RNS Number:3747P
Arriva PLC
04 September 2003


4 September 2003

Arriva plc

INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2003

* Pre-tax profit, excluding goodwill amortisation and exceptional items,
  up by 18 per cent to #51.1 million

* Earnings per share, on the same basis, up 12 per cent to 17.7 pence

* EBITDA up by 17 per cent to #108.3 million

* Interim dividend up by 5 per cent

* Fundamental repositioning of the Group achieved:
  - Motor Retailing disposal completed
  - Wales and Borders franchise will secure long-term position in UK rail

* Exercising option to acquire remaining 49 per cent of TST in Portugal


Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Bob Davies said:

"This year has seen the completion of the Group's fundamental repositioning
process, which has included the successful disposal of a number of major motor
retailing and finance businesses whilst we have established our position as one
of Europe's leading transport services organisations. With a long-term position
in the UK rail sector, secured by the Wales and Borders franchise, we will have
a strong and balanced portfolio.

"Arriva has an excellent mix of cash generative and growth businesses,
underpinned by a strong balance sheet. We will continue to deliver value to our
shareholders by focusing on organic growth, targeted acquisitions, share
buy-backs and an attractive dividend stream."


Enquiries:

Arriva plc
Bob Davies, Chief Executive                          On the day: 020 7554 1400 
Steve Lonsdale, Group Finance Director               Thereafter: 0191 520 4000       
Julian Evans, Director of Corporate Communications               0191 520 4090

Gavin Anderson & Company
Deborah Walter or Jo Godfrey                                     020 7554 1400


Arriva plc

Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2003

Highlights

We are pleased to report that the Group is continuing to deliver strong
financial performance and has achieved significant progress in support of its
strategic vision.

* Pre-tax profit, excluding goodwill amortisation and exceptional items,
  up by 18 per cent to #51.1 million

* Earnings per share, on the same basis, up 12 per cent to 17.7 pence

* EBITDA up by 17 per cent to #108.3 million

* Interim dividend up by 5 per cent

* Fundamental repositioning of the Group achieved:
  - Motor Retailing disposal completed
  - Wales and Borders franchise will secure long-term position in UK rail

* Exercising option to acquire remaining 49 per cent of TST in Portugal

Financial

Pre-tax profit, excluding goodwill amortisation and exceptional items, was up by
18 per cent to #51.1 million (2002: #43.4 million) with earnings per share, on
the same basis, increasing by 12 per cent to 17.7 pence (2002: 15.8 pence).
Profit before tax was #45.8 million (2002: #41.0 million) and basic earnings per
share was 15.5 pence (2002: 26.4 pence). Turnover for continuing businesses
increased by 20 per cent to #783.9 million with total Group turnover of #921.2
million (2002: #1,013.5 million) reflecting the disposal of the Motor Retailing
dealerships.

The strength of the Group's financial position is demonstrated by a reduction of
net debt to #283.4 million at the end of the half year and EBITDA (earnings
before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) increasing by 17 per cent
to #108.3 million. In the half year, the debt to equity ratio improved from 68
per cent to 61 per cent whilst the interest charge was #8.1 million (2002: #6.7
million) representing robust interest cover of over six times.

Since recommencing the share buy-back programme, at the beginning of April, 2.4
per cent of the issued share capital has been purchased for cancellation,
representing a return of value, before stamp duty and expenses, of some #15
million. The Board is declaring an interim dividend of 4.6 pence per share, an
increase of 5 per cent, to be paid on 3 October 2003 to shareholders on the
Register at the close of business on 12 September 2003.

Significant developments

The strategic repositioning of Arriva was concluded with the disposal of three
remaining motor dealership sites, in the West Country, in early July. The
disposal of the Group's Motor Retailing operations, which commenced in October
2002, has realised approaching #70 million, broadly in line with book value.

