Web Site : http://www.universe-group.co.uk/

HTEC Web Site : http://www.htec.co.uk/


Nov 2005 CNBC Interview with Ray Mackie (open the url below in Windows Media Player or equivalent)

http://www.universe-group.co.uk/news/media/ray_mackie_cnbc_111105_large.mpg


Half Year End 30th June
Full Year End 31st Dec
____________________________________________________________________

Latest Broker Forecasts

Charles Stanley 9th December 2005 BUY

2005 Pre Tax Profit 1.37M
2005 EPS 1.8p
2005 Div 0.75p

2006 Pre Tax Profit 2.03M
2006 EPS 2.3p
2006 Div 0.75p
______________________________________________________________________

31 OCTOBER 2005
UNIVERSE GROUP PLC

HTEC UPDATE
NEW HYDRAPOS INSTALLATIONS

Universe Group plc ("Universe" or "the Company"), the forecourt payment and
loyalty systems company, is pleased to announce that it has received a further
significant order for its HydraPOS petrol forecourt system. Following ASDA's
purchase of 12 former Safeway stores from Morrisons, which include five petrol
sites, in Northern Ireland, ASDA has placed orders with HTEC for HydraPOS to be
installed at each of the petrol sites on Toshiba TEC hardware.

This follows other recent forecourt industry developments which saw Fuelforce's
sale of 22 sites to Somerfield, 61 petrol sites to Murco and 25 sites to
Malthurst. As a result:

* Somerfield, and Malthurst, one of the biggest of the independent groups,
have now become significant customers of HTEC;

* HTEC, with Toshiba TEC, now has the largest presence in Murco's Point of
Sale estate. HTEC was already a supplier to Murco.

Commenting on today's announcement, Ray Mackie, Chairman , said: "It is pleasing to see continuing success from our efforts to gain an increasing our share of this dynamic market. HTEC is working closely in partnership with Toshiba TEC to give our customers the best service on the best equipment."

___________________________________________________________________



Universe Group PLC
09 September 2005

UNIVERSE GROUP PLC
UNAUDITED INTERIM RESULTS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2005

Universe Group plc ('Universe' or the 'Company'), the retail and information
systems company, is pleased to announce its Interim Results for the six months
ended 30 June 2005.

Highlights:
Continuing turnover of 14.7 million (2004: 11.0 million)
Operating profit on continuing business 1,229,000 (2004: 757,000)
Profit before tax 482,000 (2004: loss of 224,000)
Adjusted earnings per share 1.45p (2004: 0.84p)
Sale of First Remit completed on 12 August 2005
Unchanged interim dividend of 0.25p
Appointment of Bishopsgate Communications Ltd as Financial and Corporate PR.


Commenting, Ray Mackie, Executive Chairman of Universe said:

'In the first half of 2005 we achieved an operating profit on our continuing
business and before exceptional items which was 62.3% higher than last year. In the main this was the result of an excellent performance at HTEC. Continuing operating profits before exceptional items were 1,229,000 compared to 757,000 for the first half of last year on a like for like basis. Our continuing business is that of HTEC and the Paris shops of Master Change'.

'The medium term prospects for HTEC are excellent although the second half will
be quieter. With its shop closure programme completed there are signs that the
Paris shops will put in a strong performance for Master Change.'

.
______________________________________________________________________


http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,2740-1851929,00.html

The Times November 01, 2005

Smaller stock to watch

Universe Group, the AIM-listed provider of forecourt payment systems, added 2p at 19p on announcing further orders from Asda for its HTEC division. Universe, after the purchase by Britains second-biggest grocer of 12 former Safeway stores in Northern Ireland, is to supply the sites with its HydraPOS petrol forecourt system, in conjunction with Toshiba hardware. The company also said that Somerfield and Malthouse, the independent petrol retailer, have also become significant customers, while HTEC now has the largest presence in Murcos point-of-sale estate.

"
In March 2004 the full-year figures to December saw - not for the first time - a P&L heavily scarred, a pre-tax loss of 2.7 million on this occasion, mainly due to the write-off of First Remit development costs; although the downsizing of Master Change, not yet over, drains away cash too. So it is HTEC which has allowed so adjusted earnings to be recorded (3p) and a slightly trimmed dividend to be maintained - and shareholders will be relieved to know that things are still going well there. But it will be 2004 before First Remit turns the corner, and Master Change is reduced to its core, profitable, units.

The Royal Bank of Scotland has duly subscribed. Reporting for the half year to June, the company lost money, but if you disregarded the exceptional items the earnings - 0.5p - were about the same as those of June 2003. And a strong second half is expected from HTEC.
Research Standing
The share price is holding steady, and could be redeemed by the second half performance.
"

The chart looks set for a breakout on good news, and with the present price bottomed on a technical review of the chart - if that 2nd half was good - these could not only be a good LTB but a good STB as well. Why a breakout, well all the bad news is over and factored in, hence the bottom.

Estimated Div per share of 1.3p is not bad as well.

The Interim announcement in Sept 04.


FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2004


Universe Group plc ('Universe' or the 'Company'), the retail and information
systems company, is pleased to announce its Interim Results for the six months
ended 30 June 2004.

Main features:

* Turnover of 20.3 million (2003: 19.0 million)

* Operating profit before development costs write-off, exceptional items
and amortisation of development costs of 534,000 (2003: 535,000)

* Loss before tax 224,000 (2003: profit of 206,000)

* Adjusted earnings per share 0.54p (2003: 0.62p)

* First Remit development costs, 231,000 written off

* Interim dividend of 0.25p (2003: 0.54p)


Commenting, Ray Mackie, Executive Chairman of Universe Group said:

'HTEC continues to benefit from our customers' preparations for the roll out of
Chip and PIN technology. We have some very significant orders and contracts
with ASDA, Morrisons and PayPoint although our development cycles mean that the
full benefit of these contracts will not begin to flow through until the second
half. Currency Division incurred smaller losses than last year as we
consolidated our positions in both Master Change and First Remit.

We EXPECT A STRONG SECOND HALF at HTEC and are seeking to ensure continued
improvement in trading at Currency Division arising from the summer season at
Master Change and modest growth at First Remit.'

