Trading Statement

Victoria PLC 06 September 2004 Issued by Citigate Dewe Rogerson Ltd, Birmingham Date: Monday, 6 September 2004 Embargoed: 7.30am Victoria P.L.C. ('Victoria' or 'the Group') Trading Statement At the Annual General Meeting held on 23 July 2004, the Group stated that the first three months of the year had been mixed. We drew attention to the fact that the geographical diversity of the Group's operations had helped the balance of our business but that the UK residential sector was experiencing slightly reduced levels of activity. Whilst the summer months are traditionally a quieter time in the UK market, the general malaise in the UK economy coupled with a number of interest rate rises, has had a substantial impact on our UK and Irish residential business. Sales in the UK have been lower than levels achieved last year, with a consequent impact on profitability. In addition, whilst we were anticipating a recovery within our Axminster Department during the current financial year, we have continued to experience operational difficulties in the integration of our looms from Navan. Consequently, this has had an adverse effect upon the profitability of our woven business, despite continuing good levels of customer demand for our product. As a result of the above factors, the Board now expects that the interim results to 2 October 2004, will show a pre-tax profit significantly below the figure for the corresponding period last year. The Group expects to see some improvement in the second half of the financial year, particularly given the positive reaction from our customers to new ranges that we are currently launching. Also, our Australian operations are continuing to perform in line with our expectations. Given the shortfall in the first half year, and the uncertainties that exist in the UK economy, the results for the full year to March 2005 will also show a significant shortfall compared with the previous year. However, in the absence of any unforeseen circumstances, the Board hope to maintain the dividend at the current level. Enquiries: Alan Bullock, Group Managing Director Mark Lee, Group Finance Director Fiona Tooley Victoria P.L.C. Citigate Dewe Rogerson Tel: 01562 749 640 Tel: 0121 455 8370 Mobile: 07785 325 701 (Alan Bullock) Mobile: 07785 703523 www.victoria.plc.uk This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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Victoria (VCP)
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