15th January 2015

AGA RANGEMASTER GROUP PLC ("AGA RANGEMASTER")

Resources to be focused on appliance expansion

AGA Rangemaster, the range cooker and kitchen living specialist, today provides an update on trading through to 31st December 2014 and on some strategic initiatives for 2015.

Trading

Revenues were up over 4% on 2013 and order intake was higher, notably in the UK.  Operating profits and the net cash balance at the year-end were above the prior year.

The core UK cooker brands, AGA and Rangemaster saw orders grow in the UK by around 10%, boosted by new product introductions such as the AGA City60 and Rangemaster 60.  We had been looking for further improved sales momentum and lead levels indicate that this will come through.

In North America, AGA Marvel, with its new generation of refrigeration products that have reset sector standards, saw double digit revenue growth for the second year running.

Fired Earth has strengthened its position as the UK's premier tile retailer and had an excellent year with sales up 16% to over £27 million.  Online sales - as for AGA Cookshop online - grew strongly.

Such progress has been tempered by trading in Europe, where customers remain cautious in their spending because of economic conditions. Waterford Stanley, the Irish stoves led business, and Grange, the French-based furniture operation, have been particularly affected by low demand.

Corporate Developments

The Group's strategy is to focus on the expansion of its core cooker and refrigeration brands in the UK and international markets.

The performance and prospects of Fired Earth are now encouraging.  In January 2015 the Group used a pre-existing arrangement, dating from 2011, to acquire one-third of the management's 20% shareholding in Fired Earth for a net consideration of £1 million.  The Group is now looking at when it is best to realise value from Fired Earth for shareholders.  The Group is also examining options for its loss making furniture operation, Grange.

Rothschild has been appointed as corporate finance advisers to the Group.

William McGrath, Chief Executive, said:

"We have seen continued growth from our core cooker brands AGA and Rangemaster. Fired Earth and AGA Marvel did very well. We remain focused on expanding our product offering and distribution network at home and overseas.  Market conditions suggest 2015 will be a better year for the appliance segment and we are working to configure the business best to take the opportunities that arise."

- ENDS -

Enquiries:

William McGrath, Chief Executive, AGA Rangemaster                               -

Nina Coad / Venetia Hendy, Brunswick Group                                             -

Click here to download the Fired Earth press-release.

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