LMR Luminar Grp

RNS Number:5764A
Luminar PLC
20 July 2007



Luminar plc

Interim Management Statement and AGM statement



Luminar plc, which holds its AGM today at 1pm, announces its first Interim
Management Statement in respect of the period from 2 March 2007 to 20 July 2007.



As set out in the preliminary results which were issued on 17 May 2007, the
Board is progressing well in restructuring the business and is successfully
implementing its stated strategy.  The focus on the execution of operational and
financial KPIs continues to drive targeted returns and profitability.



Trading is in line with the Board's expectations.  Sales have improved over the
period and year on year, driven by successful promotional activities to enhance
footfall, and the softer comparatives in the prior year.  Like-for-like sales
for the 19 weeks to 12 July 2007 were up 12.9% for branded dancing.  The strong
sales performance has continued into the current week ended 19 July 2007.
Despite the promotional investments made, gross margins have remained solid
during the period.



Whilst it is too early to discern any real trends, the Board is pleased to
report minimal impact on sales and profitability from the smoking ban which was
introduced in England on 1 July 2007.



The Group's 2007/08 development programme is progressing well with three new
branded openings and 3 refurbishments since the year end and the Group is on
track to complete our full year development plan target.



Since the year end, the Group has acquired one unit, disposed of one unit and
surrendered one unit back to the landlord.  This brings the portfolio to 117
units excluding units in development and sub-let units.



The share buy-back programme has continued with 1,340,062 shares being purchased
bringing the total amount returned to shareholders via this programme to #33.0m.



The process of reorganising the balance sheet, which will enable the
continuation of our share buy-back programme, is well underway, with Court dates
scheduled for August and October.  Shareholder approval will be sought for the
Company's proposals and the Board anticipate completing this exercise during the
current financial year.



There have been no other significant changes in the position of the Group over
the period since the publication of its report and accounts for the year ended 1
March 2007.



Overall the Board is pleased with the trading of the Group since the year end
and remains confident in the Group's future prospects.



                                                                    20 July 2007

Enquiries


Luminar plc
Stephen Thomas, Chief Executive           Tel:      0207 3990 2960 (today)
Nick Beighton, Finance Director           Tel:      01908 544135 (thereafter)

College Hill
Matthew Smallwood                         Tel:      020 7457 2020




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