13 January 2015

ESSENDEN PLC ("Essenden" or the "Company") Trading Update

For the 52 week period ending on 28th December 2014 ("2014 Financial Year"), like for like sales increased by 6.6%.

4th consecutive year of positive Christmas trading with a like for like sales increase for the 4 week period ending on 11th January 2015 of 0.1%.
Subject to audit, Essenden expects to report for the 2014 Financial Year, EBITDA of approximately £5.7m (2013: £4.1m) and adjusted profit before tax (1) of approximately
£3.2m (2013: £2.0m).

Successful appeal against rates worth £0.4m per annum reduction in 2014 and future years, with a one-off exceptional cash benefit of £0.6m for prior years recognised in 2014

Net Cash (excluding Finance Leases ) at the year end amounted to £2.3m.

Essenden expects to announce its preliminary results in March 2015. Nick Basing, Chief Executive said:

"I am pleased that the 2014 results have outperformed on all measures and that we will deliver
another strong year of progress for 2014.
This is as a result of an outstanding group of colleagues, who are committed to continually transforming this business into a leading consumer leisure operation.
Looking forward, we anticipate a further material improvement in 2015 as the Company benefits from a full year's impact of the newly installed amusement machines following our deal with Namco, the contribution from the recently purchased site at Doncaster and the improving consumer outlook that is boosting leisure spending.
We will also benefit from momentum of the significant changes made over time. "
Footnote:

(1) EBITDA less depreciation of property, plant and equipment less net finance costs but excluding loan note finance cost and notional interest on provisions

Enquiries: Essenden Plc 0208 879 3932 Cenkos Securities Plc 0207 397 8900

Nick Basing Nicholas Wells
Richard Darwin Max Hartley
Callum Davidson

Instinctif Partners 0207 457 2020

Matthew Smallwood

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