ESSENDEN PLC
(“Essenden” or the “Company”)

Trading Statement and Site Closure

Essenden announces an update to the market with regard to the Company’s recent trading performance.

Like for like outlet sales, for the 53 weeks ended 2nd January 2011, were down 5.3 per cent. against the comparable period ended 3rd January 2010. Trading over the six week Christmas and New Year period to 9th January 2011 was down 10.6 per cent. on a like for like basis.

The Company also announces that the landlord of its loss-making site in Preston has exercised an option for Tenpin to surrender the lease. Accordingly, Tenpin will close this site in April 2011.

Nick Basing, Chief Executive said:

“The extreme weather in peak trading periods held back our recovery plan. Some of the initiatives to turn the business round have shown encouraging signs, but I remain cautious about the challenges of the year ahead.”

Enquiries:

Essenden Plc                                      Tel: +44 (0)20 8879 3932

Nick Basing, Chief Executive

Richard Darwin, Finance Director

Strand Hanson Limited                     Tel: +44 (0)20 7409 3494

Stuart Faulkner

David Altberg

College Hill                                           Tel: +44 (0)20 7457 2020

Justine Warren

Matthew Smallwood