Trading Statement

Hornby PLC 14 April 2000 HORNBY PLC ('HORNBY' OR 'THE COMPANY') COMPANY STATEMENT Hornby is pleased to announce that sales in the three months to 31 March 2000 were 24 per cent higher than the comparative period in the last financial year. The improvement was largely due to multiple retailers restocking, having sold out of Hornby products over the Christmas trading period. As a consequence of the improved sales performance since the beginning of December 1999, sales for the year to 31 March 2000 will be similar to last year. This creditable outcome has been achieved in the face of challenging trading conditions throughout the year, with retailers reducing stocks of our products and then maintaining them at low levels. In addition, the strength of sterling has attracted imports and continued to put pressure on export prices. Hornby has continued to focus on reducing overheads and the programme for outsourcing all significant production requirements to the Far East is almost complete. The Board of Hornby is confident that the Company has a robust position in the market for traditional model/hobby products. However, the Board believes that Hornby could make more efficient use of its fixed overheads by participating in the trend towards sector consolidation. Therefore, the Board of Hornby in conjunction with its financial advisor, SG Hambros Corporate Finance, is currently reviewing its strategic options in order to maximise shareholder value, including considering possible offers for the Company. Enquiries: Hornby Plc Peter Newey 0207 499 2041 John Stansfield 01843 233 500 SG Hambros Corporate Finance David Roberts 0207 676 6000 City Profile Jonathan Shillington 0207 726 8588 SG Hambros Corporate Finance, a division of Societe Generale, is acting for Hornby and for no-one else in relation to the matters described in this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than Hornby for providing the protections afforded to customers of SG Hambros or for providing advice in relation to such matters. Societe Generale is regulated by The Securities and Futures Authority Limited for the conduct of investment business in the UK.

Companies

Hornby (HRN)
UK 100

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