GMG Game Group

    RNS Number : 3296J
  Game Group PLC
  02 December 2008
   




    GAME GROUP PLC 
    INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT 

    2 December 2008

    The GAME Group plc ("GAME"), a leading European retailer of pc and video games products, today issues its Interim Management Statement
as required by the UK Listing Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules. This relates to the period to 29 November 2008. 

    Peter Lewis, the Chairman of GAME, said:

    Trading Update

    "For the 44 weeks to 29 November 2008, total Group sales were up by 27.4%. Like for like (lfl) Group sales for the same period were up
by 11.2%. 

    In the UK and Ireland, total sales were up by 25.1% and lfl sales were up by 11.9%. In our International business, total sales and lfl
sales were up by 33.9% and 9.3%, respectively.

    For the 18 weeks to 29 November 2008, total Group sales were up by 9.3%. Like for like (lfl) Group sales for the same period were up by
1.5%. In the UK and Ireland, total sales were up by 4.7% and lfl sales were up by 1.8%. In our International business, total sales and lfl
sales were up by 23.5% and 0.7%, respectively.

    Store openings and capital expenditure

    Our portfolio has increased by 183 stores in the year to date and we will operate from over 1,340 stores over the Christmas trading
period. (See note below). 

    The integration of our acquisition in the Czech Republic which we announced in September is progressing well and trading is in line with
expectations.

    Outlook

    To date, our customers' spending patterns have remained relatively resilient considering the challenges in the wider economy. Our
previous guidance is unchanged and the Board remains confident of a successful outcome for the year.

    The Group will next report on 13 January 2009 when it will publish sales for the key Christmas trading period."



    Note:

    Store portfolio
                                 29 November 2008  31 July 2008  31 January 2008
                                           Number        Number           Number
 Company owned and concessions
 UK and Ireland: 
 - GAME - stores                              397           386              381
 - GAME - concessions                          51            37               33
 - Gamestation                                253           246              235
                                              701           669              649
 France                                       192           187              170
 Iberia                                       256           241              208
 Scandinavia                                   66            62               62
 Czech Republic                                21             -                -
 Total Continental Europe                     535           490              440
 Australia                                    100            72               51
 Total International                          635           562              491
 Total owned and concessions                1,336         1,231            1,140
 Franchises
 France                                         1             2                7
 Iberia                                         5            10               10
 Australia                                      1             2                4
 Czech Republic                                 1             -                -
 Total franchises                               8            14               21
 Total operational outlets                  1,344         1,245            1,161


    Enquiries: 

    The GAME Group plc:     +44 (0)1256 784566
    Lisa Morgan, Group Chief Executive 
    David Thomas, Deputy Chief Executive and Group Finance Director 
    Simon Soffe, Head of Investor Relations and Group Communications

    Brunswick:                        +44 (0)20 7404 5959
    Jonathan Glass
    Nina Coad
    Ash Spiegelberg 
    www.gamegroup.plc.uk  

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