Trading Update to 31 March 2000, etc

TBI PLC 10 March 2000 Contacts Keith Brooks, Chief Executive Caroline Price, Finance Director TBI plc 0207 408 7300 David Bick Holborn Public Relations 0207 929 5599 david_bick@holbornpr.co.uk TBI plc ('TBI') Trading update TBI is today briefing analysts on the trading outlook for the Group. The current financial year ending 31st March 2000 has been a year of fundamental change for the Group. In June, the Group sold its property portfolio for £190 million, representing a premium to its asset value. In July, TBI acquired Airport Group International ('AGI) for a consideration of £86 million. The performance of the Group's principal airports, Cardiff and Belfast, has been strong with each again exhibiting double digit growth in operating profit and similar growth in coming years is likely. In contrast the performance at TBI's two newer and much smaller airports, Orlando Sanford International ('OSI') and Stockholm Skavsta, has been disappointing reflecting a number of factors. At OSI, the new traffic anticipated from Canada and South America did not materialise and, whilst passenger traffic at Stockholm Skavsta has held up, cargo volumes have declined in recent months. The shortfall at both locations was largely due to macro economic factors. At AGI, the integration is progressing ahead of schedule and the anticipated cost savings are being achieved. As a result of the acceleration of the integration and reorganisation rationalisation program the current year's results will reflect various additional one-off charges totalling approximately £1.5 million. In addition, London Luton Airport, in which TBI has a 25% interest, has had a disappointing year, with results falling below TBI's expectations. Negotiations over the inception of the Costa Rica contract, where AGI has been irrevocably awarded a concession agreement, continue to proceed well and it is now anticipated that this contract will become operative later this year. The Group remains ideally placed to benefit from the continuing growth in global airport privatisations and is currently pursuing a number of such opportunities. The preliminary results for the year ending 31st March 2000 will be announced in June.
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