AIM Admission

Ukrproduct Group Ltd 11 February 2005 11 February 2005. Ukrproduct Group Ltd (the "Company") Placing (the "Placing") of up to 11,214,953 new Ordinary Shares of 10p each in the Company (the "Placing Shares") at 53.5p per share (the "Placing Price") Ukrproduct Group Ltd ("UPG" or the "Company") incorporated on 18 August 2004 is the holding company for a group of dairy based FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) businesses located in Ukraine, Eastern Europe. Key highlights: • The Company is raising approximately £5.0 million (net of expenses) through the placing of 11,214,953 new Ordinary Shares. • On Admission, at the Placing Price, the Company will have a market capitalisation of £22,050,000 and a "free float" of 27.21% of its enlarged issued share capital of UPG. • Each of the Directors has undertaken to the Company that they will not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any interest in the shares for a period of 12 months from the date of Admission. • The total funds raised from the Placing will be utilised by the Company to invest in new plant and equipment, in core sectors, to expand the distribution network and to provide additional working capital for the Group, as well as to cover the expenses of Admission. The Directors believe that Admission will raise the profile of the Group and enhance its reputation with customers and with its suppliers. Jack Rowell, non-executive Chairman of UPG commented, 'We are delighted to have completed this Placing and admission to AIM. In its transition from a private to a publicly quoted company, admission to AIM, the first for a Ukrainian trading group, represents a great milestone for UPG.' Sergey Evlanchik, Chief Executive of UPG commented, 'The successful admission of UPG reflects the confidence our investors have in the Company. We hope that the momentum gained from admission will continue to help UPG build on its track record of profitable growth as well as consolidating and expanding on its position as a domestic market leader.' His Excellency, Ihor Mitiukov, Ukrainian Ambassador to the Court of St James's, London commented, 'I am pleased to see the first Ukrainian trading group, Ukrproduct Group, admitted to AIM of the London Stock Exchange. Over the last few years, Ukraine has shown tremendous and continuing economic growth and improvement of its business transparency. The 'Orange revolution' that took place in Ukraine has manifested itself not only in the immense interest of political society, but also provided an additional positive impulse for business people around the world. I am hopeful that this fortunate impetus will continue to favour the investment opportunities for both Ukrainian businesses and foreign investors doing business in Ukraine.' W.H.Ireland Limited, is acting as Nominated Adviser and Broker to the Company as well as joint placing agent together with Metropol (UK) Limited. Notes to editors Ukrproduct Group Ukrproduct Group (UPG) is one of Ukraine's leading producers of branded foods. Headquartered in Kiev and registered in Jersey, the company's main business focuses on the production and distribution of branded food products, namely packaged butter and processed cheese, to wholesale and retail outlets in Ukraine through its own distribution network. UPG also produces dried-milk powder for export to countries across Europe as well as the Far East. UPG's sales for the year ended 31 December 2003 more than doubled to £17.59m with profits before exceptional income and taxation of £1.012m. Ukraine Independent since 1991, Ukraine has a growing economy in which disposable incomes are rising. In recent years Ukraine has experienced economic growth fuelled by the rising affluence of domestic consumers and external demand for Ukrainian products. The Ukrainian State Statistics Committee has reported that GDP grew 12.7% to 142.7 billion UAH (approximately £14.9 billion) in the first half of 2004. The country's population at the end of 2003 was approximately 48 million. Ukraine borders the recently enlarged EU and is one of the larger countries in Europe, being comparable in size to France and Spain. For more information, contact: Ukrproduct Group Sergey Evlanchik, CEO +38 44 251 8014 Dmitry Dragun, FD Financial Dynamics: +44 (0) 207 831 3113 Benjamin Foster Charles Watenphul W.H. Ireland Limited +44 (0) 161 832 2174 / 6644 Laurie Beevers David Youngman Metropol +44 (0 )207 439 6880 Alexander Selegenev This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
UK 100

Latest directors dealings