Chairman's AGM Statement

NWF GROUP PLC 30 September 1999 NWF Group plc ('NWF Group') (Diversified Industrials) PROFITS IN FIRST QUARTER ON TARGET Roy Willis, the Chairman of NWF Group, speaking at the Annual General Meeting held today in Cheshire, made the following comments on current trading: 'I am pleased to be able to confirm that the current year 1999/2000 has begun satisfactorily. After three months, Group profits are in line with our phased Plan for the year with, at this stage, every prospect of these trading conditions continuing. I would repeat my comment in the last Annual Report, however, that, as much of the Group's earnings now lie in the second half year, full-year predictions are difficult to make on the strength of the first quarter's trading. 'The small acquisition of Malpas Oil, announced earlier this month, has already been integrated into the NWF Fuels Wardle depot. The fourth line in the NWF Agriculture feed mill, installed this summer, is now operating to expectations.' For further information contact: Graham Scott (Chief Executive) 01829 260260 Brian Coleman-Smith / Simon Ellis 0207 786 9600 Binns & Co Public Relations Note: NWF Group plc is listed on AIM. It has four businesses: Agriculture, Distribution, Fuels, Retail. In the year ended 31 May 1999, it reported pre-exceptional pre-tax profit of £3.0m (up 38%) on turnover of £99m (up 15%). Web site:http://www.nwf.co.uk