Chief Executive's Review
4 GUS Annual Report 2004 Chief executive’s review Financial summary In November 2003, we reduced the Group’s holding in Burberry by a further 11.5%, in Sales Profit before taxation order to improve liquidity in its shares. 2004 2003 2004 2003 GUS remains a committed investor in For the years ended 31 March £m £m £m £m Burberry through its 66% holding. Argos Retail Group 5,162 3,523 415.5 249.8 In calendar year 2004, subject to market Experian 1,286 1,201 282.2 256.4 conditions, we are planning a partial Burberry 676 594 141.2 116.7 flotation of The Lewis Group, our South Other 155 117 23.6 16.4 African Retailing business. The transaction will enable GUS to release value for Continuing operations 7,279 5,435 862.5 639.3 shareholders, while enhancing the Discontinued operations 269 1,673 18.0 61.2 development opportunities for Lewis. Total 7,548 7,108 880.5 700.5 Investing across the Group Net interest (53.9) (58.1) The release of capital from disposals Profit before amortisation enabled us to make significant investments of goodwill, exceptional items during the year in our major businesses. and taxation 826.6 642.4 Argos continued its £120m supply chain Amortisation of goodwill (192.6) (142.9) programme with the opening of a new Exceptional items 58.3 (90.1) central distribution centre, enabling it to Profit before taxation 692.3 409.4 buy more from low cost regions such as China and the Far East.
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