First Half Trading Statement

14 November 2012

Darty plc First Half Trading Statement

Darty plc (formerly Kesa Electricals plc) today announces a first half trading statement for the period 1 May 2012 to 31 October 2012, based on unaudited management accounts.

Revenue growth as reported in Euros Revenue growth in local currency

* BCC, Vanden Borre and Datart

** Darty Italy, Darty Turkey and Darty Spain

Summary

·; We have held or gained share in all our major markets which have remained challenging with a deterioration towards the end of the first half

·; Total revenue in the period decreased by 2.3 per cent in local currency and was down 1.7 per cent on a like-for-like basis, impacted by a continuing very weak Vision market, particularly in France following the digital switch over last year

·; Web-generated sales increased by over 10 per cent supported by the strength of our cross channel approach

·; Gross margin was down 100 basis points, reflecting competitive market pressures, but with an improved trend in Q2

Commenting on the Group's first half performance, Chairman Alan Parker said:

"Market conditions have been challenging across all our markets, particularly towards the end of the period. Nevertheless we have held share, and seen growth in the majority of our product categories. Our cross channel approach is consistently delivering strong growth in web generated sales and we are offering an exciting new Multi-media range for the peak trading period.

"Our review of the Group's operations and markets is well advanced and we will as scheduled provide an update on this and our further cost initiatives to the market next month. The search for a new Chief Executive is progressing and meanwhile I am pleased that we have made rapid progress in reconstructing the Board with the recent appointment of four independent Non-Executive Directors with strong Continental European, retail, service and multi-media backgrounds."

Group

Total Group revenue fell by 2.2 per cent in Euros, 2.3 per cent in local currency, and by 1.7 per cent on a like-for-like basis. Market share was held or gained in all our major markets which have remained challenging with a deterioration towards the end of the first half. The revenue performance reflected growth in all product categories with the exception of Vision, where volumes remained very weak, particularly in France. Web-generated sales continued to be developed successfully, growing by over 10 per cent and now representing over 11 per cent of total product sales. With an improving trend in Q2, overall gross margin was down 100 basis points for the period, impacted by product category margin pressure in challenging market conditions, alignment of store and web prices, and strong performance of lower margin Multimedia and Communications in the sales mix.

Darty France

Darty France performed in line with a weakening market, with an improved trend in Q2. Total revenue was down 3.9 per cent and by 2.8 per cent on a like-for-like basis. Growth in White Goods, Multimedia and Communications was more than off-set by the very weak Vision market following last year's digital switch over. Overall for the period gross margin was down 50 basis points reflecting competitive market conditions, ongoing price alignment and a relatively strong first half last year The trend however improved in the second quarter, against a weaker comparative and benefitting from the new Darty Telecom agreement. Web-generated sales outperformed the market, up nearly 10 per cent to over 13 per cent of total product sales.

Other established businesses

At our Other established businesses, BCC, Vanden Borre and Datart, total revenue increased by 4.3 per cent in local currency and by 3.0 per cent on a like-for-like basis. Growth was seen in Belgium for the period, and all three businesses outperformed their respective markets although sales and market conditions weakened towards the end of the half, particularly in the Netherlands Overall, web-generated sales grew by 9 per cent, to 9 per cent of total product sales. General market conditions and negative sales mix effect from very strong growth in Multimedia resulted in gross margin being down 200 basis points.

Developing businesses

At our Developing businesses, Darty Italy, Darty Turkey and Darty Spain, revenue fell by 4.3 per cent in local currency and by 4.7 per cent on a like-for-like basis. Sales growth and continued market outperformance was seen in Spain. Total sales declined in Italy as a result of closing a further 5 stores at the beginning of Q2. Total sales in Turkey were flat and declined on a like-for-like basis reflecting a competitive and slowing market, together with a focus on margin. Web-generated sales grew by over 60 per cent to over three percent of total product sales. Overall gross margin saw an improving trend in Q2 against an easier comparative but was down 130 basis points for the period, impacted by an adverse sales mix from strong growth in Multimedia and increased promotional activity in the Turkish market.

Outlook

We anticipate market conditions will remain challenging. In the second half however we expect to benefit from weaker comparatives, the new Darty Telecom agreement and our ongoing focus on costs.

There will be a telephone conference call for analysts at 07:45 on 14 November 2012. Dial-in number: +44 (0) 20 3003 2666. A recording of this call will be made available after 10.00am. Replay dial-in number: +44 (0) 20 8196 1998, Access Pin: 2920558

The Group will issue its Half Year Results on Wednesday 12 December 2012.

Certain statements made in this announcement are forward looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any expected future results in forward looking statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable laws, regulations or accounting standards, Darty plc does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Enquiries

Analysts

Darty plc

Simon Ward +44 (0) 20 7269 1400

Media

Darty plc

Simon Ward UK +44 (0) 20 7269 1400

Vinciane Beurlet France +33 (0) 1 43 18 52 00

RLM Finsbury

Rollo Head +44 (0) 20 7251 3801

Jenny Davey

About Darty plc

Darty group is a leading cross channel service led electrical retailer operating nearly 500 stores in nine European countries and achieving 11% of its products sales on the web. With more than 16,500 people, it generated an annual turnover of over €4 billion in 2011/12 through three operating segments: Darty (France), Other established businesses (which consists of Vanden Borre in Belgium, BCC in the Netherlands, and Datart in the Czech Republic and Slovakia), and Developing businesses (which consist of Darty Italy, Darty Spain and Darty Turkey). Its ordinary shares are listed with the UK Listing Authority and trade on the market for listed securities on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol DRTY.L. It is also listed on the Premier Marche of the Paris Stock Exchange.

For further information, please visit the company's website, www.dartygroup.com.

Appendix

Quarterly like-for-like sales

* BCC, Vanden Borre and Datart

** Darty Italy, Darty Turkey and Darty Spain