In August, the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) announced that Arriva Trains had
been selected as the preferred bidder for the new, 15-year, Wales and Borders
franchise. Discussions are at an advanced stage with the SRA, with the aim of
Arriva taking over the operation by the end of this year, that will secure
Arriva's long-term position in the UK rail sector. Arriva Trains submitted its
bid for the Greater Anglia franchise earlier this month and is currently
developing its proposals for the ScotRail and Northern franchises, due for
submission to the SRA during the next few weeks.

Also in August, we exercised our option to acquire Barraqueiro Group's remaining
49 per cent interest in Transportes Sul de Tejo (TST), at a cost of #26 million
having acquired a controlling interest of 51 per cent in June 2002. TST is the
leading operator of scheduled bus and coach services in the growing commuter
region to the south of Lisbon. This positions Arriva as a leading passenger
transport operator in Portugal, a market we originally entered in December 2000
with acquisitions in the north of the country. We have significant overseas
positions in the Netherlands, Denmark, Portugal and Italy with smaller
operations in Spain and Sweden.

Business review

UK Bus

Our UK Bus operations achieved an operating profit of #26.1 million before
goodwill amortisation (2002: #28.0 million) on a turnover of #292.1 million
(2002: #270.9 million). The result for the first half includes additional
pension costs, estimated at #5 million, that are anticipated to arise from the
triennial review that is currently in progress. Excluding this, UK Bus would
have achieved an improvement in operating profit of some #3 million. The London
business, representing about one third of the division's turnover, has continued
to experience volume growth arising from an increase in the provision of bus
services by Transport for London (TfL) to support congestion charging. Outside
London our approach, to what is currently a mature market, is to focus on a twin
track strategy of targeting investment to deliver growth and eliminating low
margin and loss-making routes. Our regional bus businesses have been promoting
over 70 key routes and networks with innovative marketing campaigns. The
underlying performance of the division is good and it continues to be a
consistent and substantial cash generator for the Group.

UK Trains

Arriva Trains achieved an operating profit of #14.9 million (2002: #5.0 million)
on a turnover of #212.8 million (2002: #198.6 million). The increased
profitability reflects improved operational performance at both Arriva Trains
Northern and Merseyrail, together with passenger growth at the Northern
franchise. In the 12 months leading to the handover of the Merseyrail franchise
to new operators, on 20 July, the franchise had consistently achieved the
position of best UK mainland operator in terms of punctuality and reliability.

International

The International division achieved an operating profit of #10.0 million, before
goodwill amortisation, (2002: #6.0 million) on a turnover of #209.0 million
(2002: #131.0 million). A full half year contribution from the major Portuguese
and Italian acquisitions made in June and July 2002 is included in the improved
performance. Our business in mainland Europe continues to grow and is a major
contributor to the success of the Group. We continue to evaluate the many
significant opportunities to achieve further progress through organic growth,
acquisitions and tendering.

Vehicle Rental

Our Vehicle Rental business increased its operating profit to #6.1 million,
before goodwill amortisation, (2002: #5.2 million) on a turnover of #55.2
million (2002: #40.6 million). Underlying vehicle rental income, included in
turnover, was up 10 per cent to #28.9 million. This business continues to
deliver growth in profitability through the high utilisation of its fleet of
some 11,000 vehicles and its flexibility to meet the needs of corporate and
public sector customers. We are focused on growing the business organically
whilst continuing to seek opportunities for further growth by acquisitions and
through extending the division's coverage of the UK.

Bus and Coach

The Bus and Coach business achieved an operating profit of #2.2 million, before
goodwill amortisation, (2002: #2.0 million), on a turnover of #14.5 million
(2002: #13.1 million). The business has continued to demonstrate its ability to
match resources with the needs of the market place, despite the current weakness
of the UK tourism sector.

Board of Directors

John Ray, the executive director responsible for our Motor Retailing operations
resigned from the Board on 4 July 2003 following the successful disposal of the
business. The sale represented an outstanding achievement by John who managed
the process to ensure value for our shareholders whilst recognising the needs of
the 2,000 employees in the business. On behalf of all stakeholders we record our
appreciation of his 30 years of commitment and contribution to the development
of the Group.

