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

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

ABOUT UNIVERSE GROUP PLC

The retail and information systems company whose main trade name is HTEC.
HTEC is an international supplier of electronic payment, transaction and loyalty systems to the retail and communication sectors.
HTEC is an international group, providing integrated technology based services to the retail, telecommunications and business sectors.

LOYALTY SOLUTIONS - EUROPE
HTEC has vast experience in all areas of customer loyalty from hardware, software and installation to polling, database management and reporting.
Utilising the latest techniques in datamining. HTEC extract the true value of customer loyalty programmes - providing information, not just data, to enable companies to improve their business by establishing longer, more profitable relationships with their customers.
HTEC caters for both magnetic stripe and smart card platforms, and multi-retailer schemes.
Solutions for magnetic cards can also include options to convert systems to smart card.
From complete stand-alone terminals to fully integrated systems that interact with existing EPOS and management systems, HTEC focuses on the smooth implementation of loyalty programmes, with minimum disruption to business.

ELECTRONIC POINT OF SALE (EPOS) SYSTEMS AND ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER (EFTPOS) - UK RETAIL
HTEC design and manufacture high quality, integrated EPOS and EFTPOS systems for the forecourt, hospitality and high street retail sectors. HTEC systems are designed to maximise speed at the checkout, minimise management effort and bring total compatibility with existing systems.
One such system is the EFT Gemini payment terminal - a single unit designed to accept virtually any non-cash payment and which is compatible with both magnetic stripe and smart cards. The Gemini EFT terminal can provide APACS 30 on-line authorisation from aquiring banks. It also provides a ready made, flexible loyalty infrastructure.

SPECIALIST TECHNOLOGY SERVICES - EUROPE
HTECS's specialist technology services offer design, manufacture and assembly of innovative products and new technology experts in PCB design, HTEC are at the leading edge of bespoke manufacturing cabability - delivering high quality products to meet a variety of telecommunications and international standards including BABT, CSA and FCC

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--

I have this down as a stock that has a chance of doubling in 2006. The reasons behind it are the potential sale of Master Change, and the fact that HTEC is a real jewel in the crown that will deliver more and more, much more as time goes on.

Will be a return to full year profitabilty at prelims, and high growth again come interims later in the year.

A good day for UNG and a move upwards, looks good.

Moving again as well :) Merry Christmas all !

I`m sure our patience will be rewarded Papal, a half decent divended,the fact they have sold a loss making part of the group and recent contracts wins means i look forward to 2006 with a lot of optimism.
Have a good Xmas
DB66

DB66 a Merry Christmas to you ! 2006 should be a good year for UNG.

Charles Stanley 21st 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

I asked fingers xxd on AFN to take a look at UNG as I have it down as a potential stock to double in 2006, and the kind response is;


UNG - 19.00p .. Apologies for the 'spiders web' all over the first chart .. it is showing me that there has been a great deal of downward pressure throughout the last 6 yrs, and the fact that the 15.00p level has been acting as its 'ground floor' during the last couple of years .. should this support level fail at anytime, I would look upon this as a very strong warning sign, as it would take the price to levels that it has not seen before.
Zooming into its 6 mth chart, it can be seen that the price has mainly been within a range with a 'selling low' of 18.00p, and a 'buying peak' of 22.00p, so closely watch for trades appearing outside of this range, as an advance signal of a possible breakout ... a 'closing price' outside, would tend to confirm that the price is attempting to leave this range behind .. which obviously applies to both directions.
At the moment, its indicators are rising, suggesting it is in a 'positive period'. The price has moved up through its downtrends of the last couple of months, and there are signs of an underlying uptrend developing, so the price may well move on up to the ceiling of its present range.On the 100% thread, I note that you have a 'starting price' of 18.50p .. I see the 25.00p level as being the strongest barrier above, and I reckon that it holds the 'key' to whether it can double or not. If the price can 'close' above 25.00p within the next 12 mths, then I reckon it has the potential to reach 37.00p quite quickly afterwards.
As usual, just the unbiased thoughts of a non-holder.

A little bit more blue today, want a lot but a little will do ;)

The only buy today was 15K at 4:05pm, it was not a T trade either, so I can only imagine the mark up was the MM's now knowing there will be no more sellers for year end cash, will start to walk the price back up ready for January buyers.

A bit more info on what they did with Morrison's;

http://www.cimtalk.com/news/tos/tos104.html

http://www.casestudyit.com/new/viewArticle.php?article_id=2811

L2 still 3 v 1 so I think they are still trying to pick up sells on the cheap. They got 41K this morning at 16.5p, how that can be with 3 v 1 I do not know but someone was willing to give a new year bonus to the MM's. I am waiting for L2 to worsen so I can hoover a load more up cheap, but its not moving yet, which I why I think they are accumulating for someone.


With results due end of March, and they will be a return to full year profitability, increased revenue, increase OP, actual profits and hopeful an increased dividend, you can see why I want more if I can get them cheap.

Soon to be on a current year forecast EPS of 2.3p, with new forward EPS of around 3p, these should be trading in the 28p to 30p range I think, so I will keep adding more :)

Down a little but not much, makes me think again they are accumulating for someone from the volumes this morning, small buy and it goes up after some volume sells. Should I add more now, or wait a little longer to see if it drops just a little more, I will wait, but knowing my luck it will now go up.

I did think about selling up some where else to add to this but i`m not sure i have the confidence to do it ,although UNG does seem to have a bit of a trading pattern .
I wish i shared your confidence in this being a share that could double in 2006.

25p is the key level and I agree with fingers there, a close above 25p would be a bullish sign. If we get very good prelims and interims there is a chance, as there is a chance if they sell of Master Change this year. Potential is there for sure, NAV is over 40p (thats NAV and not NTAV)

Got myself another 20K at 17.25p today.

Should be a trading update end of this month and then prelims in March, and all should be good.

Well done Papal i`m sure this is the bottom of its downward cycle.

Doesn`t the dividend get paid out on Monday? If it does i`m sure we will soon tick up slowly, very slowly knowing this stock.

It went ex div last month I think DB66. This should be around the bottom, I still think its a false drop to encourage people to sell ahead of the end Jan trading update. If we fly up just before/after the trading update, then the MM's are still well in control here.