Universe Group PLC

PER = 4.04 (Prosp. 12M)
EPS Growth = 58.25 % (Prosp.)
Net Gearing = 17.52%
DIV Yield = 8.42 (Prosp.)
DIV Cover = 2.94 (Prosp.)
Interest Cover = 3.58
PBV = 0.46


Shares in issue: 61.4m 5p Ords

Major Shareholders Amount % Holding

Ennismore Fund Mgmt 9,368,934 15.98
Raymond John Mackie 6,949,658 11.35
Chase Nominees Limited 3,767,311 6.21
Sinjul Nominees Ltd 2,850,868 4.70
West Register (Investments) Ltd 1,874,900 3.19
Barclays Nominees Limited 1,879,708 3.10

TIP SHEET TODAY. 21st Feb 2005.



Buy Universe Group at 19.5p
Suggests top AIM guide, A1m-Analyst.com
Ironically, Universe Group (UNG: AIM) is not a business that will ever rule the universe; life would function perfectly well without it. However the three businesses that make up Universe Group are excellent and have great potential. The real attraction of buying shares is the dividend yield of 5.25%, forecast to rise to 6.85% in 2005 and the 2005 Price Earnings ratio of 5.75; which is far too low. When Universe proves to the market that it is capable of delivering on its promises it will be re-rated.

The Business

Universe Group was originally called Card Clear, having been established in 1991. The group listed on AIM in 1995, and changed its misnomer to Universe Group in January 2000.

The value of investments can go down as well as up. Investing in equities can lose you part or all of your capital although the potential returns are theoretically unlimited. Smaller company shares can be relatively illiquid and thus hard to trade. And that makes such investments more of a high risk than larger company shares.

Universe Group comprises three businesses, Master Change, First Remit, and HTEC. Master Change was acquired by Universe in 1998 having been set up two years earlier. Master Change is a niche bureau de change business, operating kiosks in popular tourist sites within Europe. In 2004 the number of bureaus was reduced from twenty-nine to the most profitable fourteen, which, whilst ensuring there will be exceptional charges, should ensure that Master Change contributes a profit this year. Foreign Exchange Bureaus are naturally dependent upon the levels of tourism, and Europe has been suffering of late due to the weak American dollar. However, the weak dollar will not have too adverse an effect on profits for Master Change in 2005.

The second business under the Universe umbrella is First Remit, which operates an international cash transfer systems. First Remit opened in 2001, and uses the internet and a network of agents for customers to transfer money almost instantaneously. First Remit has frequently disappointed by failing to deliver what both management and investors expected of it.

Like Master Change, the First Remit business has undergone a period of reorganisation, and we are led to believe that it will be profitable in either the first or second half of 2005.

The business operates by charging a transaction fee to the client. Executive Chairman, Ray Mackie, believes that in four to five years time First Remit could be making an operating profit approaching 5 million pounds, which would be over 8p a share in earnings.

The final arm to Universe is HTEC, the business that many believe to be the real jewel in the crown. HTEC specialises in the development of loyalty systems for the retail industry. The company operates the technology behind loyalty schemes including BP Premier Points, Total Oil Tops, BHS, Asda, and Morrison's. HTEC also operates "e-loyalty", whereby customers can gain loyalty rewards in the form of vouchers or points aimed at their interests based on previous visits tracked by HTEC technology. On 1st January 2005 HTEC switched to Chip and PIN technology, which meant that large orders in the first half of the financial year were delayed until the second half. Chip and Pin technology allows for remote card usage at Outdoor Payment Terminals ("OPT's"), and can be used to pay for petrol, parking, and other goods. HTEC is expanding the number of OPT's that offer Chip and Pin technology, and is also competing for business in other countries where Chip and Pin technology is being rolled out.

The Balance Sheet

Universe Group has a good balance sheet, which will strengthen when forecast profits flow. The most recent balance sheet to go by is from 30th June 2004, the close of the first half interims. Gearing is negligible, net debt was 4.435 million pounds, total assets less liabilities were 27 million pounds and net current assets were 526,000 pounds. Turnover was up at the interim stage of 30th June to 20.35 million pounds (2003: 18.967 million) pounds, and an operating profit before development cost write-off and exceptional items of 534,000 pounds was achieved.

The increase in turnover was encouraging given that HTEC delayed orders due to implementation of the Chip and Pin technology.

Traditionally the second half of the year has always been stronger than the first, and certainly this will be the case for the results to 31st December 2004, due for release in March. At the interims Universe stated that "Our order position indicates that HTEC will have a very busy second half to this year and a good start point to 2005." This statement underpins the forecasts from house-broker Charles Stanley, and to some extent Corporate Synergy.



Forecasts



In its forecast of 28th January, house-broker Charles Stanley has forecast pre-tax profits in 2004 of 1.3 million, worth 2p per share in earnings. Meanwhile Corporate Synergy is more optimistic, forecasting pre-tax profits of 1.68 million, worth 2.71p per share in earnings. The forecasts from Corporate Synergy look far too optimistic, and as such we do not place any faith in such figures. However for what they're worth the forecasts from Corporate Synergy are for 2005 pre-tax profits of 3.9 million, worth 4.7p per share in earnings. The forecasts that we have used suggest that Universe trades on an historic PE of 9.5, falling to 5.75 for the current financial year of 2005. We have forecast a dividend of 1.3p per share, which equates to a yield of 6.85%. Previously the dividend has been available as a scrip, whereby shares can be taken instead of cash, and this is likely to remain an option.


Year Ending 31st December
Turnover
(million pounds)
Pre-Tax profit
(million pounds)
EPS(p)
P/E(x)
Dividend(p)
Yield (%)

2003A
42.1
(2.73)
(7.0)
n.a
1.71
9

2004E
43.5
1.3
2.0
9.5
1.00
5.25

2005E
48.0
2.0
3.3
5.75
1.3
6.85



Investment Case

Universe should appeal to those investors after income and growth. Fundamentally Universe Group is cheap, that is so long as our forecasts are accurate. Clearly the market is waiting for proof that Universe will finally deliver on its promises, but the reorganisation of Master Change and First Remit lead us to believe that the Group will deliver on its forecasts. Once Universe proves to the market that it can deliver on forecasts it should be re-rated to a more sensible PE ratio in line with its peers. 2005 should be the year that Universe finally delivers. The target price is 30p. Buy.

Key Data:

Share Price: 17 - 21p

EPIC: UNG

Stockmarket: AIM

Very nice buying yesterday.

Two other pointers that make this look attractive are the low PCF (Price to Cash Flow) which is x4.7 (sector present is x13.7 and market present is x12.03) and the low PSR (Price to Sales Ratio) which is x0.21 (sector present is x1.17 and market present is x2.11). A target as above of 30p (Tip from A1m guide) would take into account nothing special, if the results are special there is no reason why this cannot go to 60p. A PBV of only 1 would make it approx 45p.