We are very pleased to announce that Simon Batey has accepted our invitation to
join the Board as a non-executive director. As group finance director of United
Utilities PLC since 2000 and previously group finance director with AMEC plc, he
brings a wealth of experience which will enable him to make a significant
contribution to the development of our company.

Outlook

This year has seen the completion of the Group's fundamental repositioning
process, which has included the successful disposal of a number of major motor
retailing and finance businesses whilst we have established our position as one
of Europe's leading transport services organisations. With a long-term position
in the UK rail sector, secured by the Wales and Borders franchise, we will have
a strong and balanced portfolio.

Our excellent mix of cash generative and growth businesses, underpinned by a
strong balance sheet, will ensure that the Group continues to deliver value
through our strategy of focusing on organic growth, targeted acquisitions and
share buy-backs whilst, at the same time, offering an attractive dividend
stream.


Gareth Cooper                    Bob Davies
Chairman                         Chief Executive

4 September 2003

Group profit and loss account for the six months to 30 June 2003

                                             Unaudited    Unaudited
                                                   six          six    Audited
                                             months to    months to    year to
                                               30 June      30 June     31 Dec
                                                  2003         2002       2002
                                    notes           #m           #m         #m
                                    ------     ---------    ---------   --------

Turnover
Continuing operations                            783.9        655.4    1,390.1
Discontinued operations                          137.3        358.1      694.3
                                               ---------    ---------   --------
                                        2        921.2      1,013.5    2,084.4
                                               ---------    ---------   --------

Operating profit

Continuing operations (before                     56.0         44.0      109.6
goodwill amortisation)
Goodwill amortisation                             (5.9)        (4.5)     (10.4)
                                               ---------    ---------   --------
Continuing operations                             50.1         39.5       99.2
Discontinued operations                            3.2          6.1        9.6
                                               ---------    ---------   --------
                                                  53.3         45.6      108.8
Exceptional items

Profit / (loss) on sale of                         1.5            -      (13.9)
discontinued operations
Closure costs in respect of sale of               (2.2)           -          -
discontinued operations
Profit on the disposal of                          1.3          2.1        2.8
properties in continuing
operations
                                               ---------    ---------   --------
Profit on ordinary activities                     53.9         47.7       97.7
before interest
Interest payable and similar            2         (8.1)        (6.7)     (17.1)
charges
                                               ---------    ---------   --------
Profit on ordinary activities           2         45.8         41.0       80.6
before taxation

Tax on profit on ordinary               3        (14.2)        13.3       (1.6)
activities
                                               ---------    ---------   --------
Profit on ordinary activities after               31.6         54.3       79.0
taxation

Minority interests                                (0.8)           -       (1.2)
                                               ---------    ---------   --------
Profit for the financial period                   30.8         54.3       77.8

Dividends paid and proposed                       (9.1)        (9.1)     (34.6)
                                               ---------    ---------   --------

Retained profit                                   21.7         45.2       43.2
                                               ---------    ---------   --------

Dividends per ordinary share                       4.6p         4.4p      17.2p


Basic earnings per share                4         15.5p        26.4p      38.0p


Basic earnings per share (excluding     4         17.7p        15.8p      36.8p
exceptional items and goodwill
amortisation)


Diluted earnings per share                        15.3p        26.1p      37.5p




Group balance sheet at 30 June 2003

                                             Unaudited    Unaudited    Audited
                                               30 June      30 June     31 Dec
                                                  2003         2002       2002
                                                    #m           #m         #m
                                                --------     --------   --------
Fixed assets

Goodwill                                         198.1        183.4      198.3
Tangible assets                                  748.6        706.0      736.7
Investments                                        6.4            -        5.7
                                                --------     --------   --------
                                                 953.1        889.4      940.7
                                                --------     --------   --------
Current assets

Stocks                                            28.9         65.5       57.3
Debtors                                          225.5        252.6      247.8
Cash at bank and in hand                          86.7         25.1       65.9
                                                --------     --------   --------
                                                 341.1        343.2      371.0
                                                --------     --------   --------
Creditors