I still think this year will see a change in the way UNG is valued, with profits and a dividend and finally a clear outlook with no more First Remit, and possibly Master Change sold too, then its finally time for a re rating.

Directors taken scrip, so a vote of confidence again in the future.

RNS Number:9440W
Universe Group PLC
16 January 2006
UNIVERSE GROUP PLC
("Universe" or the "Company")

Result of the scrip alternative and Director shareholdings

Universe, the retail and information systems company, today announces that,
under the Company's Scrip Dividend Scheme, shareholders representing 25.3% of
the ordinary shares have elected to receive shares in lieu of cash in respect of all or part of the Interim Dividend for the six months to 30 June 2005. Under the terms of the Scrip Dividend, electing shareholders receive new ordinary shares of 5p each ("New Ordinary Shares") at an effective price of 18.9 pence per share in lieu of the interim dividend of 0.25 pence per share.

As a result, a total 205,232 New Ordinary Shares have been allotted. Application has been made for the New Ordinary Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM and dealings are expected to commence on 19 January 2006.

The following Directors elected to receive the Scrip Dividend alternative in
respect of their entire shareholdings and as a result their shareholdings are:

Previous Scrip Current Percentage

Ray Mackie 8,417,327 95,070 8,512,397 13.48%
Barrie Brinkman 874,579 11,568 886,147 1.40%
Catherine Wines 240,051 3,174 243,225 0.39%
Adrian Grinsell 59,751 790 60,541 0.10%
Eddie Paul 50,595 668 51,263 0.08%
Keith Buchanan 39,015 516 39,531 0.06%

For further information:

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

Charles Stanley & Co Limited 020 7739 8200
Russell Cook

Nice to see a rise today on the back of the directors vote of confidence. Trading update soon and that should emphasise these are trading on a very low PER, in otherwords, cheap as chips.

And moving up again which makes me happy to see, cheap as chips, the last Charles Stanley note was at 23p and a buy rating !

Good news :)

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/1/prweb331715.htm


BCP/HTEC Hydraccord Solution Rolled Out to Henderson Group Forecourts

The best of breed Hydraccord forecourt solution, developed by solutions specialists BCP and HTEC, is now being used in over 30 Henderson Group forecourt convenience stores.

Stockport UK (PRWEB) January 13 2006 -- Two years ago, Northern Ireland-based Henderson Group implemented a new forecourt retail solution Hydraccord in its forecourt store at Hartford Link, Newtownards, outside Belfast. Since then, the solution has been successfully rolled out to more than 30 forecourt convenience stores across Northern Ireland, helping retailers to optimise customer service, maximise revenue from their forecourt c-stores and continue to compete successfully in an increasingly competitive market. Specially designed to meet the precise needs of independent and symbol group forecourt retailers, Hydraccord combines the intricacies of fuel retailing with comprehensive convenience store retailing in a way few, if any, other solutions do.

The best of breed Hydraccord solution was developed by leading solutions providers BCP and HTEC. Combining the power of BCPs proven c-store Back Office system and HTECs dedicated PoS fuel system, Hydraccord gives forecourt operators a single solution to manage all aspects of their business.

The solution is continually evolving to reflect changing market and business conditions and incorporate new technologies, thereby ensuring it continues to offer forecourt operators the best in both convenience and fuel retailing.

Recent enhancements to further improve customer service and store efficiency include an E-top up (ETU) Voucher scheme, a car wash link and outdoor payment terminals (OPT).

ETU for mobile phone top up - is widely recognised as a valuable source of increased turnover for c-stores. The new ETU voucher scheme gives forecourt operators access to this additional turnover by printing a top up code on the till receipt rather than by using separate top up terminals, thereby minimising paper work and freeing up valuable merchandising space. Likewise, the car wash link uses a PSD Codex embedded chip to allow car washes to be sold from any pay point by printing a voucher containing a pin code to be keyed in at the car wash. Again, this frees up merchandising space as well as improving efficiency and customer service. The introduction of OPTs will allow customers to pay at the pump rather than in the store. Hendersons plan to use this to introduce an express fuelling lane close to the road which, they believe, will further build customer loyalty as well as increasing capacity at sites.

A family owned business established over 100 years ago, Henderson Group is one of Northern Irelands largest independent wholesale and retail businesses. The Group owns the SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO and VIVOXTRA franchises for Northern Ireland, providing a full service to over 400 stores, including its own company-owned estate of over 50 stores under the Henderson Retail umbrella. Around 50% of the estate operate as forecourt sites.

The solution has rolled out at a rate of around two stores a month over the past two years with all but two of the Henderson Retail chains forecourt sites currently running the system. The last two will be implemented following development and refitting of the stores.

The rate of implementation shows no signs of abating as an increasing number of independents opt for the Hydraccord solution and the Henderson Group expands its store estate across Northern Ireland.

Implementations range from two and three lane stores to large seven lane outlets like the 3,000 sq ft forecourt store at Ranfurly in Dungannon, County Tyrone, and cover the full range of fuel suppliers BP, Shell, Texaco, Esso and Maxol - the system being flexible enough to cater for the different card preferences of all these suppliers.

Neil Granleese, Retail Technologies Manager at Henderson Group, explains: The solution developed for us by BCP and HTEC gave us a comprehensive, flexible solution suitable for both our company-owned and independent stores. The rollout of the system has gone extremely smoothly and according to plan. For our own stores, the generic Back Office across wet (forecourt) and dry (non-forecourt) stores with standard menus, reporting options, etc, has simplified operation and management control while new developments like OPT and ETU will continue to make the system increasingly attractive to independent stores.

For further information of photographs please contact Pauline Higgs at BCP:
T: 0161 355 3000
F: 0161 355 3001
W: www.bcpsoftware.com

Notes for the editor
About BCP - www.bcpsoftware.com
Founded in 1979, Business Computer Projects Ltd (BCP) is a leading systems house specialising in supply chain solutions. Our Accord systems offer end-to-end, web enabled supply chain solutions for delivered wholesale, cash & carry and retail distribution. Dedicated versions are available for the food and drink sector where we are regarded as one of the market leaders.