Ticking up nicely. Tipped everywhere. Target 30p soon, and higher on the good results and news.

Still strong with more buying and the Prelims not many days away now. IMO over 30p after the Prelims announced with good news on HTEC.

Prelims still estimated at 23rd March, just a week away now.

Results out yesterday, quite a decent set of results and HTEC is coming on strong. Div will be 0.5p.

There was large goodwill etc....I would take this as a deliberate clear out now that everything is done in the changes from 2004, which will lead to very good interims and finals for 2005.

Webcast with chairman Mackie on t1ps.com this afternoon, will have to see what he says.

Universe Group PLC
30 March 2005

30 March 2005

Universe Group plc

Directors' Shareholding

Universe Group plc (the 'Company') announces that two of its directors, Ray
Mackie and Catherine Wines have today each purchased 25,000 shares in the
Company at 151/2 pence per share.

Following these transactions Ray Mackie is beneficially interested in 6,974,658
shares representing 11.4 per cent. of the issued share capital and Catherine
Wines is beneficially interested in 191,942 shares representing 0.31 per cent.
of the issued share capital.


Enquiries:

Universe Group plc
Ray Mackie, Executive Chairman 020 7287 0888

Charles Stanley & Co Limited
Russell Cook 020 7739 8200


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

Strong write up on t1ps.com, stating an absolute bargain at 17p.

Three very good reasons to buy this and why its very much undervalued !!

Makes interesting reading and yet more reasons to keep adding.

I have followed this thread and bought into this a couple of times at 21p and 23p and have got to say i`m disappointed with the way the share price has gone down.Do you really think its worth topping up again.?
db66

A little summary of why, when and how UNG is going places ;

Some hints perhaps of tips ; expecting circa 1.6M Pre Tax profits this year, good.

Potential to sell HTEC for 20M, leaving UNG with 16M in cash in the bank and no debt and still have a 30M per year business thats presently break even (less HTEC) but growing, 17p only reflects a value of 10M for the whole company, better.

Its in growth, keeping it all the same within 2 years you could see operating profits over 5M, excellent too.

Very exciting prospects and why we had director buying yesterday.

I will hold and add and sell only when over 30p !

Universe Group PLC
11 April 2005

11 April 2005

Universe Group plc
Directors' Shareholdings

Universe Group plc, the retail and information systems company, announces that
as a result of the purchase on 11 April 2005 of 50,000 ordinary shares at 171/2
pence per share by the Universe Trustees (no.2) Limited in connection with the
Universe Group plc Long Term Incentive Plan, the following directors have
increased their beneficial shareholdings in respect of 40,000 of these shares as
follows:


Name of Director Previous Holding Shares Acquired Current Holding Percentage

Catherine Wines 191,942 20,000 211,942 0.35%
Adrian Grinsell 38,145 20,000 58,145 0.09%

For Further Information:

Universe Group plc
Ray Mackie, Group Chief Executive 020 7287 0888

Charles Stanley & Co Limited
Russell Cook 020 7739 8200

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

Really good news today;

Universe Group PLC
13 May 2005
Universe Group plc

AGM Statement

Universe Group plc, the retail and information systems company held its AGM today when Ray Mackie, Chairman, told shareholders:


'We have got off to a strong start in 2005. At HTEC our sales in the first
quarter were substantially up on the first quarter sales of 2004 as a result of the impetus from Chip and PIN related business.

Currency Division had a respectable level of activity, given market conditions for tourism in Paris where we have ten shops and the competitive nature of the international money transfer market.

The Board is confident of a good result for the half year and for the year as a whole. We expect to announce the interim results for the six months ending 30 June 2005 on 2 September 2005.

Looking further ahead, we are very excited by our PIN enabled unattended payment system. We have commenced installation in petrol forecourts and we are seeking unattended applications outside our traditional markets. We anticipate that unattended systems will be a growth market as a result of the introduction of Chip and PIN'.


R J Mackie

Chairman

13 May 2005

PpP: Your ELA morning post was well timed for UNG - up 2p today on the good news about chip & pin.
But UNG had already been flagged on my sharescope recovery watchlist some time ago - long period of decline and history of director buys - in fact the directors seem never to have sold any shares, they just keep accumulating. Nice chart shape and good addition for the recovery portfolio.
Not too keen on KUJU because of low volumes which give no clues about OBV and offers little prospect of a feeding frenzy which I need to keep up my adrenalin levels.
Still interested in CSB although not strictly a recovery play.
sd.

Sorry, stutter on the send button.

squidd forgot with UNG the Xdiv date is 18th May and its 0.5p which is a nice little bonus too.

Kuju should get the coverage once the publish they are into profit and I expecting more contract news before the results, heres hoping.

Lots of talk about the drug for ELA being allowed back on the market, hope it is.

PpP: Congrats! UNG was the best performer on my 25 long recovery list on 13th.
Div prospect is noted for which thanks.
ELA managed to limp into blue despite early profit taking, but I find the trades list perverse and don't comprehend.
In case you're wondering, I sleep soundly at night with my recovery stocks, but the owls across the river in the New Forest often wake me at this time and I am trying to read their message.
sd.

squidd the unhealthy UNG cub might be turning into a tiger and if those first half figures are good which it looks like they will it should be like a firework after that.

squidd from armshare.com

The Royal Bank of Scotland duly subscribed. Reporting for the half year to June, the company lost money, but if you disregarded the exceptional items the earnings - 0.5p - were about the same as those of June 2003. And a strong second half was expected from HTEC. It did, but nevertheless, even adding back those costs and writing off development expenditure, the earnings failed to excite and the loss of income hurt. And there was not much in the statement to enthuse either although an upbeat AGM statement - with especial reference to HTEC and PIN-enabled unattended payments prospects - generated some investment interest in current year prospects.
Research Standing
The share price is holding steady, and could be redeemed by the first half performance.


In my opinion this was always set to take off in 2005 but it does not stop there as there will be strong strong growth through into 06 and 07 and more after that and have a feeling this might get fully tipped by t1ps this week !

squidd more good news;

thewrongprice.com just issued an update on UNG reiterating its 'buy' stance


Last weeks final commment was from www.t1ps.com ;

"would make the shares look cheap, and now I'm optimistic that my patience will be finally rewarded. The stance is unchanged, "buy."

squidd some interest on UNG today and a move upwards.

HTEC by 2007 could be worth 20 million on its own some say and thats something I hope they are right on.

