Disposal

SMG PLC 16 January 2004 SMG plc Disposal of SRH Stake The Board of SMG plc ('SMG') announces that it has today (16 January) sold its 27.8% shareholding in Scottish Radio Holdings plc ('SRH') to Emap plc. The sale of 9,729,361 ordinary shares in SRH realised cash proceeds of £90.5m or 930p per share. This represents a premium of 5% over SRH's share price of 888p as at close of business on 15 January. The value attributed to the shareholding by SMG in its consolidated balance sheet at 30 June 2003 was £79.4m. The pre-tax profit, after goodwill amortisation, attributable to the stake for the year ending 31 December 2002 was £0.8m. The shareholding was acquired by SMG in late 2000 and early 2001, at which point both SMG and SRH operated in the radio, newspaper and outdoor advertising sectors. Since that time, SMG has exited the newspaper market and SRH has sold its outdoor business. As a result of the consequential reduction in the level of synergies capable of being secured in a combination of the companies, together with the inability to secure an agreement on terms that deliver value to SMG shareholders, the Board of SMG takes the view that, notwithstanding the relaxation of media ownership regulations, it is in the best interests of SMG's shareholders to dispose of the stake. The proceeds of the sale will be used by SMG to reduce debt. SMG, whose preliminary results for 2003 are scheduled for publication in March, confirms that Group trading for 2003 was in line with market expectations. The Board intends to recommend a full year dividend for 2003 in line with that of 2002. Commenting on the announcement, Andrew Flanagan, Chief Executive of SMG, said: 'We have explored all the options for the stake and it is clearly now better for our shareholders that we sell the shareholding, reduce our debt and move on. We continue to focus on operating and developing our profitable, strong brands in radio, television, outdoor and cinema across national markets.' Further Enquiries: SMG Andrew Flanagan, Chief Executive 0141 300 3300 Callum Spreng, Corporate Affairs Director 0141 300 3640 / 07803 970103 Citigroup David Wormsley 020 7986 4000 Simon Gluckstein Brunswick James Hogan 020 7404 5959 Ben Brewerton Citigroup Global Markets Limited is acting for SMG and no one else in connection with the disposal and will not be responsible to anyone other than SMG for providing the protections afforded to clients of Citigroup Global Markets Limited or for providing advice in relation to the disposal. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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