Trading Statement-Replacement

Whitbread PLC 4 March 2003 The 'Trading Statement' announcement released on 4 March 2003 at 07:00 under RNS No 2292I has been re-released to facilitate onward transmission by third party vendors. The announcement is unchanged and is reproduced in full below. Whitbread Trading Statement - March 4, 2003 In the 51 weeks to February 22, total sales for the continuing businesses were up 4%. Like-for-like sales growth combined with further improvements in operating margins will mean that earnings for the full year will once again grow well ahead of sales. Like-for-like sales growth (%) 26 weeks 51 weeks Marriott (1.7) (0.4) Travel Inn 6.7 6.0 Brewers Fayre 3.5 3.8 Beefeater 1.4 0.6 David Lloyd Leisure 6.8 5.9 * * 48 weeks Marriott enjoyed a better second half and outperformed the four-star hotel sector with a significant revpar premium to the market. This was an excellent achievement given the uncertainties impacting international travel. The efficiency measures taken in the wake of September 11 have delivered the expected results. Travel Inn's performance continues to be exceptional and it is now the UK's largest hotel brand with 16,600 rooms. Achieved room rate was ahead and occupancy improved even further as a result of higher brand awareness and new web-based reservation systems. In pub restaurants, Brewers Fayre is also the UK's largest brand with almost 400 units. The strong like-for-like sales performance was well ahead of its sector. Beefeater's like-for-like sales reflected the disruption caused by 51 restaurants being put up for sale. The sale process is progressing well and further details of the brand's development will accompany the preliminary results announcement on April 30th. David Lloyd Leisure's performance demonstrated that it remains the strongest brand in the health and fitness club sector. Its focus on families and high standards of member services meant that retention improved year-over-year and recruitment for the critical month of January was well up on last year. David Thomas, chief executive, said: 'The actions we have taken to improve the performance of our brands have already delivered strong earnings growth for three successive reporting periods. These action plans remain in place and, coupled with our strategy of organic expansion, have continued to deliver positive earnings growth even in these difficult market conditions.' -end- Contact: City: David Reed 020 7806 5436 Dan Waugh 020 7806 5442 Media: Jeremy Probert 020 7806 5443 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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