RNS Number:4464N
Universe Group PLC
10 June 2005

Universe Group PLC
HTEC announces new contract with Suresite

Universe Group PLC ("Universe" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that
HTEC, the Company's retail and information systems subsidiary, has secured a new contract to supply Suresite Card Services with its HTEC Gemini EFT Terminals and the HTEC Intelligent PINpad. Suresite provides bank authorisation and payment services to independent petrol retailers across the UK. The contract will be implemented over the next 12 months and HTEC will provide on-going support to Suresite.

Ray Mackie, Chairman of Universe, comments:

"We are delighted that Suresite has chosen HTEC to supply its customers with
chip and PIN compliant equipment. The independent petrol retailers share of the UK market is growing quickly and we believe that Suresite is capable of securing a dominant position in this market. "

Geoff Oldham, Managing Director of Suresite reports:

"Chip and PIN, working over ISDN for high speed, is going to save our petrol
customers a lot of money as a result of increased security and the potential to
reduce merchant fees. There are only a limited number of suppliers offering
petroleum capable Chip and PIN solutions and HTEC was chosen because of its
specialist capability in forecourt solutions."

Enquiries:
Ray Mackie, Chairman
Universe Group PLC 023 80689510
Russell Cook
Charles Stanley Co. Limited 020 7739 8200


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

Thats good news i`m well down on these bought at 23p and topped up again at 21p almost tempted to top up again but think i will wait .
DB66

Up over 10% this morning.

doughboy66 you do not have too long to wait now to go well past 23p in my opinion.

Solid trading statement today;

Universe Group PLC
30 June 2005

UNIVERSE GROUP PLC

TRADING UPDATE

Universe Group, the retail and information systems company, announces that its
results for the six months to 30 June 2005 are expected to be in line with
management forecast. The board anticipates that results for the full year will
be in line with market expectations.

The key features of trading in the first half are:
Turnover at HTEC has increased significantly over the same period last
year, primarily as a result of Chip & PIN.
Currency Division has been reduced to a core of ten bureaux de change all
operating in the centre of Paris. The bureaux have historically reported
an operating loss in the first half but following the restructuring of the
division it will report a profit in the six months to 30 June this year.
The cost to the group of operating First Remit international cash transfer
is continuing to reduce. In the period we have expanded our 'send' business
from Austria.

The interim results are expected to be announced on 9 September 2005.
Enquiries:
Ray Mackie, Chairman
Universe Group PLC 023 80689510

squidd I do think we have great growth potential here over the coming 3 years and a big boost coming later this year as its presently with a Price To Book value of less than 1.

I think EPS will be above 3.1p now.

squidd its rising well now and its just been tipped again as a BUY by www.t1ps.com

PpP: Something that strikes me on UNG the chart is that there is no record of a director ever having sold any shares; they have just kept buying, in small quantities, ever since the heady days of the dotcom boom. And our entry point, up till yesterday, anyway, was mostly below theirs.
I'm going to stick my neck out and say my reading of the chart is that the SP touched its all time low in late June, too far out of step with the newsflow, and the 25 65 MA cross marked the turning point. It's also now in roughly the same state as when I got into APH.
So, I'm going to see what sort of deal I can get from comdirect.
sd.

Damn! They virtually doubled the spread as I was writing.
sd.

I am still down on this but not for much longer me thinks.
Papal i have got to say your tips certainly are comming good,keep up the good work and when you get another throw it my way.
DB66

Unlucky squidd ,i just had a look and noticed its gone up again since i wrote my piece .Soon be in profit and god do i need it!!!
DB6

squidd/DB66 yes the directors would not sell as they have always held their belief that once HTEC was up and running its an absolute earner of large large profits. APH has had a good rise, VLK up well this week too and if the contract news next week is true and they are big then expect more from VLK. OSH is one to keep in the watch list and read the news and results, it will drift a little longer but if my recovery assumptions are correct there will be a dividend at prelims for the end of 2006 financial year and that means a nice profit too.

For UNG here is my take on whats going to happen

The interim results should show improved turnover and profit from HTEC with perhaps a small profit contribution (for the first time) from MasterCharge and very much reduced loss (maybe even near breakeven interims given the Austria news or may be break even at final results) on First Remit.

That all adds up to a profit being posted at interims and prelims later and with massive EPS growth potential in the future.

Thats just this year so far and add into that that in 2006 Mastercharge will bring in more profit and FirstRemit then adding profit into a much larger profit from HTEC and from this strong base HTEC will keep pouring in more profit year on year.

The wrong price ? Yes for sure its way too low (and was tipped recently by thewrongprice.com)

Its still not that well known but after those interim profits in September it will be.

squidd/DB66 the Net Asset Value is approx 42p per share the presently very weak price level represents the bad news of the past and an expectation of small loss or break even this financial year by some however all pointers indicate this will not be the case and a so called "unexpected" profit will happen however to a lot of people it is an expected profit.

The recovery phase is complete and from now on its solid growth

Its going to be very interesting in the coming 9 weeks before interims. They seem to be keeping the spread wide open to stop buyers and that is a good sign at this stage in my opinion.

squidd/DB66 I would take a guess with a NAV of 42p per share if we get back into profits at news time you might see one very nice golden cross from UNG before too long, in my opinion it is building up for it. Higher highs and higher lows and the across we go in the coming months.

Looks like its hotting up before mid August with some getting in before the herd.

NAV 42p per share and back to profits this year.

Interims on 9th Sept not long to wait now.

I am surprised at the lack of interest on this board in Universe.I recieved a nice dividend on the 6th July from this share and there`s plenty of upside to come from this share in the near future.Roll on September!!!
DB66

DB66 I just topped up and caused them to go from red to blue. We will soon be into the 20 days before results and expect the buys to stream in now with the interims due to be strong, profitable and the outlook very good.

NAV is around 42p per share and this is one of the most undervalued shares around.

Still stick with my 30p target for now and 60p long term.

Good to see your confident enough to top up,but still no interest on the board and i have got to say the markets ,only sells showing today so far.
By the way what about Kuju ,i thought results were due this week .I have to admit i haven`t bought into them but i am keeping a close eye on them.
DB66

UNG is a long term no brainer so no worries. KUJ was expecting them this week but looks like next week now.

Did you get in on PTC today ? Wow, the announcement is massive and they could now rocket on Monday after a solid 100% rise today.

Papal i have to admit i missed out on PTC have read your comments on the thread and must admit it looks worth a punt.I only concern is that with such a massive rise on Friday i don`t want to get caught buying in at the top.
You are confident that there is a lot more to come from this share next week?
DB66

DB66 there is more to come but it will be volatile I think, we should see strong tree shakes and strong rises, people taking profits then the next wave coming in. I am happy to hold now until the November results, but cannot advise when to buy if you want to, as its going to swing all over the place I think.