All our systems have been developed using Progress 4GL ensuring they are user friendly and easy to tailor, with powerful, flexible reporting and management information facilities. Their OpenEdge(TM) architecture makes them suitable for use on a wide range of platforms, giving clients maximum choice and flexibility in hardware and operating system platform selection and allowing easy integration with many other technologies, such as .NET, Java and Web Services.

As a technology innovator, BCP systems are in the forefront when it comes to applying new technologies to the Food Industry Supply Chain. Recently these include Voice technology in the warehouse, using Web Services and EDI-INT for Supply Chain Integration and keeping up with new developments in the industry, such as Chip and Pin. We also operate a number of managed services for our clients, including AIMS (Accord Internet Messaging Service) for passing information reliably and securely between sites, an EFT Bureau and an EDI Bureau.

BCP clients include SPAR, Musgrave, BWG, Woodward Food Service, Pets at Home, William Morrison Supermarkets, Pedigree Wholesale.

About HTEC www.htec.co.uk

About SPAR/Henderson Group - www.spar.co.uk

For further information please contact Pauline Higgs at BCP:
Tel: +44 (0)161 355 3000
Fax: +44 (0)161 355 3001

No reference anymore to Master Change on the UNG web site, perhaps that good news is not far away now :)

And the contract wins keep coming in :)

Universe Group PLC
19 January 2006

UNIVERSE GROUP PLC

HTEC SECURES PACE PETROLEUM WIN

Universe Group plc ('Universe' or the 'Company'), the AIM listed retail and
information systems company, is pleased to announce that Pace Petroleum Limited ('Pace Petroleum') is to roll out HTEC's Hydra Chip & PIN OPT payment terminal to their unmanned petrol retailing sites. HTEC is a subsidiary of Universe.

Part of the new unmanned solution will be the deployment of HTEC'c Internet
based Virtual Back Office (VBO). This will allow Pace Petroleum to manage the
stock, sales and activity of the unmanned sites, by accessing a web server and
back office application hosted by HTEC.

Graham Timbers of Pace Petroleum says: 'We evaluated all of the credible systems on the market and chose to expand our involvement with HTEC because of the remarkable range of functionality available.'

Ray Mackie, Chairman of Universe, comments: 'We are very pleased to have direct
business with Pace Petroleum. Their requirements are extensive and we are
confident that both Pace Petroleum and their customers will benefit from the new unmanned system.'

Good news Papal ! I nearly topped up yesterday after reading your post,i don`t suppose i will get chance this morning as it will be marked up straight away.

It is good news DB66, and I am hoping for more good news with an end of January/early Feb trading update before results in March.

Could be a chance for a final cheap top up soon, would like to pick some more up around the 17.25 level :) before we get any pre close update and then results in March.

More weakness and avaiable at 17.25 for top ups now. Should be volatile this month and come strong in and through March I hope :)

Looking cheap as chips now if broker forecasts are on, and UNG are "in line".

Results in March, so Feb should be weak, now able to top up at 16.5p :)

Broker Forecasts

Charles Stanley & Co Ltd 03-02-06 BUY

2005 PTP 1.37
2005 EPS 1.80
2005 DIV 0.75

2006 PTP 2.03
2006 EPS 2.30
2006 DIV 0.75

Given we are in effect in 2006 year now (while waiting for 2005 results to come in March) we are on a pr Current Year PER of times 7, with pr 2007 PER of much lower.

A recent year under achiever, who by all pointers and signs, are about to start achieving again.

A 5th MM joined today, normally only 3, now 5, so the run in to results in late March might start to heat up as we enter T30 later this month.

OPT and UPT applications are going to drive HTEC short to mid term into some very reasonable growth :)


http://www.forecourttrader.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1129/OPT_trial_success.html

OPT trial success
Published: 03 February, 2006
Page 49
A recent trial by VBi, retail and fuel management system specialists, has found that Outdoor Payment Terminals (OPTs) are popular with customers. Results showed that as awareness and confidence in the technology grew over a two-month pilot, average sales increased by 10%.
The trial in County Durham featured VBis Illumina 3000 OPT, with the standalone solution proving effective as a queue-busting device during busy hours. Peak times for usage were 6-7pm and early on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
The OPT technology also enabled the test site a rural forecourt to offer a 24-hour service, without the safety issues of staff working all hours in an isolated location.
_______________________________________________________________

http://www.forecourttrader.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1128/HTEC_sets_the_Pace.html

HTEC sets the Pace
Published: 03 February, 2006
Page 49
Pace Petroleum is to roll out HTECs Hydra Chip & PIN Outdoor Payment Terminal (OPT) to their unmanned petrol retailing sites. The company currently has six totally unmanned forecourts. The new terminals will update these sites to Chip & PIN technology.
Part of the unmanned solution will be the deployment of HTECs internet-based Virtual Back Office (VBO). This allows stock, sales and activity on the sites to be managed by accessing a web server.
Meanwhile, HTECs Hydraccord solution, developed with BCP, has now been rolled out to more than 30 Henderson Group sites in Northern Ireland. Hydraccord combines BCPs c-store Back Office system with HTECs dedicated PoS fuel system in a single solution to manage all aspects of the forecourt business.
The system is continually evolving to reflect changing market and business conditions and incorporate new technologies. Recent enhancements include an E-top up voucher scheme for mobile phones, a car wash link and OPTs, with Hendersons said to be planning to introduce express fuelling lanes close to the road.

Should get stronger into March, results late March or early April and all is still looking good for UNG I think

I still maintain that if results are in line, and the HTEC progress is as good as is said, these should be over 25p by results time.

I hope that results are in line, I would be very disappointed if not, and have seen not one pointer or news piece saying they should not be in line. ;)

All there has been is good news on new contracts and orders.

I'm in today.... small time, but let's see how it goes... usually, if i buy a share... it's the kiss of death, let's hope it's different this time.

Thanks for the warning skyhigh. I had better stay on the sidelines for a while then!

I am hoping you bring us some good luck skyhigh :) and a nice rise to around 27p ;)

PP
Well, I did buy in on Ekay at 24.5p and within a couple of weeks it went to 50p... should have sold then and re-entered and current levels.....but didn't
Anyhow, let's hope the same happens with UNG.... I'll settle for 27p !

coeliac1... seriously, I wouldn't stay on the sidelines with this one...can't go anywhere 'cept up (imho of course!)

