Trading Statement

RNS Number:0836U
Paramount PLC
12 January 2004

12 January 2004
                                 Paramount plc

                          Christmas Trading Statement

Paramount plc ("Paramount or the Company"), the holding company for the
portfolio of premium restaurant brands Chez Gerard, Livebait, Cafe Fish and
Bertorelli, announces that for the first six months of this financial year like
for like sales have increased by 1.4%. Furthermore we are pleased to announce
that like for like sales over the six week Christmas period to the 4 January
2004 increased by 5.7%, reversing a negative trend for the previous year.

Nick Basing, Chief Executive of Paramount, commented: "This result demonstrates
that we are on course with our plans to turnaround the business. We were
particularly encouraged in setting a new record for the highest average sales
per site in the pre Christmas week."

Since Paramount acquired Groupe Chez Gerard Plc in April 2003, the company has
made steady progress improving the operating margins, disposing of non-core
sites, recruiting high calibre people and returning all four brands to
profitability. At the same time, the Company has also been increasing investment
throughout the portfolio and is currently refurbishing its flagship Bertorelli
restaurant in Covent Garden which will be re-launched next month.

Paramount expects to announce its Interim results for the 26 weeks to 31
December 2003 in March 2004.

Further Enquiries:

Paramount plc
Nick Basing, Chief Executive                           Telephone: [phone]

Cardew Chancery                                        Telephone: [phone]
Tim Robertson/Olivia Gallimore



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