I think someone has got a large buy order in for UNG as the offer went up to 23p for no reason to discourage buyers Friday. Could be interesting on UNG soon.

Thanks for that Papal,i have got stuck in at the top end of a couple of volatile shares in the past and its not good for my ticker.

I think i will duck out of PTC at the moment as i`m still relatively new at this game and slowly recovering some of my losses on my portfolio.

I have got to say i do hold you in high regard as most of your tips are coming up trumps.You really can see you do a lot of research by the information you put on the threads,although i must admit i don`t fully understand the charts.
Keep up the good work.
DB66









+..6
.

DB66 knowing everything you can about a share and its trading patterns and future potential is all very important stuff and I am happy to pass it on, have been wrong and have been right but thats the same for everyone.

I am happy and sad on OSH, happy as Growth Company Investor tipped it as a speculative buy on Friday the 12th of August which backed up what I am thinking, sad as I have been happily building a nice stake on the cheap while the sellers are still around from time to time and wanted to keep getting some more in, but that tip will make buying more the cheap more difficult now. Its one you have to hold for 18 months to 24 months to get the full benefit of improving revenue and profits. Its still speculative at the moment but I hope the improvements will be confirmed at interims in December and then the prelims next year and interims December 2006 will be major turning points for the SP, if it all goes to plan.

DB66, I am glad I topped up last week !


Universe Group PLC
15 August 2005

UNIVERSE GROUP PLC


Universe Group PLC

Sale of First Remit to Travelex

Universe Group PLC ('Universe'), the retail and information systems company,
announces that it has sold its international money transfer business, First
Remit, to Travelex Money Transfer Limited ('TMT'), a subsidiary of Travelex, the world's largest foreign exchange specialist, for an undisclosed price.
Since 2002 First Remit has established a network of more than 3,500 locations in 46 money transfer countries including UK, India, Jamaica, Eastern Europe and
parts of Africa.

Universe Chairman, Ray Mackie, commented 'We are very pleased with this outcome. First Remit is a small operator in a huge market. We believe that Travelex has the resources to make best use of the First Remit Network.'

TMT's CEO, Mohit Davar said 'The acquisition of First Remit is a significant
step towards helping TMT enhance its global presence. It will add a further 16
markets to the current 109 countries in which TMT already operates. It will
also help us gain additional market share in over 30 countries.'

First Remit was profitable in the first half, so that negates any small losses on Mastercharge first half. HTEC as expected makes profit and more and more as time goes on.

So they have sold off a profitable First Remit, can now pay back their remaining small debts if they wish and move on to a proper PER rating, with HTEC making more and more profits and Mastercharge due to break even financial year end and into profit next year.

If that is what happens then due a major rating upgrade.

Debt at end of 2004 was 4.83 million.

2006 EPS is forecast presently at 2.3 but that should be upgraded after results.

Present PER is times 9, so give it a sector average before upgrades to 2006 forecast and you have 32.2p and with an upgrade to EPS of 3p for 2006 then 42p.

Going up.

Thanks for that Papal ,i wondered why the price had gone up.
I just hope they got a good price for it and they spend the money wisely.
DB66

DB66 paying back the debt will do wonders for the SP as it allows a higher PER rating. Not long to wait now as results and full update due on 9th Sept.

DB66 with the sale of First Remit for a nice sum and with the cost of running First Remit removed from some of the second half I am sure that full year EPS will be 3 or above, which makes UNG very undervalued at present.

Watch for any broker updates to forecast Tue/Wed and read those interims, as I feel they will contain good news with this latest action.

DB66, an nteresting start to the day with initial buy under 23 but recent reported (under NMS) of 23.5p buys. Could be looking at some strong moves up here.

Anything over NMS size will be delayed reported by 1 hour.

DB66 In fact I got things the wrong way around yesterday :) Mastercharge is making profits now and First Remit was still losing money in operating costs.

They have kept HTEC making big profits and growing, Mastercharge which is now making profits, and got rid of First Remit which was costing money.

Thats why the EPS forecast for year end and 2006 will soon be raised up a lot higher in my opinion, as they have sold the loss making First Remit for cash and now have 2 profit making business, so earnings per share will be flying up, if of course something bigger does not happen after the results ?

I hate to rumour but if you take a new revised year end EPS of 3p and forecast 2006 of lets say 3.5p, you really could sell this company for loads of money on forward earnings ! It is well known and stated that HTEC by 2007/8 could be worth 20 million on its if sold on future profits. Maybe someone is now wanting to get it before the price goes crazy ? That is why the large spread is being kept in place to limit buyers ?

Hold on tight DB66 it might explode soon.


30th June 2005 Trading statement
Universe Group, the retail and information systems company, announces that its results for the six months to 30 June 2005 are expected to be in line with management forecast. The board anticipates that results for the full year will be in line with market expectations.
The key features of trading in the first half are Turnover at HTEC has increased significantly over the same period last year, primarily as a result of Chip & PIN. Currency Division (Mastercharge) has been reduced to a core of ten bureaux de change all operating in the centre of Paris. The bureaux have historically reported an operating loss in the first half but following the restructuring of the division it will report a profit in the six months to 30 June this year.
The cost to the group of operating First Remit international cash transfer is continuing to reduce. In the period we have expanded our 'send' business from Austria.

The interim results are expected to be announced on 9 September 2005.

UNG certainly are comming good like you predicted Papal,you topped up just at the right time.
A nice buy went through at the end 50,000 at 25p.I am in the nice position of not being down on these now,so everthing upwards now is a bonus.
Cheers DB66

DB66 it is looking good. I am thinking over if someone like RTD would be buying UNG.

If you look at the release over the sale of First Remit it says "undisclosed price" and you only do not disclose it if it was terribly low or other bigger things are going on in tte background. I would not believe the price was low at all, so I think there are other things happening.

No broker upgrade today but it may come tomorrow, the forecast has to be upgraded as with the sale of First Remit end of year EPS target must be in the region of 3p now and next year much higher.

Keep holding them tight, the results and full statement are just 3 weeks away.

DB66 we are on the up again, I would say a price in the mid 30's is possible going into the results, lets hope so.

DB66 looking at trades you can see our T buyer getting them in, same one snapped up a load on Tuesday too.