Well, there you are... I decide to buy in and the SP falls ! hopefully it's just a minor movement... one step back and two steps forward and all that....

BTW... have you noticed that, aprt from a couple of exceptions, that most aim / sm co. shares are taking a battering at the moment ? seems to be a general down pattern going on...

Got myself in here today PP and looking forward to results later this month !!!! Watching Henderson as well, any ideas on that PP ?

Welcome aboard B2B

Yep.. looking better today.... coiled spring !

B2B it is looking good now, strong move up in March I think ! and hope:)

skyhigh, a few more large buys along the way this month and end of month the spring should be unleashed :)

This was the Sept 05 Charles Stanley note at 23p after interims with a BUY recommendation, and all we have since this is contract wins :


The group has announced interim results which show a good performance from HTEC and robust trading at Master Change. While the reported result has been diluted by First Remit (which has since been sold), the continuing operations showed a significant improvement on the prior year and the group is now well placed for the future. HTEC has benefited from the roll-out of HydraPOS to a number of retailers although the divisional margin was slightly lower than expected given the costs associated with Chip & Pin. Following these results we have modestly reduced our HTEC forecasts for the full year (to reflect the lower margin) resulting in our adjusted group pre-tax profit forecasts falling from 1.49m to 1.37m and giving an adjusted EPS of 1.8p (assuming an effective tax charge of 20%). The shares are up modestly since the disposal of First Remit was announced on 15 August and while we have reduced our HTEC forecasts, given a clean group structure (post the sale of First Remit) and a 2006 PER of 10.2x based on conservative growth assumptions, we retain our Buy recommendation.

For the six months to 30 June 2005, continuing turnover increased by 33.6% to 14.7m (2004: 11.0m) with total turnover (including First Remit) up 9.6% to 22.3m (2004: 20.3m). The continuing H1 operating profit (which included HTEC and the French Master Change operations) was 1.23m (2004: 0.76m) with the operating margin increasing to 8.4% (2004: 6.9%) reflecting the improvement at Master Change outweighing the decline in margin at HTEC. The discontinued operations contributed an operating loss of 0.45m with 0.1m derived from the now closed UK and Austrian Master Change activities and First Remit contributing a loss of 0.35m, materially unchanged on the prior year. The operating exceptionals of 0.3m were mainly as a result of the closure of the remainder of the bureau de change outside Paris and were in-line with expectations. The group has declared an unchanged interim dividend of 0.25p per share and net debt at 30 June was 3.4m (2004: 4.4m).

HTEC continues to perform well although the H1 margin was slightly lower than expected given continued investment in Chip & Pin and increased contracted engineering field resource (given strong demand). The first half of the financial year has benefited from the roll-out of HydraPOS (point of sales system) to Morrisons and Asda which we estimate will result in an H1:H2 weighting of c.60:40. The order book for H2 gives visibility of near 100% of our HTEC forecast (assuming no slippage) although we expect the H2 margin to be lower given the product mix. The groups Chip & Pin Outdoor Payment Terminal (OPT) is now in use at Asda while the on-line loyalty programme with Morrisons has been successful and we expect the group to roll this out to other retailers in 2006.

Master Change now has a core estate of ten profitable shops, all based in Paris. The peak summer season has gone well and the business is on course to generate a divisional operating profit of 0.35m in 2005.

On 15 August, the group announced that it has sold its international money transfer business, First Remit to a subsidiary of Travelex, for an undisclosed sum. The performance of First Remit has been disappointing over recent years and with the business unable to reach critical mass in a competitive market, it had continued to be loss-making, diluting the improvement at HTEC and Master Change.

Good news, thanks to gowise, and it confirms what I was hearing that all is ok and things are going very well for UNG.


gowise - 10 Mar'06 - 10:35 - 138 of 138

Papal, you may be interested to know that I spoke to the company secretary this morning as I was worried that there was no pre-results trading statement this year. She reassured me that that was a one-off last year on the broker's advice and said that as they had issued a few notices of contract wins they didn't think a statement was necessary. Everything appears to be fine and results will be as usual in the week beginning 27th March.

Strange then that the SP has fallen from the Sept'05 23p "buy" recommendation.

Hope they don't put another one out, it might go down to 12p ?

Seriously, let's hope that the results speak for themselves and will boost the SP over the following months... I can wait until Sept for the high !

Dipped a toe this morning and a tick up.
Good timing for a change.

That's what happened to me a few weeks ago... it went up a bit..then... fell back a penny !
Still it's all small movements.... once results are out the SP will start to climb over the summer... may even get a small rally leading up to the results.

Should be a big rally,when you think present forecast is now once results are out, a historic EPS of 1.8p, giving historic PER of times just 9, and then new current year EPS pr will be 2.3p, with good chance of an upgrade to nearer 3p for 2006 year.

So it should be a strong rally into results, not a small one :)

Cool ! Bring it on !

(Let's hope it performs better than ACC !? )

skyhigh, ACC is doing fine, and it will deliver more to holders as the months goes by, saying that I would expect better and bigger moves on UNG from here.

ok

Bloody typical, tried to get under 17p all morning.
oh well should be a tick up on Monday with the
end of the day buying.

Topped up with some more today...onwards and upwards

Around 2 to 2.5 weeks to results now, onwards and upwards skyhigh, lets hope so.

A little move up skyhigh, and L2 2 v 1 :)

yep.. little & often will suffice ! particualrly when most other things I have are going down !

A nice little tick up on bid and offer so far today, bodes well for results later this month.

I`m still holding these and am looking forward to results which i`m confident will be good.

Good to hear DB66, and I also expect results to be good and outlook positive.

I have topped up with a few more,just went back and read interim results from September just to remind me just how good results should be this time.

2 v 2 on L2 DB66.

It looks like this time no rise before results, and all afterwards, and not the normal all before and nothing after..........I hope ;)

We should be this week into the 10 day period before results, I am guessing they will come on the 29th March. Bring it on :)

There have been a number of sells going through lately which i for one cannot understand.
Recent broker forecasts are very good,loss making business sold off, contract wins since last results and likely dividend of 0.5p again .
If trading was not in line with forecasts surely we would of been told by now.
Yes Papal bring it on!!

