Requisition for EGM

Mulberry Group PLC 18 November 2002 Mulberry Group plc ('Mulberry' or 'the Group') Re: Notification of Requisition for EGM The Executive Board of Mulberry Group plc has received notice for a requisition of an Extraordinary General Meeting. The Group intends to issue a circular to shareholders in response shortly. Enquiries Alex Glover Tel: 020 7591 3999 David Wynne-Morgan 18 November 2002 The attached announcement was released to media on 17 November 2002. Mulberry Group plc ('Mulberry' or 'the Group') Statement re Media Comment The Executive Board of Mulberry Group plc, the luxury leather goods company, notes today's media comment regarding Challice Limited's (the Ong-controlled company) intention to call an Extraordinary General Meeting to remove Mr Roger Saul as Chairman and Director of Mulberry Group plc. Mr Saul, as Chairman of the Group, has the full support of the Executive Board and the Non Executive Director, Robin Gibson, who is not associated with Challice. Mulberry recently announced its intention to split Mr Saul's role of Chairman and Chief Executive and the Group is actively seeking to appoint a new Chief Executive. This comes at a time when Mulberry has achieved significant success within the luxury goods and fashion arenas in the UK with recent ranges. Consequently, this appointment is now being sought to exploit this success on an international level. The Executive Board, who between them hold 42.5% of the Mulberry Group, believes that this is a veiled attempt by Challice to take full control of Mulberry without making an offer to acquire all shares not already held by Challice. Challice's investment made in 2000, in return for 41.5% of the Group, was based on the condition of the rollout of the Mulberry business in the United States, comprising a minimum of five outlets including a flagship store, along with preference shares which were exercisable upon completion of this commitment. When exercised, these shares would have increased Challice's holding to over 51%. Since this investment, Challice has not commenced with any plans to expand the Mulberry business into the United States. Roger Saul commented: 'I am not surprised by this action of Challice. When I initiated this relationship with the Ongs, it was on the absolute condition that they would finance and fulfill Mulberry's roll out programme into the United States. I was looking for a partner with the capacity and track record to develop Mulberry in this important market. The Ongs fitted this criteria. This programme has not been forthcoming, despite ongoing promises from Challice, and the Ongs have repeatedly tried, by various means, to take control of Mulberry without honoring this commitment. 'We have recently asked the Ongs to clarify their intentions: to either invest in the Group under the original terms of the agreement or to offer their shares to me, again under the original agreement. They have refused to do either. Their refusal to either support the Group or withdraw as a major shareholder, is clearly jeopardizing Mulberry's ability to exploit the brand potential at a time when Mulberry is popular worldwide. As a major shareholder with 38% holding, my interests are fully aligned with all shareholders.' Over the last two years, there has been significant investment in the Mulberry brand to position it as one of the leading international luxury brands. Last year, the Bond Street flagship store was opened following a £2.75 million investment as the start of this important roll-out programme. Consequently the Group has succeeded in increasing sales despite the impact of September 11 and continuing difficult market conditions. A circular will be sent to shareholders. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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