17/8/2005_25.00p_40,000__Buy T
17/8/2005_23.00p_10,000__Sell O
17/8/2005_23.25p_25,000__Sell O
17/8/2005_22.00p_500_____Sell O
17/8/2005_23.50p_3,500___Sell O
17/8/2005_23.24p_2,659___Sell O
17/8/2005_23.10p_20,000__Sell O
17/8/2005_23.50p_146_____Sell O
17/8/2005_25.56p_750_____Buy O
17/8/2005_25.00p_50,000__Buy T
17/8/2005_23.00p_8,087___Sell O
17/8/2005_23.24p_802_____Sell O
17/8/2005_23.50p_20,057__Sell O
17/8/2005_23.50p_3,547___Sell O
17/8/2005_22.87p_385_____Sell O

Everything sold yesterday was purchased at 25p, which confirms why they raise the offer price so high and make a big spread to try to stop buyers, but anyone through a broker can buy under the offer price, just deters people when they look at it on the screen.

If its a large buy order we might see the bid officially go up to 23p today and they take sells at 24p, with the offer up to 28 or 28.5 to deter buyers again.

100K buy at 25p DB66, its not a surprise, people are still quite happy to sell out and hand their shares over to this buyer at the time when UNG is turning very positive.

Just put a new thread up for KIB (Ki-Bi) it looks good for a solid rebound.

From what I hear Teather & Greenwood upgraded from hold to buy this week after the sale of First Remit.

Anyone got any info ?

UNG was also tiped by thewrongrice,some weeks ago

Hello Papal things really are looking positive for UNG long may it continue.

I did have a look at KIB and have got to say i do like the look of it.A drop in price for solid company like that is always a good buying opportunity,i`m just looking to liquidate some funds at the moment.
DB66

Once the results are released and statements made then we will see all the brokers upgrade their forecast for 2006 during mid September, we should move easily through 30p then and target mid 30's.

DB66, I have just got into BSP as well, its more of a risk, very low, but could move up well as time goes on and could spike on news of the deal going ahead. If the deal goes ahead the SP should be in the region of 3p.

Post rom ADFN;

GIOVANNINA - 19 Aug'05

Universe announced that it has sold its international money transfer business, First Remit, to Travelex Money Transfer Limited (TMT), a subsidiary of Travelex PLC for an undisclosed sum. This leaves the group with HTEC and Master Change, both of which are profitable and cash generative. With the former showing good growth prospects and the improved group visibility following the disposal, we expect the shares to be re-rated and upgrade our recommendation to Buy from Hold (August 1 2005).

The performance of First Remit has been disappointing over recent years; with the business unable to reach critical mass in a competitive market, it has continued to be loss-making. As such it has held back the group, diluting the strong performance of HTEC and improving performance from Master Change.

For the year to 31 December 2005, we were forecasting First Remit to contribute an operating loss of c.0.45m. With the majority of this weighted to H1 (and with the interim results due on 9th September) we are leaving our group pre-tax profit forecasts (before exceptionals) unchanged at this stage at 1.5m giving adjusted EPS of 2.2p (assuming an effective rate of tax of 10% given losses brought forward) and DPS of 0.75p.

We expect the impact on cash-flow in terms of consideration received to be immaterial although the disposal will free up working capital to be invested in HTEC. For the 2006 financial year we were forecasting pre-tax profits of 1.8m (including losses of 0.25m from First Remit); we plan to formally review our forecasts following the interim results on 9th September.

Db66 the other exciting thing is the comment from the 13th of May, if we see the money from First Remit moved onto accelerating HTEC it could be very good for future growth with it coming more quickly.


13th May 2005 Universe Group plc
AGM Statement

Looking further ahead, we are very excited by our PIN enabled unattended payment system. We have commenced installation in petrol forecourts and we are seeking unattended applications outside our traditional markets. We anticipate that unattended systems will be a growth market as a result of the introduction of Chip and PIN'.

Investors Chronicle says it was a good move selling First Remit and that the price at 23.5p is Good Value.

Going up soon DB66, not long to wait for results and news.

That makes UNG tipped as a buy by t1ps.com and thewrongprice.com and now the IC.

Mid 30's target after results and broker upgrades after results on 9th Sept.

Good to hear its getting backed by the tipsters,maybe this will give UNG the momentum it now deserves.
DB66

DB66 the larger momentum will come when the brokers release upgraded forecasts after results, so expect the around the 12th of September onwards for some large rises when they release the updated figures.

Keep holding DB66, not long to go for the results now and then the upgrades to UNG. I am excited about BOI at the moment, very good potential for strong moves up this year and next, looking very solid for growth.

DB66 just 6 trading days away from results and we are starting to move now. I am expecting some solid buying before results and after results when the brokers upgrade forecasts.

Enjoy it.

It is building nicely now, up again. The way the MM's are operating the spread its easy to see they do not want buyers as they keep rushing the offer up to kill it, but are happy to pay over the bid for any sells in recent weeks. They must be accumulating for someone.

A good day yesterday DB66 and 3:1 buys gave us some good rises, more buys today will force the price up even more so I am hoping we get more buying volume today.

DB66 with results due this coming Friday, a weekend then to chew them over and broker upgrades on the 11th/12th the next two weeks should see that strong move up. I am looking forward to enjoying it.

My only concern Papal is that any rise will soon drop straight back after results.
I have had some bloody good shares that have posted good results only to see any gains made dissappear and the chance to bank profit and get back in wasted.
I`m not sure what i will do come Friday?

I have got to admit that UNG is still the only share your tipping that i`m holding and have now got some spare funds to invest.I was thinking about Kuju as it has been marked down,any thoughts?
db66

UNG I would advise to hold until at least the 13th or 14th if you are thinking of selling, broker upgrades are due and you will know when its issued to their clients as there will be one very strong buying day, and if you are to sell then sell into buying strength to get the best price. I will remain holding UNG as I see this as a turnaround point for them for the mid and long term.

A small holding of BOI would not go wrong I think given expected good results, interim dividend and positive outlook, should be at a much higher level in the 6 months, and if it peaks before then no harm in taking some profits.

If you want a speculative one then add a little BSP on the coming potential deal, might be worth waiting to see if you can get a lower entry point this week, presently its about 1.15p to buy, this is a speculative risky one though.

TAG you can watch as again its a more risky play, if you see news next week or the week after on well 3X and over 1000 bopd coming out of it then buy.

FTO normally has a good run into results each time and then drifts afterwards, its starting to pick up the last 2 days and results are due on the 28th Sept.

Thanks for the advice Papal,summer trading is something Goldfinger also warned me about because of the low volumes.I must admit though i have banked some half decent profit given the size of some of my holdings,i`m not sure whether i put this down to me being a bit wiser at trading or just some speculative punts paying off.