DB66 I have asked everyone I can ask, and they all say as far as they know things are going well.

Perhaps this time its going to be flat into results and then move up after them, I do not know why after the interims were good.

It might be the comment that H2 would be a little slower than H1, but thats normal for HTEC which is always loaded more one half than the other, however, broker forecast figures should be met !

This was the Sept 05 Charles Stanley note at 23p after interims with a BUY recommendation, and all we have since this is contract wins :


The group has announced interim results which show a good performance from HTEC and robust trading at Master Change. While the reported result has been diluted by First Remit (which has since been sold), the continuing operations showed a significant improvement on the prior year and the group is now well placed for the future. HTEC has benefited from the roll-out of HydraPOS to a number of retailers although the divisional margin was slightly lower than expected given the costs associated with Chip & Pin. Following these results we have modestly reduced our HTEC forecasts for the full year (to reflect the lower margin) resulting in our adjusted group pre-tax profit forecasts falling from 1.49m to 1.37m and giving an adjusted EPS of 1.8p (assuming an effective tax charge of 20%). The shares are up modestly since the disposal of First Remit was announced on 15 August and while we have reduced our HTEC forecasts, given a clean group structure (post the sale of First Remit) and a 2006 PER of 10.2x based on conservative growth assumptions, we retain our Buy recommendation.

For the six months to 30 June 2005, continuing turnover increased by 33.6% to 14.7m (2004: 11.0m) with total turnover (including First Remit) up 9.6% to 22.3m (2004: 20.3m). The continuing H1 operating profit (which included HTEC and the French Master Change operations) was 1.23m (2004: 0.76m) with the operating margin increasing to 8.4% (2004: 6.9%) reflecting the improvement at Master Change outweighing the decline in margin at HTEC. The discontinued operations contributed an operating loss of 0.45m with 0.1m derived from the now closed UK and Austrian Master Change activities and First Remit contributing a loss of 0.35m, materially unchanged on the prior year. The operating exceptionals of 0.3m were mainly as a result of the closure of the remainder of the bureau de change outside Paris and were in-line with expectations. The group has declared an unchanged interim dividend of 0.25p per share and net debt at 30 June was 3.4m (2004: 4.4m).

HTEC continues to perform well although the H1 margin was slightly lower than expected given continued investment in Chip & Pin and increased contracted engineering field resource (given strong demand). The first half of the financial year has benefited from the roll-out of HydraPOS (point of sales system) to Morrisons and Asda which we estimate will result in an H1:H2 weighting of c.60:40. The order book for H2 gives visibility of near 100% of our HTEC forecast (assuming no slippage) although we expect the H2 margin to be lower given the product mix. The groups Chip & Pin Outdoor Payment Terminal (OPT) is now in use at Asda while the on-line loyalty programme with Morrisons has been successful and we expect the group to roll this out to other retailers in 2006.

Master Change now has a core estate of ten profitable shops, all based in Paris. The peak summer season has gone well and the business is on course to generate a divisional operating profit of 0.35m in 2005.

On 15 August, the group announced that it has sold its international money transfer business, First Remit to a subsidiary of Travelex, for an undisclosed sum. The performance of First Remit has been disappointing over recent years and with the business unable to reach critical mass in a competitive market, it had continued to be loss-making, diluting the improvement at HTEC and Master Change.

I was holding at an average of just over 22p now that has been reduced to just over 19p so in many ways i feel a lot more comfortable .

Universe Group PLC
20 September 2005




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%

#################################################Universe Group PLC
16 January 2006

16 JANUARY 2006


UNIVERSE GROUP PLC
("Universe" or the "Company")

Result of the scrip alternative and Director shareholdings

Universe, the retail and information systems company, today announces that,
under the Company's Scrip Dividend Scheme, shareholders representing 25.3% of
the ordinary shares have elected to receive shares in lieu of cash in respect of
all or part of the Interim Dividend for the six months to 30 June 2005. Under
the terms of the Scrip Dividend, electing shareholders receive new ordinary
shares of 5p each ("New Ordinary Shares") at an effective price of 18.9 pence
per share in lieu of the interim dividend of 0.25 pence per share.

As a result, a total 205,232 New Ordinary Shares have been allotted. Application
has been made for the New Ordinary Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM and
dealings are expected to commence on 19 January 2006.

The following Directors elected to receive the Scrip Dividend alternative in
respect of their entire shareholdings and as a result their shareholdings are:

Previous Scrip Current Percentage

Ray Mackie 8,417,327 95,070 8,512,397 13.48%
Barrie Brinkman 874,579 11,568 886,147 1.40%
Catherine Wines 240,051 3,174 243,225 0.39%
Adrian Grinsell 59,751 790 60,541 0.10%
Eddie Paul 50,595 668 51,263 0.08%
Keith Buchanan 39,015 516 39,531 0.06%
########################################################

At least this seems to suggest that directors have confidence in the future of UNG with the increase in shareholdings from Sept 2005 -Jan 2006

Sorry about the above pasting ,the listings seem a little out of line.

I`m a bloody amateur when it comes to technology!

PapalPower,as a previous investor in cardclear i am aware how universe came to be.Can you give to me your own view of the prospects UNG,short /medium term.What are they all about? Is there money to be made?.Are they in competition with RTD.You appear to be the major contributor on this BB.so your opinions and any advice may help me decide wether to get onboard.

Thanks BD.

Taken from Growth Equities & Company Research


Universe Group**

Key Data
EPIC UNG
Price 17.25p
Spread 16.5 - 17.75P
NMS 2000
Market cap. 10.17 Million pounds
12 month range 13 - 27.25P
Market AIM
Sector Technology
Contact Ray Mackie
020 7287 0888

It has been a tough couple of years for AM listed Universe. The 9/11 attacks severely hit the number of US tourists prepared to travel to Europe and that caused a sharp downturn in trade at the company's Bureau de Change business, Universe responded by closing all marginal outlets. The chain has been reduced in size by two thirds but has been restored to profitability. An added blow was that Universe's start-up money transfer business First Remit failed to make the headway expected and indeed became an unacceptable cash drain and was sold for an undisclosed sum last year.

