AGM Statement

Sherwood International Plc AGM statement At the Annual General Meeting of Sherwood International held today, chief executive Mike Shinya told shareholders- "I am pleased to report to shareholders that Sherwood has successfully completed the corporate re-structure and reduction in force announced in February. Sherwood has realised the expected cost savings, resulting in a halving of the run-rate loss - the loss of the company before any licence revenue - when compared with the second half of 2001. At the same time, careful management of working capital means that Sherwood expects to finish the half comfortably ahead of the 2001 year-end cash balance of £6M, despite more than £2M payments relating to the reduction in work-force. Greater sales focus on closure of licence contracts earlier in the period has resulted in an encouraging and increased visibility of business. Sherwood is currently executing on a record number of project implementation reviews; historically, we would expect to close on around 80% of these opportunities. As a result, Sherwood is comfortable with consensus market expectations for the year. We now have in place an experienced board capable of growing this business organically in the pursuit of the group's stated "drive for five" objectives. We have also appointed Steven Bessellieu as President of North American operations, bringing 20 years experience of insurance business leadership to the position. We are addressing the fast growing mid tier market of the life sector with the imminent launch of Amarta Fast Start, completing a comprehensive product portfolio. In addition, the upcoming launch of Amarta Risk focuses on Sherwood's London market heritage. These measures, in tandem with the restructuring programme, have significantly streamlined and rationalised our business making it thoroughly focused on delivering quantifiable returns. I look forward to seeing these benefits come through as the year progresses". Press enquiries:- Mike Shinya, Chief Executive, Sherwood International Plc Tel: 020 7904 4847 Mark Williams, Chief Financial Officer, Sherwood International Plc Tel: 020 7904 4847 Shane Dolan, Biddicks Tel: 020 7448 1000
UK 100

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