Rank announces Mecca changes

Rank Group PLC 14 February 2007 14 February 2007 Rank announces changes to Mecca Bingo estate The Rank Group Plc, the gaming business, has announced its intention to close nine Mecca Bingo clubs in England and Wales. The decision to close is in line with the group's stated aim of improving the quality of its clubs portfolio in preparation for the introduction this year of smoking bans in England and Wales The nine clubs are in Fulham, Islington, Kingston-upon-Hull, Liverpool, Reading, Sheffield, Swansea, Welling and Wolverhampton. Rank owns the freeholds of five of the clubs to be closed, while four are operated on a leasehold basis. A number of the freehold properties will be sold, crystallizing value and allowing Rank to redeploy capital into assets with potential for higher growth and stronger returns. It is not anticipated that the closures will have a material effect on Rank's profits in 2007. It is expected that the proximity of other Mecca Bingo clubs will enable Rank to continue to provide the majority of the members affected with high quality bingo within their local communities. The club closures will take place following a period of consultation with the 230 employees who work at the clubs. Where practicable, they will be offered positions elsewhere within the business. Rank will remain the second-largest bingo club operator in the UK, with 103 Mecca Bingo clubs in England, Wales and Scotland. ends Contact: The Rank Group Plc Dan Waugh, director of investor relations 01628 504053 Lesly Hughes, head of public relations 01628 504260 M: Communications Nick Fox 020 7153 1540 Lisa Gordon 020 7153 1548 Notes to Editor: Rank is a leading European gaming business, based in the UK and listed on the London Stock Exchange. The Group's principal activities are: the operation of bingo clubs and casinos in the UK with complementary on-line gaming and bookmaking services. For further information visit www.rank.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange