31st Mar 2005 07:01
Wolverhampton& Dudley Breweries PLC31 March 2005 31 March 2005 The Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries, PLC ('W&DB') 24 Weeks Trading Statement In accordance with its usual practice, the Board of The Wolverhampton & DudleyBreweries, PLC has issued the following trading update* prior to the end of thecurrent half-year on 2 April 2005. Trading Trading overall in the 24 weeks to 19 March 2005 has been good and in line withexpectations. Total like-for-like sales were 3.1% ahead of last year in Pathfinder Pubs, and3.2% ahead in The Union Pub Company. In WDB Brands, turnover and volumes werestrong driven by good progress in the free trade and new distribution to otherpub companies. This year, the half year results will also include the benefit of trading overthe Easter bank holiday weekend, which was satisfactory. Burtonwood The acquisition of Burtonwood PLC was completed on 6 January 2005. The majorityof the integration projects, including the transfer of systems, will becompleted by the end of March, ahead of schedule. We have increased ourexpectations of synergies available from £3 million per annum to at least £3.5million per annum. The estate is trading in line with our plans. Commenting, Ralph Findlay, Chief Executive, said: "The outlook for consumerspending has generally become more cautious in recent months. Against thatbackground our high quality pubs and beer business have continued to performwell." ENQUIRIES: The Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries, PLC gcg hudson sandlerRalph Findlay, Chief Executive Nick LyonPaul Inglett, Finance Director Wendy BakerTel: 01902 329516 Tel: 020 7796 4133 * the update covers the 24 week period ended 19 March 2005. The results for the26 week period ending on 2 April 2005 (the interim results) will be released on20 May 2005. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
Marstons