The saving grace throughout this period has been HTEC, a division which installs and maintains credit card loyalty and payment systems, principally for petrol retailers and hotels. Chip n'pin has been a bonus for HTEC but it also operates in a long term growth market. Desperate to both squeeze costs (for instance by replacing staff with automatic payment systems, and to enhance brand loyalty), big names such as Shell (SHEL), BP (BP.), Texaco, Total, Asda, Argos and Esso are all lining up to install HTEC's systems.


If Universe were to dispose of its remain bureau de change units which, since they are now profitable, it could well do, we believe that its remaining HTEC business would then be valued on a similar multiple to other technology stocks. Given that this one division could well have generated earnings of 2.5p in 2005 and could be on track to deliver 3p or more this year, valuing it on a mid-teens price earnings multiple would see the shares re-rated, from the current 17.75p, very significantly. Until this necessary measure is taken, shareholders have - as a not insignificant consolation - a yield of 4.2% as a reward for holding the stock.




Year to 31st December Pre-Tax Profit (million) Earnings Per Share (p) Dividend Per Share (p)
2004A 0.8 1.3 0.75
2005E 1.4 1.8 0.75
2006E 2.0 2.3 0.75
2007E 2.2 2.5 0.75

Thanks DB66, I am hoping for the same kind of re-rating on UNG as having past few days on HML :)

Interesting we have EVO on the bid now, and an MM move up this morning to make it 2 v 2.

Some signs of strength returning ?

This will be my UPS choice for next week, with results due around the 29th March :)

Boxerdog, I think most items are covered in the Charles Stanley broker note in the header and recent post, and also the post by DB66.

They are not in competition with RTD, and I would not be surprised for someone like RTD to buy them out.

I see lots of upside, as the GECR note says that DB66 posted, potential for a re-rating :)

It was nice to see the 50,000 buy go through maybe the tide has turned.

Hopefully DB66 :)

Afternoon gents.
Very slow to get started this one but a little buying so far today and a 13k sell way above the bid. Lets hope we can build momentum this week with a good set of results next week, heres hoping anyway.

Behind the scenes L2 moved up to 2 v 1 today from 2 v 2 so its firming up.

I`m glad you said that Papal as todays trades have been poor again.

I must be dreaming i thought i saw someone buy 20,000

And another decent sized buy gone through.Its mostly seems to be small private investors selling up and why someone has sold 218 worth @ 16.60p is beyond me!

Moving now, been some good buys and the price responding, L2 is 1 v 1 (and EVO still well out of the way at 19.5p)

Good !

4 MM's moved up, L2 now 2 v 1 after the recent second tick up today, so more to come I think :)

Good! Good!

Good to see MM buy going through ,thats normally a good sign.

The bullish sign is we are through the 50 day MA now, target now to break through the 200 day MA and cause a golden cross ;) I hope so, there are reasons for it to do so, can it ? ;)

Second MM buy and off we go up again. Great news :)

Those poor people that sold this morning must be gutted ! Oh well more for us.

A buy just gone through at 19.38 looking good now.

So do we think mm's short of stock? and any further buying tomorrow
could see this move upwards prity fast or vica versa.
I am just glad to see some action it's like pulling teeth this one.

Lets hope we can make a short sharp move up, a mini rerating ahead of the larger one when results are out and news comes on Master Change later ;)

The latest GECR update for UNG (March 2006), I hope they are right on UNG as they were on HML, a rerating this year on pr EPS of 3p would mean a move from the present 18p up to 40p+.

Fingers crossed, results due around Wednesday this week, I think.



Universe Group**

Key Data
EPIC UNG
Price 17.25p
Spread 16.5 - 17.75P
NMS 2000
Market cap. 10.17 Million pounds
12 month range 13 - 27.25P
Market AIM
Sector Technology
Contact Ray Mackie
020 7287 0888

It has been a tough couple of years for AM listed Universe. The 9/11 attacks severely hit the number of US tourists prepared to travel to Europe and that caused a sharp downturn in trade at the company's Bureau de Change business, Universe responded by closing all marginal outlets. The chain has been reduced in size by two thirds but has been restored to profitability. An added blow was that Universe's start-up money transfer business First Remit failed to make the headway expected and indeed became an unacceptable cash drain and was sold for an undisclosed sum last year.

The saving grace throughout this period has been HTEC, a division which installs and maintains credit card loyalty and payment systems, principally for petrol retailers and hotels. Chip n'pin has been a bonus for HTEC but it also operates in a long term growth market. Desperate to both squeeze costs (for instance by replacing staff with automatic payment systems, and to enhance brand loyalty), big names such as Shell (SHEL), BP (BP.), Texaco, Total, Asda, Argos and Esso are all lining up to install HTEC's systems.

If Universe were to dispose of its remain bureau de change units which, since they are now profitable, it could well do, we believe that its remaining HTEC business would then be valued on a similar multiple to other technology stocks. Given that this one division could well have generated earnings of 2.5p in 2005 and could be on track to deliver 3p or more this year, valuing it on a mid-teens price earnings multiple would see the shares re-rated, from the current 17.75p, very significantly. Until this necessary measure is taken, shareholders have - as a not insignificant consolation - a yield of 4.2% as a reward for holding the stock.

Should be results week this week, around 29th March (but this is not confirmed, just best guess). Bring them on.

L2 moving up now, 4 v 1

Building up now :)

lets hope it's sustainable this time

L2 is 2 v 1

Finishing up at the end must mean results in the morning.

Hope so... let's hope the're cosmic as well and the SP goes into orbit !

Good luck to the few of us that hold these ,like you say skyhigh hope there good and attract some interest!

They should support the price at a new higher range if they are good, I think those big gains in the SP will come at interims as we will have much higher EPS (hoping for 1.5p for 6 months with a full year 3p target in this current year of 2006) and also we have the chance of other news.

Solid, 1.8p EPS last year, and an "excellent" outlook !!