Amounts falling due within one                  (464.5)      (414.1)    (495.0)
year
                                                --------     --------   --------
Net current liabilities                         (123.4)       (70.9)    (124.0)
                                                --------     --------   --------

Total assets less current                        829.7        818.5      816.7
liabilities

Creditors

Amounts falling due after more than             (292.5)      (290.5)    (288.9)
one year

Provisions for liabilities and                   (69.5)       (63.7)     (69.4)
charges

                                                --------     --------   --------
                                                 467.7        464.3      458.4
                                                --------     --------   --------

Represented by:
Capital and reserves

Called up equity share capital                     9.8         10.3       10.0
Capital redemption reserve fund                    1.6          1.1        1.4
Share premium account                              8.4          5.5        5.6
Special reserve                                   59.1         59.1       59.1
Revaluation reserve                                9.8         12.4        8.9
Profit and loss account                          384.8        379.9      379.6
                                                --------     --------   --------
Equity shareholders' funds                       473.5        468.3      464.6

Equity minority interests                         (5.8)        (4.0)      (6.2)
                                                --------     --------   --------
                                                 467.7        464.3      458.4
                                                --------     --------   --------

Borrowings (net)                                 283.4        342.3      310.1
Gearing                                             61%          74%        68%


Group cash flow statement for the six months to 30 June 2003

                                             Unaudited    Unaudited
                                                   six          six    Audited
                                             months to    months to    year to
                                               30 June      30 June     31 Dec
                                                  2003         2002       2002
                                    notes           #m           #m         #m
                                    ------      --------     --------   --------

Net cash inflow from operating          5        134.3         93.7      224.1
activities


Returns on investments and
servicing of finance

Interest and finance charges paid                 (8.1)        (9.1)     (17.1)

Taxation

Corporation tax (paid) / received                (11.6)        (4.4)      10.2

Capital expenditure and financial
investment                                     
                                                --------     --------   --------

Disposal of short term rental                     26.9         22.9       40.7
vehicles
Disposal of other fixed assets                     6.8          4.4       14.7
Purchase of short term rental                    (41.2)       (38.6)     (76.4)
vehicles
Purchase of other fixed assets                   (61.6)       (24.6)     (74.1)

Sale of fixed asset investments                      -          3.2        3.2
                                                --------     --------   --------
                                                 (69.1)       (32.7)     (91.9)

Acquisitions and disposals
                                                --------     --------   --------
Acquisitions of businesses                           -        (29.5)     (68.8)
(Overdraft) / cash assumed on                        -         (3.2)       6.9
acquisitions
Disposals of businesses (net of                   39.1            -       20.1
costs)                                          
                                                --------     --------   --------

                                                  39.1        (32.7)     (41.8)

Equity dividends paid                            (25.7)       (25.0)     (34.1)

                                                --------     --------   --------
Cash inflow / (outflow) before use                58.9        (10.2)      49.4
of liquid resources and financing


Financing
                                                --------     --------   --------
Issue of ordinary share capital                    1.1          0.1        0.2
Loans due within one year               5         (0.2)        32.4        0.8
Loans due after one year                5          2.4         (3.7)       6.0
Finance lease obligations               5          0.2         (5.7)      (6.8)
Purchase of own shares                           (15.1)           -      (17.4)
                                                --------     --------   --------
                                                 (11.6)        23.1      (17.2)
                                                --------     --------   --------
Increase in cash for the period         5         47.3         12.9       32.2
                                                --------     --------   --------





Reconciliation of movement in equity shareholders' funds for the six months to
30 June 2003

                                             Unaudited    Unaudited
                                                   six          six    Audited
                                             months to    months to    year to
                                               30 June      30 June     31 Dec
                                                  2003         2002       2002
                                                    #m           #m         #m
                                                --------     --------    -------

Profit for the financial period                   30.8         54.3       77.8


Dividends paid and proposed                       (9.1)        (9.1)     (34.6)
                                                --------     --------    -------
                                                  21.7         45.2       43.2

