AGM Statement

Pendragon PLC 15 April 2004 NO: 431 PENDRAGON PLC ('Pendragon') AGM STATEMENT At today's Annual General Meeting of Pendragon PLC, the Chairman, Sir Nigel Rudd, made the following statement: 'In 2003 Pendragon achieved strong earnings growth and reduced borrowings by another year of strong operating cash inflow. The UK national new car market in 2003 was 2.6 million, marginally ahead of the previous year. The new car market in the UK, our principal market, continues to be buoyant with new car registrations in the first quarter up by six per cent over 2003. Industry analysts are forecasting the full year market to be around 2.5 million. Sales in the USA of brands which we represent there were down slightly in the first quarter versus the same period last year. Overall trading in the enlarged Pendragon group has started the year in line with expectations. At the end of February 2004 we successfully completed the acquisition of CD Bramall Plc adding 133 franchises to the group. Over the last six weeks we have started to integrate the new businesses, in terms of structure and processes, with the existing business. We are pleased with the progress we have made to date and look forward to realising the benefits of this acquisition for shareholders. There is still much to be done over the coming months and a more detailed update will be included in our interim statement, which will be issued with our results in August. Looking ahead, we have a strong and stable business platform and a balanced franchise portfolio that covers volume and specialist brands with excellent profitability and strong cash flow. The favourable new car market in the UK is forecast to continue and the enlarged group will have opportunities to generate further economies of scale. We remain confident that we will achieve our expectations for the current year.' Enquiries Pendragon PLC Trevor Finn Tel: 01623 725 000 David Forsyth This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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