RNS Number:6341A
Universe Group PLC
30 March 2006

UNIVERSE GROUP PLC

UNAUDITED PRELIMINARY RESULTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005

Universe Group plc, ("Universe" or the "Company"), the retail and information
systems company, is pleased to announce its unaudited Preliminary Results for
the year ended 31 December 2005.

Key Points:

* Operating profit on continuing business #1,747,000 (2004: #1,356,000)
* Earnings per share on continuing business of 1.8p (2004: 1.3p)
* Profit before tax #1,201,000 (2004: #751,000 on continuing business)
* International money transfer business sold.
* Proposed final dividend of 0.25p making a total for the year of 0.5p

Commenting, Ray Mackie, Chairman of Universe said:

"In 2005 we achieved an operating profit on our continuing business of
#1,747,000 compared to #1,356,000 last year. We have adopted IFRS and group
operating profits on this basis are struck after what were formerly accounted
for as exceptional items but before the results of the International Money
Transfer discontinued operations.

"Our sales on continuing business were #17.6million against #16.6million for
2004. On this figure we achieved a profit before tax of #1.2million (2004 -
#751,000). Our earnings per share on continuing business are 1.8 pence per
share, against 1.3 pence last year on a comparable basis.

"While trading at our Currency Division remains satisfactory the prospects for HTEC are excellent. The newer Chip & PIN enabled products and our on-line
services are being established fast. These give us a growth platform in our main customer base of petrol retail and also other sectors."

Moving on to this current year (2006), I reckon that 3p EPS is achievable, so the current year PER rating is very low.

Agreed good results but shame they have cut the dividend down,

I like this bit the best and it could lead to big money.
They could fit all new pumps with there payment system at
the point of manufacture. The deals with asda morrisons and
clinton cards are the bread and butter so this deal with
the pump manufactures could give us the extra revenue we need.

Hydra OPT

The Hydra Outdoor Payment Terminal, the first fully approved OPT for use with
Chip & PIN, is in use at ASDA and, on a pilot basis, at Morrisons. Hydra OPT is
being converted to Chip & PIN across the ASDA estate. Important relationships
have been established with pump providers and anticipate that this will lead to
further Hydra OPT installations. In this regard we are working with Gilbarco and
Wayne, the two leading petrol pump providers to integrate HydraOPT into their
pump heads. This is a very exciting extension to our business.

Thus far we have an OPT fully integrated with Gilbarco's SK700 Euroline and
earlier this month, at the International Forecourt and Fuel Equipment Show, we
exhibited the solution for the Wayne 9000. An OPT integrated with the Wayne
Global Star will follow soon.

Ted, the Hydra OPT being installed by OEM's at pump manufacture is very exciting, its open many doors for HTEC and leads to possibly some decent revenue upgrades :)

Lets hope say hey PP.
Nice to see the tick up also this morning.

Full results statement at the link below :

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200603300700316341A

Latest Broker Forecasts

Charles Stanley 30th March 2006 ACC

2006 Pre Tax Profit 1.7M
2006 EPS 2.1p
2006 Div 0.6p

2007 PTP 2.1m
2007 EPS 2.4p
2007 Div 0.7p

So why is this share going down.. when it should be going up ?
It's now down to it's lowest bid level... :(

End of tax year I think, last trading day tomorrow, so will be a few stocks hit with sells today and tomorrow.

Short term, give it some time and UNG will be moving back up into the interim results in September.

Ugh! it gets worse ! 15.5p bid now...

PP.. appreciate what you're saying and where your coming from but... it was meant to be moving up before the interims and didn't (well, not much anyway)...

Would not like to see this go down to say 12p during the summer, then creep up to 15p before next results so it can be said "there you are - it did go up")

Unless something exceptional happens, I can't see anything that's going to drive a much higher level.

UNG always does this skyhigh, if you look at a 2 year chart you will see the same pattern, small up for prelims, then down, stable and a big up for interims.

EPS was 1.8p, its now on a historic PER of less than 10, which means its cheap as chips really.

Came back in the end ,people getting in at 16.70 and 16.75 ! very good price to top up at.
I must admit i`m a little dissapointed with the price of UNG since i bought my first lot in Feb 2005 but have bought a further couple of times since and averaged down.This is one of those shares that requires patience , as stated in results the outlook for HTEC is excellent and it pays a dividend even if it has been cut down .

What we will really need is a couple of good contract wins between now and interims to give the SP some short term support.I feel like i`ve been in these forever but 15 months in the grand scheme of things is nothing.Investing i thought was not about the past performance but future growth and the indicators are pointing in the right direction for UNG .

Universe Group PLC
05 April 2006

Universe Group plc (the 'Company')
Placing of 2,379,410 new ordinary shares to raise 404,500

The Board is pleased to announce that Charles Stanley Securities has placed
2,379,410 new ordinary shares of 5 pence each (the 'Placing') with institutional investors to raise 404,500 before fees and expenses.

The shares were placed at a price of 17 pence per share. The Placing represents approximately 3.5 per cent. of the existing issued share capital of the Company.

The Company announced preliminary results for the year to 31 December 2005 on 30 March and stated that the group's Chip & PIN and on-line services are
progressing well and that prospects across HTEC are excellent. The proceeds of
the Placing will be used to augment the Company's existing working capital
facilities as the Company's rate of growth increases.

Application has been made for the new ordinary shares to be admitted to trading
on the AIM and dealings are expected to commence on 10 April 2006.

PP, what is your view now on the direction of the SP ?
I should think it will be positive ?

Should be positive, but we are talking UNG here ;)

No.....it was expected to some extent with the growth they are going through. What it will do is make UNG highly attractive now should Master Change be sold and what that would do for the balance sheet !!

Well bugger me !! I suppose the company outlined their intentions with the cut in the dividend but i wasn`t expecting this !

Up again and L2 2 v 1

55K and 50K buys behind the moves up today :)

50K buy, 55K buy, I wonder if we will get some director buy news tomorrow ? Always a chance as they like to keep buying the shares back and have a history of it.

Universe Group PLC 19 April 2006

UNIVERSE GROUP PLC (THE 'COMPANY')
PUBLICATION OF ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
AND
NOTICE OF AGM


Universe Group plc ('Universe'), the retail and information systems company,
announces today that it has published on its website

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

copies of its Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2005 and Notice of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held on 12 May 2006.

