Trading Update

 
TIDMAGA 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
10th January 2012 
 
                 AGA RANGEMASTER GROUP PLC ("AGA RANGEMASTER") 
 
                                TRADING UPDATE 
 
                      NEW PRODUCT INNOVATIONS ENCOURAGING 
 
                        BUT MARKETS REMAIN CHALLENGING 
 
AGA Rangemaster, the specialist in range cookers and kitchen living, today 
issues a trading update ahead of its preliminary announcement of the results 
for the year ended 31st December 2011 which will be announced on Friday 9th 
March 2012. 
 
2011 proved satisfactory given the caution of customers in the current economic 
environment. Revenues were close to GBP251 million down 3% on 2010 after a tough 
end to the year. The work to improve margins and control costs more than 
offsets the profit impact. Profit before non-recurring items and tax is 
expected to be up, as previously indicated, excluding last year's pension 
curtailment gains. Net cash balances at 31st December 2011 were over GBP30 
million. 
 
The evolving product mix, introduction of new manufacturing processes and the 
support of new administrative systems have brought new commercial and 
efficiency opportunities from which the Group is benefiting. These will be 
supported with further initiatives in the months ahead with particular emphasis 
being placed on building on our international presence. 
 
Overall sales of cast iron cookers were down but AGA Total Control, launched in 
May, is reaching new audiences and contributed to a third of all AGA orders in 
the second half of the year. AGA Total Control is now well established in the 
UK and the first signs of international traction are being seen. For 
Rangemaster, cooker sales were up overseas but down in the UK. 
 
AGA Marvel in North America is seeing encouraging sales momentum. The reduction 
in Fired Earth and Grange losses continues - although not as quickly as 
planned. 
 
The strong British manufacturing and brand heritage, together with the Group's 
innovative products, are relevant themes which we expect to gain in importance 
in Britain and overseas during 2012. 
 
William McGrath, Chief Executive, commented: 
 
"The Group has recently launched a formidable range of products including the 
AGA Total Control that will drive us forward in 2012. These products will be 
backed by commercial and operational efficiency gains that build firmly on the 
progress already achieved." 
 
 
Enquiries: 
 
William McGrath, Chief Executive, AGA Rangemaster Group plc - 01926 455731 
Simon Sporborg/Charlotte Kenyon, Brunswick Group - 020 7404 5959 
 
 
 
END