As for UNG i think i have decided to keep on holding ,i did start investing early in the year for the long term but it is easy to get carried away with short term punts that pay off.

I also have decided to go with BOI as like you say it is paying a dividend even if it is small and i`m sure there is some reasonable upside to come in the Sp.
Many Thanks as usual for your advice and research.
db66

I do not know why, but Hemscott still has a hold rating from Charles Stanley on 16th August, when in fact it was changed to BUY.

Results Friday and more upgrades to forecast expected, this could be the big move up in the next 10 to 14 days.


http://www.newratings.com/analyst_news/article_971625.html

Tuesday, August 16, 2005 4:38:09 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires

0819 GMT [Dow Jones] Charles Stanley ups Universe Group (UNG.LN) to buy from hold, after improved group visibility in the wake of the disposal of First Remit and in light of good growth prospects at HTEC. Notes that First Remit has held back the group in recent years and has diluted the strong performance of HTEC and improving performance of Master Change. Keeps '05 pretax profit forecast at GBP1.5M and adjusted EPS at 2.2p. Maintains buy rating. Trades +2.3% at 22.5p. (DWE)

Excellent !

Universe Group PLC
09 September 2005

UNIVERSE GROUP PLC
UNAUDITED INTERIM RESULTS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2005

Universe Group plc ('Universe' or the 'Company'), the retail and information
systems company, is pleased to announce its Interim Results for the six months
ended 30 June 2005.

Highlights:
Continuing turnover of 14.7 million (2004: 11.0 million)
Operating profit on continuing business 1,229,000 (2004: 757,000)
Profit before tax 482,000 (2004: loss of 224,000)
Adjusted earnings per share 1.45p (2004: 0.84p)
Sale of First Remit completed on 12 August 2005
Unchanged interim dividend of 0.25p
Appointment of Bishopsgate Communications Ltd as Financial and Corporate PR.


Commenting, Ray Mackie, Executive Chairman of Universe said:

'In the first half of 2005 we achieved an operating profit on our continuing
business and before exceptional items which was 62.3% higher than last year. In the main this was the result of an excellent performance at HTEC. Continuing operating profits before exceptional items were 1,229,000 compared to 757,000 for the first half of last year on a like for like basis. Our continuing business is that of HTEC and the Paris shops of Master Change'.

'The medium term prospects for HTEC are excellent although the second half will
be quieter. With its shop closure programme completed there are signs that the
Paris shops will put in a strong performance for Master Change.'

Enquiries:

Universe Group plc
Ray Mackie, Executive Chairman 02380 689510

Charles Stanley & Co Limited
Russell Cook 020 7739 8200

Bishopsgate Communications Ltd
Dominic Barretto, Maxine Barnes 020 7430 1600

Chairman's Statement

In the first half of 2005 we achieved an operating profit on our continuing
business and before exceptional items which was 62.3% higher than last year. In the main this was the result of an excellent performance at HTEC. Continuing operating profits before exceptional items were 1,229,000 compared to 757,000 for the first half of last year on a like for like basis. Our continuing business is that of HTEC and the Paris shops of Master Change.

Will keep an eye out for broker upgrades today and Monday.

Just came back from a short holiday and have seen the results of UNG and have to admit they are better than i expected.
Onwards and upwards.
db66

DB66 its all looking very good and UNG remains a very good share to be holding. Charles Stanley reiterated their Buy stance and www.tips.com said they are more confident than ever in UNG being an excellent share to be in with great growth potential.

I will try to see if I can get any feedback on updates from thewrongprice.com on UNG.

DB66 UNG still strong and happy to hold and I am getting into EVS, will put a post on the EVS thread later, could be a very good speculative buy.

Some nice buying today and at full offer of 25p at the end.

DB66

Just listened to the webcast with Ray Mackie on t1ps.com and it sounds very good and all is positive.

We could be in for more news and 30p plus will not be such a very long wait I think, still a wait, but not years away.

No concerns on the First Remit sale and no comeback possible from it, its clean.

Worth spending 20 minutes listening to if you are able to.

DB66 as First Remit was sold off I have a feeling that we might be finishing this year or starting early next year with Master Change sold off too, the debt reduced to zero and going forward with a great earnings machine like HTEC on its own. If that happened then we might be seeing NAV price soon.

Universe Group PLC
20 September 2005

UNIVERSE GROUP PLC
('Universe' or 'the Group')

DIRECTORS' SHAREHOLDINGS

Universe Group plc, the retail and information systems company, announces that
as a result of the purchase on 19 September 2005 of 40,000 ordinary shares at 21 pence per share by the Universe Trustees (no. 2) Limited in connection with the Universe Group plc Long Term Incentive Plan, and the purchase of 20,000 ordinary shares by Ray Mackie on the same day, the following directors have increased their beneficial shareholdings in respect of 50,000 of these shares as follows:


Name of Previous Shares Current Current
Director Holding Acquired Percentage

Catherine Wines 220,051 20,000 240,051 0.39%
Eddie Paul 40,595 10,000 50,595 0.08%
Ray Mackie 7,167,327 20,000 7,187,327 11.65%

Updated forecast added

Charles Stanley 23rd September 2005 BUY
2005 Pre Tax Profit 1.37M
2005 EPS 1.8p
2005 Div 0.75p

2006 Pre Tax Profit 2.03M
2006 EPS 2.3p
2006 Div 0.75p

The news from RTD might be linked to UNG.

Is this why UNG sold off First Remit and have hinted at selling off Masterchange ? RTD would be very interested in the HTEC side of UNG and it could be merged in very easily I think.

Was rab12 an informed insider ? We might see Masterchange sold off from UNG (and the selling off of Masterchange has been inclined recently) as part of a deal for RTD to buy UNG (as RTD would want the HTEC side on UNG). Is this why UNG sold of First Remit recently ? It is possible.


rab12 - 16 Aug'05 - 22:16 - 227 of 341
As i have said previously on this thread ,UNiverse is ready to be absorbed by someone else. RTD is a possibility as they divorced years ago but could get into bed again with no great difficulty.

Card Clear demerged from RTD around 2000 and became the Universe Group. The RTD announcement yesterday means that UNG should be well on the list of potentials due to its previous links and now of course HTEC doing well and First Remit sold off.

Hi Papal ,i could do with some good news soon ,what a terrible couple of days the markets have had.
DB66

DB66 likely to be same again today but next week is the difficult one, it will either get much better and a rebound or much worse.

UNG still doing well, I am waiting for a top up chance under 20p, if there is one.