New share capital subscribed (net of               2.8          0.1        0.2
expenses)
Purchase of own shares                           (15.1)           -      (17.4)

Goodwill previously written off to reserves          -            -       13.7
in discontinued operations

Currency translation differences on foreign       (0.5)        (0.2)       1.7
currency net investments

                                                --------     --------    -------
Net addition to equity shareholders'               8.9         45.1       41.4
funds

Opening equity shareholders' funds               464.6        423.2      423.2
                                                --------     --------    -------
Closing equity shareholders' funds               473.5        468.3      464.6
                                                --------     --------    -------



Statement of total recognised gains and losses for the six months to 30 June
2003

                                             Unaudited    Unaudited
                                                   six          six    Audited
                                             months to    months to    year to
                                               30 June      30 June     31 Dec
                                                  2003         2002       2002
                                                    #m           #m         #m
                                                --------     --------   --------

Profit for the financial period                   30.8         54.3       77.8


Currency translation differences on foreign       (0.5)        (0.2)       1.7
currency net investments

                                                --------     --------   --------
Total recognised gains relating to the            30.3         54.1       79.5
period                                          --------     --------   --------





Note of historical cost profits and losses for the six months to 30 June 2003

                                             Unaudited    Unaudited
                                                   six          six    Audited
                                             months to    months to    year to
                                               30 June      30 June     31 Dec
                                                  2003         2002       2002
                                                    #m           #m         #m
                                                --------     --------   --------

Profit on ordinary activities before              45.8         41.0       80.6
taxation


Difference between historical cost and            (0.9)           -        3.4
revalued amount on properties sold during
the period

Difference between historical cost                   -            -        0.1
depreciation charge and the actual
depreciation charge for the period
calculated on the revalued amount
                                                --------     --------   --------
Historical cost profit on ordinary                44.9         41.0       84.1
activities before taxation                      --------     --------   --------


Historical cost profit for the period             20.8         45.2       46.7
retained after taxation, minority interests     --------     --------   --------
and dividends




Notes to the interim accounts



1. Basis of preparation


(a) The Interim Report does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning
of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985.


(b) The results for the six months ended 30 June 2003 are unaudited but have
been reviewed by the auditors. The comparative figures for the six months ended
30 June 2002 are unaudited and are derived from the Interim Report for the six
months ended 30 June 2002, which was also reviewed by the auditors.

(c) The condensed financial information for the year ended 31 December 2002 is
extracted from the latest statutory accounts which have been delivered to the
Registrar of Companies. The Report of the auditors on those accounts was
unqualified and did not contain a statement under section 237(2) & (3) of the
Companies Act 1985.

(d) The figures for the six months ended 30 June 2003 have been prepared on the
basis of the accounting policies set out on page 44 of the accounts for the
Group for the year ended 31 December 2002.


(e) The Interim Report is being posted to shareholders on 11 September 2003.
Copies of the Interim Report are available from the group company secretary,
Arriva plc, Admiral Way, Doxford International Business Park, Sunderland, SR3
3XP.


(f) The Interim Report was approved by the Board of Directors on 3 September
2003.

                        Unaudited                Unaudited                 Audited
                      six months to            six months to               year to
                       30 June 2003             30 June 2002             31 Dec 2002
                               Operating                Operating                Operating
                   Turnover       profit    Turnover       profit    Turnover       profit
2. Segmental             #m           #m          #m           #m          #m           #m
report                
-----------------     -------     --------     -------      -------     -------      -------
(a) Segmental
results:


Passenger
Services

UK Bus                292.1         26.1       270.9         28.0       559.8         65.4
UK Trains             212.8         14.9       198.6          5.0       419.0         14.9
International         209.0         10.0       131.0          6.0       303.5         19.0
                      -------     --------     -------      -------     -------      -------
Total Passenger       713.9         51.0       600.5         39.0     1,282.3         99.3
Services