Printed copies of the Annual Report and Accounts and the Notice of the AGM
Meeting together with a form for Proxy Voting have also been posted to
shareholders.

The AGM will be held at Universe's main subsidiary, HTEC, in Southampton on
Friday 12 May 2006 at 11 am. Shareholders attending the AGM will be given the
opportunity of a tour of the factory after the meeting.


For Further Information:

Universe Group plc 02380 689 510
Catherine Wines, Company Secretary

News just released.
The market will concentrate on the slightly bad news that the first quarter of 2006 got off to a slow start!
UNG will accordingly be marked down in the short term I reckon IMHO -13/14p on the cards.


Universe Group PLC
12 May 2006


12 MAY 2006



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

AGM STATEMENT

Ray Mackie, Chairman of Universe Group plc, the AIM listed retail and
information systems company, made the following statement at the AGM held
earlier today, where all the resolutions were duly passed:

'Universe has had a comparatively quieter start to 2006. At HTEC, our sales in
the first quarter were behind those for the first quarter of 2005 but this comes
after a particularly buoyant start to last year. Our current level of orders
will benefit mostly the second half of this year and 2007. Overall, the Board is
confident of a good result for the year as a whole.

'Looking further ahead, the Company is continuing to develop a strong range of
products and we remain particularly excited by the opportunities which are now
presenting themselves for our PIN enabled unattended payment system and also for
our online services at HTEC.

'The Currency Division had a respectable level of activity, given market
conditions for tourism in Paris at this time of the year and despite the riots
and strikes that have been a feature of Paris recently.

'The Board has looked closely at our strategy and believe that this firmly
revolves around the business of HTEC. We have completed the restructuring of our
Currency Division and now that it has achieved sustained profitability, we will
commence a process which will lead to a disposal of this business. We believe
the nine shops will be a superb addition to potential acquirers' portfolio. The
sites are situated in all the important tourist locations including Sacre Coeur,
Eiffel Tower, St Germain des Pres, Notre Dame, Rivoli and Opera.

'We expect to announce the interim results for the six months ending 30 June
2006 on 4th September 2006.'

Sell off started...people disappointed and losing patience with this one

I am very happy with that, finally the official news that Master Change will be sold off, and along with that goes all the debt, and that means much big and better things. On the news Master Change is sold, expect a big push up, just a case of waiting now.

In the meantime the dip is a "buying" opportunity ?

Why should the sp when MC is sold ? and by how much ?

UNG still has a high debt level, the debt needs to be serviced and effects the rating given to UNG. With MC sold, the debt cleared there would be nothing stopping UNG going on a 15 times pr PER ratio, or over 30p a share !! :)

Given the outlook for interims is not strong, but year end is good following a strong H2, I would say add at your leisure, the only major news is the selling of MC, if that does not come then buy more in H2 ahead of prelims.

PP thanks for your overview...Seems like a good plan...I'll wait for the run up for H2 prelims

See the MM's just playing with the price, drop it down see if you can get some cheap sells, then put it back to where it was..........they do have a laugh sometimes :)

Now we have confirmation that Master Change (Paris) is being sold off :)

This would leave UNG with no debt, and over 2p EPS this year and a hi-tech and growing company. Put that on 15 times current year earnings, and you get over 30p....


Universe Group PLC
03 July 2006

3 JULY 2006

UNIVERSE GROUP PLC
('Universe Group')
BOARD CHANGES

The Board of Universe Group, the AIM listed retail and information systems
company, today announces certain board changes.

Keith Buchanan left the Board on 30 June 2006 after a full three year period as
a Non-Executive Director and an earlier period as Finance Director. It is the
Board's intention to announce a replacement in due course.

Catherine Wines will leave the Board on 31 August 2006. Catherine is the
Managing Director of the Currency Division. She managed First Remit and its sale and is currently engaged in the sale of the Paris bureaux operations. Catherine will remain Group Company Secretary on a part time basis.

The Board thanks both Keith and Catherine for their commitment and valuable
contributions during their time as Board members of Universe Group.

--ENDS--

Certainly waking back up now :)

Grim isn't it ! Down another 1p this morning...What a pile of crap this is turning out to be !

When is the pre-results rally due to start ?

It's getting worse by the minute ! Bid down another 1p to 11p... this is now beyond a joke ! words fail me me... what a scam !

The 4th Spt pre - results run has started... the problem is it's in the wrong direction....what an absolute pile of rubbish ! we've been taken for a ride ! a soft touch even !

How dull this company is ! very boring.. must be about to get the interims out.. last yr i believe it was 9th Sept ?

The recent small rise was just a "blip" as sp gone back down.. a false dawn..

C'mon UNG, do something inspirational !

Still dull and NOT inspirational...Sale of bureau business proceeding, as always !

Can't see anything positive going to happen to the sp it's going down to 6-7p imho
should we stay and take a hit or should we put ourselves out of our misery and go !


8 SEPTEMBER 2006

UNIVERSE GROUP PLC

INTERIM RESULTS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2006


Universe Group plc ('Universe' or the 'Company'), the AIM listed retail and
information systems company, is pleased to announce its interim results for the
six months to 30 June 2006.


Key Points

Operating profit on continuing business 380,000 (2005: 940,000);

EPS on continuing business of 0.28p (2005: 0.98p);

PBT on continuing business 177,000 (2005: 633,000);

Net debt reduced by 73,000 following share placing in March 2006;

Paul Cooper has been appointed today as a Non-Executive Director;

Sale of bureau business proceeding ; and

Strategy for HTEC focuses on cross-selling products to existing customers
and expanding the online services model to new territories.

Commenting, Ray Mackie, Chairman of Universe, said: 'We are confident that an
improvement in trading in the second half year will result in a satisfactory
outcome for the full year, and that trading next year will benefit from the
delay in roll-outs from 2006 to 2007 by two of our major customers.

The reason for the fall is explained in the roll out delay !

Howver, the sale of Master Change should make the interims in 2007 very nice reading.

12 months to wait.

Listen to an interesting interview released this morning by Universe Group.

Click here to listen

Cheap as it can get after todays contract news.

good rise since xmas.