BFP Big Food Grp.

RNS Number:1190H
Big Food Group PLC
07 January 2005

                                                                  7 January 2005



                             The Big Food Group PLC

                        Third Quarter Trading Statement


The Company announces its trading statement for the thirteen weeks to 31
December 2004.  The last update for this period was made on 17 December 2004.


Sales


Like-for-like sales for the three quarters to 31 December 2004 and the five week
Christmas period ending on the same date were as follows:

                                                          FY 04/05
                                    Q1              Q2              Q3      Five weeks

                                     %              %                %              %
Group                             -0.5           -3.3            -3.4           -3.5
Booker                             -1.1           -4.1            -4.3           -4.6
       - Tobacco                   -0.1           -3.5            -3.6           -4.5
       - Non tobacco               -1.8           -4.6            -4.8           -4.8
Woodward                           32.2           27.3            22.5           20.4
Iceland                            -1.7           -3.9            -3.5           -3.1



In the update given on 17 December, the Company noted that trading at both
Iceland and Booker remained difficult.  This situation persisted for the
remainder of the quarter.



Following the seasonal difficulties experienced during the second quarter, the
Company had expected some recovery after the summer.  However, a generally
disappointing Christmas on the high street compounded by a trading environment
increasingly characterised by grocery price deflation and increased competition
in the convenience sector, meant that this did not materialise.


Net debt


Average net debt for the 39 weeks to 31 December 2004 was approximately #262
million.


Acquisition by Giant BidCo


On 22nd December 2004 documentation was sent to shareholders regarding the
proposed sale of The Big Food Group plc to Giant BidCo Limited for 95 pence cash
per share.  This contained a recommendation from the Board for shareholders to
vote in favour of the proposals at a Court Meeting and an Extraordinary General
Meeting to be held on 21st January 2005.



Enquiries:
The Big Food Group
Bill Grimsey - Chief Executive                         Tel: 020 7796 4133
Bill Hoskins - Finance Director                        on 7th January 2005 only

gcg hudson sandler
Andrew Hayes                                           Tel: 020 7796 4133
Noemie de Andia




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

TSTVQLFBEFBZBBZ

Grafico Azioni Big Food Grp. (LSE:BFP)
Storico
Da Mag 2024 a Giu 2024

Grafico Azioni Big Food Grp. (LSE:BFP)
Storico
Da Giu 2023 a Giu 2024