Contract Win

Universe Group PLC

("Universe" or the "Company")

Rontec selects Universe for its Secure Fuel Payment Solution

Universe Group plc (UNG.L), a leading developer and supplier of payment and on-line loyalty systems announces that Rontec Investments LLP ("Rontec"), a leading independent UK fuel retailer, has awarded to HTEC Ltd ("HTEC"), a subsidiary of Universe, the Helpdesk and Field Service contract across its retail network of more than 100 fuel sites in the United Kingdom. Rontec has also chosen HTEC to provide its new generation of electronic funds transfer, loyalty and fuel card acceptance platform for its network solution. This development follows the consolidation of Rontec's network after the purchase of sites from Total.

The solution will be based on HTEC's GemPAY payment terminal ("GemPAY"), specifically configured to meet Rontec's current and future requirements. GemPAY will handle all major credit and debit cards, as well as the latest derivatives of major UK and international fuel cards, which will include Chip & PIN security.

The GemPAY deployment will include a powerful Terminal Management System ("TMS") that has been designed in partnership with leading Fuel Card suppliers and Oil Companies. The TMS will provide remote diagnostics, and the ability to upload and download terminal configurations, parameters, libraries and applications, thus ensuring maximum 'up time' for the terminal.

Stephen McLeod, CEO of HTEC, said, "We are delighted that Rontec has chosen us as their service partner. We look forward to supporting one of the UK's leading independent retailers and continuing our long standing relationships with their client sites."

Jan Bek, IT Manager of Rontec, said, "Ensuring our sites provide a secure payment environment for our customers is of paramount importance in the choice of partner for our future payment solution. We chose HTEC based on their experience, capabilities and reputation in the payment arena. We look forward to realising the benefits of our enhanced relationship."

Contacts:

Universe Group PLC

Robert Goddard, Chairman

Stephen McLeod, Chief Executive

Tel: 02380 689510

Tel: 02072 200 500

About Rontec:

Rontec is a leading company in the independent fuel retailing sector, trading under both Esso and Total brands on their forecourts.

Their service station network delivers high quality fuels, extensive convenience shop ranges and offers top quality car washes.

About HTEC:

HTEC is one of Europe's largest providers of managed payment and loyalty solutions for the motor fuel retailing industry. Established in 1979, it has built a strong reputation, supplying software and specialist hardware to most of the UK's major petrol retailers, as well as European customers.