RNS Number:0919N
Gowrings PLC
03 July 2003


FOR RELEASE                       7.00 AM                            3 JULY 2003


                           GOWRINGS PLC ("Gowrings")
                           (Burger King Restaurants)


                                AGM STATEMENT


At the AGM to be held today, Derek Coulson, the Chairman and Chief Executive of
Gowrings PLC, will make the following statement:

"The last year was a major transition for the Company the most challenging I
have experienced. The Company has emerged from this experience as a focused
operator of restaurants and I would like to take the opportunity to update
shareholders on current trading in the year to date.

We are pleased to state that overall trading for our continuing businesses for
the six months is ahead of last year, with mixed fortunes for our two
businesses.

Our Restaurant Division which is now by far our largest business has seen
comparable sales up 2% and an encouraging improvement in overall operating
margins. With new marketing and products from the new Burger King owners we are
confident of maintaining this trend.

The accident repair centres have seen reduced levels of business, which is
common throughout the sector, as a result of the dry spring weather. We continue
to look at ways of reducing our cost base and expect a recovery in the autumn.

Overall, we are optimistic that the full year results will meet current
expectations with the historically stronger second half of the year to come.

I would also like to update shareholders on the investigations into the
accounting irregularities announced in March this year. I remind shareholders
that these irregularities were confined to the motor businesses which were sold
in 2002 and emphasise that there is no effect on the trading of the Company's
continuing businesses.

Investigations by forensic accountants are continuing and no final conclusions
have been reached as to the reasons for the original accounting entries which
required subsequent adjustment. The directors are considering if there are
avenues available to the Company to seek recovery of amounts written off in the
2002 Annual Report and the costs associated with the investigations.
Shareholders will be kept informed of further developments as and when
appropriate".


Enquiries:

Derek Coulson, Chairman and Chief Executive            01635 866055
David Gray, Finance Director                           01635 866055
Brian Coleman-Smith / Amanda Sheehy                    020 7398 3300
Beattie Financial



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