Trading Statement

Northgate PLC 02 May 2007 2 May 2007 Northgate plc Pre-Close Trading Statement Northgate plc ('Northgate' or the 'Group'), the leading commercial vehicle hire company in the UK and Spain, is today issuing an update on trading ahead of its close period before the release of its preliminary results for the year ended 30 April 2007. In the UK, the hire rate environment has stabilised and has been accompanied by improved utilisations and modest fleet growth. A significant reorganisation of the UK business has also taken place. Residual values have improved against the levels achieved in the previous financial year. In line with our expectations and contrary to recent press comment, we have seen no evidence of any reduction in demand from the construction sector in Spain, since our construction customers' activity is predominantly infrastructure focused. The Group's Spanish business continues to perform strongly. Interest costs are higher than originally expected due to the increases in Euribor and Libor. The Group has substantially increased the proportion of its net debt that is at a fixed rate. Trading for the Group for the financial year has been satisfactory and the overall performance has been in line with the Board's expectations. Northgate's preliminary results will be announced on 3 July 2007. -Ends- For further information, please contact: Northgate plc Tel: 01325 467558 Steve Smith, Chief Executive Officer Gerard Murray, Group Finance Director Hogarth Partnership Limited Tel: 0207 357 9477 Andrew Jaques Barnaby Fry Anthony Arthur Further information regarding Northgate can be found on the Group's website: http://www.northgateplc.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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