Trading statement and dividend

Following on from the Group’s half year report in January, trading to 7 April 2019 has continued well. Compared to the same period in the prior year, sales and profits are ahead. Royalties receivable are also ahead of the prior year following the signing of new licence agreements. The Board’s current expectation is that profit before tax for the year ending 2 June 2019 will be c. £80 million.

The Group also announces that the Board has today declared a dividend of 35 pence per share, in line with the Company’s policy of distributing truly surplus cash. This will be paid on 31 May 2019 for shareholders on the register at 26 April 2019, with an ex- dividend date of 25 April 2019. The last date for elections for the dividend re-investment plan is 10 May 2019. This dividend will take the total dividend declared and paid during the year ending 2 June 2019 to £1.55 per share.