Trading update

Universe Group PLC

("Universe", "the Company" or "the Group")

Pre-close trading update

Universe Group plc (UNG.L), a leading developer and supplier of payment and on-line loyalty systems is pleased to provide the following update on trading for the year ended 31 December 2012, ahead of announcing its results in March.

The Group is very satisfied with trading for the year, due in part to the early fulfilment of orders expected for the forthcoming year. The Group has also benefited from an advantageous sales mix and improved internal efficiencies, which has led to an expectation that the Group will report profitability ahead of market expectations.

Robert Goddard, Chairman, commented:

"We are pleased to report that trading this year has continued in line with the views expressed at the half-year stage. Our successful fundraising earlier this year strengthened the balance sheet and allowed us to invest in new products and services. These will reinforce our competitiveness in a constantly-changing market and support us as we move to extend our reach into wider markets. We remain confident of our prospects for next year and look forward to reporting our final results in due course."

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