LMR Luminar Grp

RNS Number:3328X
Luminar PLC
24 January 2006

LUMINAR PLC



Trading update for the five weeks to 2nd January 2006





Trading during the important Christmas and New Year period was mixed highlighted
by continued strong performance from the Dancing Division.  Trading in the
Entertainment Division and non-core estate was below expectations.



Dancing Division like-for-like sales for the five week period increased 2.3%
with the branded units up 6.8% partially offset by weaker performances from the
unbranded units.  Like-for-like sales in the Entertainment Division fell by 8.0%
primarily driven by the continued decline in the Jumpin Jaks units.  Operating
profit in the Chicago Rock Cafe estate strengthened over the same period last
year.   Overall like-for-like sales from the core business for the 5 weeks to
2nd January 2006 fell 1.7%.  The year to date like-for-like sales are down
marginally by 0.3%.  Gross margins were stable in all segments of the business.



Cashflow from operations and non-core asset disposals has remained strong.  The
Company continues to make progress in disposing of non-core units and has
completed or exchanged contracts on eight properties and expects to exchange
contracts on a further six properties prior to year end.  Net debt at the year
end will be in line with or less than the #120 million level previously
indicated.



Management will be accelerating the branding of the unbranded estate in the new
financial year.  Any conclusions to be drawn from this year's shift in Christmas
trading patterns and the changes in licensing will be covered within the
Company's Preliminary Results Statement in May 2006.  Whilst trading over the
Christmas period was below expectations, it endorses the strategy to strengthen
the Company's position as the UK's leading branded late night entertainment
operator.



                                                                 24 January 2006





There will be a conference call for analysts at 8.45am this morning.  The
dial-in details are 020 7138 0816.





Enquiries:


Luminar plc                                          Tel: 01908 544100
Stephen Thomas, Chief Executive
Nick Beighton, Finance Director

College Hill                                         Tel: 020 7457 2020
Matthew Smallwood




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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