Universe Group PLC
31 October 2005
31 OCTOBER 2005
UNIVERSE GROUP PLC

HTEC UPDATE
NEW HYDRAPOS INSTALLATIONS

Universe Group plc ('Universe' or 'the Company'), the forecourt payment and
loyalty systems company, is pleased to announce that it has received a further
significant order for its HydraPOS petrol forecourt system. Following ASDA's
purchase of 12 former Safeway stores from Morrisons, which include five petrol
sites, in Northern Ireland, ASDA has placed orders with HTEC for HydraPOS to be
installed at each of the petrol sites on Toshiba TEC hardware.

This follows other recent forecourt industry developments which saw Fuelforce's
sale of 22 sites to Somerfield, 61 petrol sites to Murco and 25 sites to
Malthurst. As a result:

Somerfield, and Malthurst, one of the biggest of the independent groups,
have now become significant customers of HTEC;

HTEC, with Toshiba TEC, now has the largest presence in Murco's Point of
Sale estate. HTEC was already a supplier to Murco.

Commenting on today's announcement, Ray Mackie, Chairman , said: 'It is pleasing to see continuing success from our efforts to gain an increasing our share of this dynamic market. HTEC is working closely in partnership with Toshiba TEC to give our customers the best service on the best equipment.'

---ends---

Enquiries:

Universe Group plc 02380 689 200
Ray Mackie, Chairman

Bishopsgate Communications Ltd 020 7430 1600
Dominic Barretto / Maxine Barnes

Good news and its looks like a there was a number of people waiting to buy back in, the falls have been for no reason, so it is very much a bargain when on a standard pr PER of times 15 the price would be 35p.

Funnily enough i was thinking about buying some more Friday but didn`t.
Very good news today,lets hope its the start of a sustained rise up.
db66

Its very good news DB66 ! Tom from t1ps.com is very pleased with the news, says its big news for HTEC and the shares are cheap at present price.


From UK-analyst.com email;

Shares in Universe Group* rose 2.25p to 19.25p after the forecourt payment and loyalty systems company said that it had received a further significant order for its HydraPOS petrol forecourt system. Following Asda's purchase of 12 former Safeway stores from Morrison, which include five petrol sites, in Northern Ireland, it said that Asda had placed orders with HTEC for HydraPOS to be installed at each of the petrol sites on Toshiba TEC hardware.

Can someone check if the MM's are feeling ok, we have a rise up and also the spread as low as 5% (this is not normal on UNG for a spread so low, so need to check if they are ill or something ;-) )

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,2740-1851929,00.html

The Times November 01, 2005

Smaller stock to watch

Universe Group, the AIM-listed provider of forecourt payment systems, added 2p at 19p on announcing further orders from Asda for its HTEC division. Universe, after the purchase by Britains second-biggest grocer of 12 former Safeway stores in Northern Ireland, is to supply the sites with its HydraPOS petrol forecourt system, in conjunction with Toshiba hardware. The company also said that Somerfield and Malthouse, the independent petrol retailer, have also become significant customers, while HTEC now has the largest presence in Murcos point-of-sale estate.

Same figures and same buy rating for 28th Oct update

203K "X" trade at 21p

We have some large buyer in the market for UNG shares on the cheap, so look for more on them and maybe a Holdings RNS in the next 4 to 8 weeks then.

Goes interim x-div on the 30th Nov (0.25p) and with a return to full year profits on the cards, a good chance of 0.75p full year div (forecast is 0.5p additional), sale of Masterchange on the cards and yet more excellent growth from HTEC, one would hope that the swings will become less and less and some solid support will come in now.

Latest broker rec. added to the header, same again with buy rating.

End of year mark down has made UNG cheap as chips again.

March 06 will see a return to full year profitability and during 2006 profits and turnover will increase. Its at bargain levels now I think as you look to 2006.

Latest Broker Forecasts

Charles Stanley 9th December 2005 BUY

2005 Pre Tax Profit 1.37M
2005 EPS 1.8p
2005 Div 0.75p

2006 Pre Tax Profit 2.03M
2006 EPS 2.3p
2006 Div 0.75p

Nov 2005 CNBC Interview with Ray Mackie (open the url below in Windows Media Player or equivalent)

http://www.universe-group.co.uk/news/media/ray_mackie_cnbc_111105_large.mpg

Universe wins contract for its electronic payment system, no terms
AFX


LONDON (AFX) - Universe Group PLC, which supplies electronic payment, transaction and loyalty systems to the retail sector, said the Anglia Regional Co-operative Society is to roll out the company's electronic payment system at its 11 petrol retailing sites.

The agreement with Anglia will be implemented over the next four months and will include an ongoing maintenance agreement.

No financial terms were disclosed.

newsdesk@afxnews.com

bam

RNS Number:9867V Universe Group PLC 21 December 2005



21 DECEMBER 2005



UNIVERSE GROUP PLC



HTEC ANNOUNCES ANGLIA REGIONAL CO-OPERATIVE


SOCIETY CONTRACT WIN

Universe Group plc ("Universe" or the "Company"), the retail and information systems company, is pleased to announce that the Anglia Regional Co-operative Society ("Anglia") is to roll out HTEC's complete petrol forecourt retail solution to their 11 petrol retailing sites.

The HTEC Petrol EPoS (HydraPOS) provides the retailer with a range of business controls integrated into one solution. HTEC's system provides Chip & PIN card payment integrated into the EPoS; system resilience provided by HTEC's unique duplex pump interface; and HTEC's Virtual Back Office. The system will enable ARCS make price and product changes, and receive site sales data on a constant real-time basis.

The agreement with Anglia will be implemented over the next 4 months and will include an ongoing maintenance agreement.

Mark Ward of Business Systems at Anglia says: "We evaluated all of the credible systems on the market and chose HTEC because of the remarkable range of functionality available. We know that the HydraPOS is the choice of ASDA and Morrison and others and this fact, together with the remarkable resilience of the system, gave us the confidence to proceed with HTEC."

Ray Mackie, Chairman of Universe Group comments: "We are very pleased to have Anglia on board. Their requirements are extensive and we are confident that both Anglia and their customers will benefit from the new systems."



--ENDS--

Enquiries to:


Universe Group plc 02380 689510


Ray Mackie, Executive Chairman


Charles Stanley & Co Limited 020 7739 8200


Russell Cook


Bishopsgate Communications Ltd 020 7430 1600


Maxine Barnes


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

New Year coming so a new thread for what should be a good year to UNG.

http://www.moneyam.com/InvestorsRoom/posts.php?tid=9189