams at all levels. All our businesses are performing well in what is proving a difficult year for many holiday operators and we are confident of a more than satisfactory outcome at the year end. Camping (54% of 2001 Group turnover, 67% of operating profit) With the mainstream package operators likely to see year on year declines in their volumes, we expect Camping Division bookings to grow and to outperform the overall summer family holiday market. Bookings from both the UK and our main European markets are coming in on plan and sales to date are now 4% ahead of 2001. Good off-peak demand has given us a healthy spread across the season whilst the main school holidays period has, as usual, booked well. In the UK, travel agency sales for the Keycamp brand have improved markedly since the New Year whilst Eurocamp, which is direct sell only, has been running its TV campaign for the second year, once again improving brand recognition and generating a healthy demand for brochures. Hotel Breaks (30% of 2001 Group turnover, 20% of operating profit) UK consumers are still spending money in the high street and, in our experience, they are still spending money on short break holidays. The current year on year sales increase, including our new European cities programme, is 25%. Demand for London has bounced back strongly, with plentiful room capacity at attractive prices available to the domestic market. Provincial destinations in both town and countryside are also subject to healthy demand. Superbreak's on-line internet sales growth is once again leading the way but we continue to see excellent returns from our high street travel agency partners as well. We have been very encouraged by sales for the European cities programme, launched in October 2001, which has significantly exceeded expectations to date. Adventure Holidays (16% of 2001 Group turnover, 13% of operating profit) The outlook for our two Adventure businesses, Explore Worldwide and Regal Diving, is now looking much brighter. The recovery in demand, which we noted at the time of our Preliminary Results in December, has gathered pace and since the New Year bookings have been extremely strong. Sales revenues for the first half are now a highly creditable 5% up on the equivalent for 2001. However, the disruption to consumer demand, scheduled airline timetables and the normal operation of both businesses following September 11th has resulted in reduced load factors and consequently lower margins. Second half sales are currently behind but the deficit is reducing with week on week intake figures well ahead of last year. In line with general market trends, many bookings are coming in later than normal. In summary, whilst there is quite some way to go before we can accurately assess the likely outcome for the year as a whole, even on a pessimistic view the division looks set to make a useful contribution to group profits and to achieve margins well in excess of most overseas holiday operators. PROSPECTS The Group is trading well in all areas. We expect to make further profitable progress in 2002 and to outperform most of the holiday sector. Our two largest businesses, Camping and Hotel Breaks, are performing strongly and we anticipate that our rate of profits growth will accelerate in 2003 as the Adventure Division resumes its strong growth track. In general, we remain committed to achieving continuing profits and dividend growth and to delivering increased shareholder value, both through further acquisitions, as and when opportunities arise, and through the success of our existing businesses. Angus Crichton-Miller Chairman For further information, please contact: Richard Atkinson 01606 787 100 CEO, Holidaybreak Tim Anderson 020 7466 5000 Buchanan Communications This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange UAR
UK 100

Latest directors dealings