Acquisition

RNS Number:4682G
John David Group (The) PLC
16 December 2004



16 December, 2004

                            THE JOHN DAVID GROUP PLC

                        Acquisition of RD Scott Limited

The John David Group PLC ("JD" or the "Group") announces that it has acquired
the entire issued share capital of RD Scott Limited ("Scotts"), a
privately-owned, branded casual fashion retailer.

Scotts operates 23 stores in the North West, Midlands and Yorkshire. For the 15
months ended 4 April 2004, Scotts had a turnover of #18 million and reported an
operating loss of #138,000. However, this period included two calendar year
first quarters which were significant loss making quarters because of the
seasonality of the business. Scotts sells leading fashion brands such as Henri
Lloyd, Rockport, Lacoste, Ted Baker, Paul Smith, Hackett and Firetrap. Scotts
will complement the existing Fashion Division of the Group which currently has
34 stores.

The acquisition of Scotts will be satisfied by a consideration of #4 million in
cash and is expected to be immediately earnings enhancing for JD and, more
importantly, will bring the Group an experienced, branded fashion management
team capable of accelerating performance improvement in the Fashion Division.

Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman, said:

"This acquisition brings together two smaller fashion operators to compete more
strongly in the growing market of multiple branded fashion for young men and
women, thereby increasing our critical mass in the sector. It enables us to
access a more comprehensive brand offering and, importantly, provides us with an
experienced branded fashion management team who will be joining us from Scotts.
The team will be responsible for a truly autonomous and accountable Fashion
Division and should be the foundation of a profitable future for the combined
business."


Enquiries:

The John David Group Plc                          Tel: [phone]
Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman                 Mobile: [phone]
Barry Bown, Chief Executive
Brian Small, Finance Director

Hogarth Partnership Limited                       Tel: [phone]
Andrew Jaques
Barnaby Fry


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

END
ACQGGMMZRKZGDZM