Vehicle Rental         55.2          6.1        40.6          5.2        83.1         11.6
Bus & Coach            14.5          2.2        13.1          2.0        23.1          3.5
Head Office &           0.3         (3.3)        1.2         (2.2)        1.6         (4.8)
Miscellaneous (i)
                      -------     --------     -------      -------     -------      -------
Continuing            783.9         56.0       655.4         44.0     1,390.1        109.6
operations*
Discontinued          137.3          3.2       358.1          6.1       694.3          9.6
operations -
Motor Retailing
                      -------     --------     -------      -------     -------      -------

Total operations*     921.2         59.2     1,013.5         50.1     2,084.4        119.2
                      -------                  -------                  -------
                                                                

Interest payable and similar        (8.1)                    (6.7)                   (17.1)
charges                           --------                  -------                  -------

Profit on ordinary activities       51.1                     43.4                    102.1
before taxation*

Goodwill amortisation (ii)          (5.9)                    (4.5)                   (10.4)
Profit / (loss) on sale of           1.5                        -                     (2.7)
discontinued operations
Goodwill previously written            -                        -                    (13.7)
off to reserves in
discontinued operations
Closure costs in respect of         (2.2)                       -                        -
sale of discontinued
operations
Profit on sale of other                -                        -                      2.5
discontinued operations
Profit on the disposal of            1.3                      2.1                      2.8
properties in continuing
operations
                                  --------                  -------                  -------
Profit on ordinary activities       45.8                     41.0                     80.6
before taxation                   --------                  -------                  -------

*before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items

(i) Head Office & Miscellaneous now includes the results from the discontinuing Motor
Finance businesses.
(ii) Goodwill amortisation of #5.5 million arises in the Passenger Services Division, #0.1
million within the Vehicle Rental Division and #0.3 million within the Bus & Coach
Division.
(iii) UK Bus and Head Office & Miscellaneous include an estimated increase in SSAP 24
pension costs of #5 million and #1 million respectively. This increase is based on the
anticipated full year effect of the triennial valuation of the Group's final salary schemes
currently in progress.


                                            Unaudited     Unaudited
                                                  six           six    Audited
                                            months to     months to    year to
                                              30 June       30 June     31 Dec
                                                 2003          2002       2002
                                                   #m            #m         #m
                                               --------      --------    -------
(b) Interest payable and similar
charges

Cost of funding for finance and rental
activities:
          Vehicle Rental                          2.3           2.0        4.2
          Bus & Coach                             0.4           0.5        1.1
Other continuing operations                       5.4           4.3       11.7
Discontinued operations - Motor                     -          (0.1)       0.1
Retailing
                                               --------      --------    -------
                                                  8.1           6.7       17.1
                                               --------      --------    -------

Interest payable for 2002 was reduced by #2.0 million representing prior period
interest on the over provision for current taxation (note 3).


                                             Unaudited    Unaudited
                                                   six          six    Audited
                                             months to    months to    year to
                                               30 June      30 June     31 Dec
                                                  2003         2002       2002
3. Tax on profit on ordinary activities             #m           #m         #m
-----------------------------                   --------     --------    -------

Tax on profit on ordinary activities
comprises the following:

Corporation tax                                   14.1          8.3       17.3

Over provision of taxation on prior period           -        (24.0)     (24.0)
disposal

Deferred tax                                       0.1          2.4        8.3
                                                --------     --------    -------
                                                  14.2        (13.3)       1.6
                                                --------     --------    -------

The over provision on prior period disposal in 2002 relates to the disposal of
Arriva Automotive Solutions Limited in 1999.


4. Earnings per share


(a) Basic and diluted earnings per share


Basic earnings per share is based on earnings of #30.8 million (six months to 30
June 2002: #54.3 million and for the year ended 31 December 2002: #77.8 million)
and on the weighted average number of ordinary shares of 198.7 million (six
months to 30 June 2002: 205.5 million and for the year ended 31 December 2002:
204.8 million).


Diluted earnings per share is based on the same earnings for each of the periods
and on the weighted average number of ordinary shares of 201.8 million (six
months to 30 June 2002: 208.0 million and for the year ended 31 December 2002:
207.5 million). The difference in the number of shares between the basic and the
diluted calculation represents the weighted average number of dilutive potential
ordinary shares.

