Top Ten Holdings PLC - Pre Close Trading Update

RNS Number:8445T
Top Ten Holdings PLC
28 March 2007

Top Ten Holdings plc

Pre Close Trading Update


The Board of Top Ten Holdings plc is pleased to report, ahead of its closed
period, that its trading performance for the year ended 1st April is anticipated
to be in line with current market expectations.


In contrast to a disappointing summer period in 2006, the first three months of
2007(our final quarter) has seen robust trading across our estate.


Trading at the operating level is well ahead of last year and profitability has
benefited from both cost cutting and from our investment in gaming machines
where spend per head has increased by 19%.


We have monitored and learned from our competitors' experience following the
implementation of a smoking ban in Scotland last March and are implementing a
wide range of measures to address the impact of the smoking ban in England and
Wales. We have already begun work on our 15 most profitable clubs, building
outdoor shelters and we intend to apply for these shelters to be licensed for
gambling. We continue to develop handheld electronic bingo machines to allow
customers to play a greater number of cards at any one time and, potentially, to
use these outside. Following a period of initial testing, the roll out of these
handhelds commenced in February 2007 and will continue during the forthcoming
year.


We are also developing other revenue streams and are working with Odeon/Timeplay
on providing a bingo entertainment offering in Odeon and UCI cinemas. A gaming
licence has already been granted for the first test site and trading is due to
commence in April. The Board views this development with particular interest.
In addition, we are pleased to report that our online bingo site is now making a
positive contribution and building a regular customer base.


Following a thorough review of our estate, we have identified those clubs that
may be worst affected by a smoking ban and are exploring alternative strategies
for them. We have sold two units at a considerable profit over book value and
are in negotiations to sell a further three clubs. Our net asset value as at 30
September 2006 was 84p per share.


Whilst we anticipate that the forthcoming year will be challenging, we believe
that the actions we have taken will to some extent mitigate the short-term
effects of the smoking ban and will benefit shareholders in the medium-term.

                                                                   28 March 2007


For Further Information:


Top Ten Holdings plc                                            01727 850793
Sir Aubrey Brocklebank, Chairman
Graham Kerr, Chief Executive

College Hill                                                    020 7457 2020
Matthew Smallwood
Jamie Ramsay


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