FNET Future

RNS Number:8653G
Future Network PLC
13 July 2001


13 July 2001
                        Future UK reorganisation plans


The Future Network plc, (LSE:FNET) the international specialist magazine
publisher, today announces the final stages of the restructuring of its UK
business, which began in February 2001.  Under this reorganisation plan,
Future has divided its UK business into three operating divisions - Games;
Computing; and Entertainment - and is reducing fixed operating costs in the UK
by approximately #4m, through cuts in staffing levels and property overheads.

The specific changes involve: reductions in centralised support services, and
in Internet and magazine teams; rationalisation of the company's property
portfolio; and an important change in the way the UK business is managed by
devolving operational responsibility to the individual divisions as profit
centres.

It is expected that a total of some 140 jobs will be lost as a result of these
changes.  The one-off costs associated with this programme are included in the
estimates of non-recurring costs for the year, announced on 8 June in
conjunction with the sale of Business 2.0.  The cost savings announced today,
together with the measures announced in February, reduce the total fixed costs
of the UK business by approximately #8.5 million on an annualised basis.

Colin Morrison, Chief Operating Officer of The Future Network, said: "This
plan is important because of the substantial reduction in our fixed operating
costs against a broadly unchanged magazine portfolio.  But much more than
that, this restructuring and decentralisation plan simplifies our business,
and will improve our focus, agility and control.  We will now be more
streamlined and much better placed to take advantage of our market-leading
positions in the important UK market."

Greg Ingham, Chief Executive of The Future Network, added: "We have made
significant changes to our business worldwide in recent months, as part of a
comprehensive plan.  This change to the structure and management of the UK
business is a very important element in that process.  How ever difficult some
of the changes have been for those involved, what is emerging is a stronger
business."

Earlier this week, Future reported that trading remains in line with
expectation.  Also today, Future announced the completion of the sale of
Business 2.0 (see separate release).



For further information:

The Future Network plc

Greg Ingham, Chief Executive
Colin Morrison, Chief Operating Officer         Tel: 01225 442244

Hogarth Partnership

James Longfield/Georgina Briscoe
                     Tel: 020 7357 9477

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