                                             Unaudited    Unaudited
                                                   six          six    Audited
                                             months to    months to    year to
                                               30 June      30 June     31 Dec
                                                  2003         2002       2002
                                                     p            p          p
                                               ---------     --------   --------
(b) Basic earnings per share excluding
exceptional items and goodwill
amortisation
Basic earnings per share                          15.5         26.4       38.0
Earnings per share relating to:

   Goodwill amortisation                           2.9          2.1        4.8
   Profit / loss on sale of discontinued          (0.8)           -        7.9
   operations
   Closure costs in respect of sale of             0.8            -          -
   discontinued operations
   Profit on sale of other discontinued              -            -       (0.8)
   operations
   Profit on the disposal of properties in        (0.7)        (1.0)      (1.4)
   continuing operations
   Over provision of taxation on prior               -        (11.7)     (11.7)
   period disposal
                                               ---------     --------   --------
Basic earnings per share excluding                17.7         15.8       36.8
exceptional items and goodwill                 ---------     --------   --------
amortisation

                                             Unaudited    Unaudited
                                                   six          six    Audited
                                             months to    months to    year to
                                               30 June      30 June     31 Dec
                                                  2003         2002       2002

5. Notes to the group cash flow statement           #m           #m         #m
-----------------------------                  ---------     --------   --------

(a) Reconciliation of net debt

Opening net debt                                 310.1        315.8      315.8
Increase in net cash and overdrafts              (47.3)       (12.9)     (32.2)
(Decrease) / increase in loans due within         (0.2)        32.4        0.8
one year
Increase / (decrease) in loans due after           2.4         (3.7)       6.0
one year
Increase / (decrease) in finance leases            0.2         (5.7)      (6.8)
Loans acquired                                       -          2.6        2.7
Finance leases acquired                              -          4.3       10.5
Currency translation adjustments                  18.2          9.5       13.3

                                               ---------     --------   --------
Closing net debt                                 283.4        342.3      310.1
                                               ---------     --------   --------

                                             Unaudited    Unaudited
                                                   six          six    Audited
                                             months to    months to    year to
                                               30 June      30 June     31 Dec
                                                  2003         2002       2002
                                                    #m           #m         #m
                                               ---------     --------   --------
(b) Reconciliation of operating profit to
net cash inflow from operating activities

Operating profit                                  53.3         45.6      108.8
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets             49.1         42.7       89.9
Amortisation of goodwill                           5.9          4.5       10.4
Decrease / (increase) in stocks, excluding        11.5         (3.2)      (2.4)
acquisitions & disposals
Decrease / (increase) in debtors, excluding       22.3         (2.4)       4.8
acquisitions & disposals
(Decrease) / increase in creditors,               (7.8)         6.5       12.6
excluding acquisitions & disposals
                                               ---------     --------   --------
Net cash inflow from operating activities        134.3         93.7      224.1
                                               ---------     --------   --------

Discontinued operations contributed #11.9 million to net operating cash flows
(six months to 30 June 2002: #7.4 million and for the year ended 31 December
2002: #13.4 million).

                                        Acquisitions
                         At               (excluding       Currency         At
                      1 Jan     Cash        cash and    translation    30 June
                       2003     flow     overdrafts)    adjustments       2003
                         #m       #m              #m             #m         #m
                     -------   ------       ---------       --------   --------
(c) Analysis of net
debt
Net cash and          (22.5)   (47.3)              -              -      (69.8)
overdrafts
Loans due within one   62.6     (0.2)              -           12.7       75.1
year
Loans due after one   204.0      2.4               -            2.1      208.5
year
Finance leases         66.0      0.2               -            3.4       69.6
                      -------   ------       ---------       --------   --------
                      310.1    (44.9)              -           18.2      283.4
                      -------   ------       ---------       --------   --------






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

END
IR BCGDCBSGGGXX