05 April 2022

Angling Direct plc

("Angling Direct" or "Company" or "Group")

Appointment of Independent Non-Executive Director

Angling Direct plc (AIM: ANG), the leading omni-channel specialist fishing tackle and equipment retailer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Keen as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective immediately. Chris will also serve on the Company's Audit Committee.

Chris brings more than 20 years of experience in various Chief Financial Officer roles, with a focus on scaling up businesses operating both domestically and internationally and across a variety of sectors including retail and leisure.

Chris is currently CFO at McKesson UK, part of McKesson Corporation, a global leader in healthcare supply chain management solutions, retail pharmacy, community oncology and specialty care and healthcare information solutions. Between 2012 and 2019, Chris was CFO of Holland & Barrett, a leading health and wellness product retailer, where he oversaw a number of key acquisitions across Europe, driving the group's international growth strategy and expanding its omni-channel proposition.

Prior to joining Holland & Barrett, between 2006 and 2012, Chris was CFO at The Laurel Pub Company (latterly the Stonegate Pub Company), helping to build the business into the largest privately held managed pub operator in the UK with over 500 units. In 2012 Chris was appointed CFO of the Bramwell Pub Group to oversee the financial restructuring of the business.

Chris is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Martyn Page, Non-Executive Chairman of Angling Direct, commented:

"On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Chris to Angling Direct. His extensive financial and omni-channel leadership experience, particularly in the retail sector, will be invaluable as we strengthen our Board. We look forward to working with Chris as the Group looks to achieve further progress in 2022 and capitalise on the compelling growth opportunities that exist across our end markets."

Chris Keen, Non-Executive Director of Angling Direct, commented:

"I am extremely pleased to be joining the Board of Angling Direct. The Group is on an exciting growth trajectory, having recently opened its European distribution centre and I look forward to using my experience to contribute to its continued success."  

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The following information regarding the appointment of Christian ('Chris') Keen, aged 57, is disclosed under Schedule 2(g) and Rule 17 of the AIM Rules for Companies:

As at the date of this announcement, Mr Keen owns 9,600 ordinary shares of one penny each in Angling Direct, representing 0.01% of the Company's issued share capital.

The table below shows information on The Laurel Pub Company Limited and certain of its affiliated entities, which all entered administration on 27 March 2008 while Chris Keen was a director:

Mr Keen was also a director of Laurel High Street Bars Limited, Laurel High Street Estate Pubs Limited, The Manor Leisure and Marketing Corporation Limited and Yates's Duty Free Limited (also affiliates of The Laurel Pub Company Limited) at the time that these companies entered administration in March 2008. These companies were subsequently moved from administration to dissolution in June 2009.   

Mr Keen resigned as a director of Bramwell Pubs and Bars Limited in November 2012 which entered administration in October 2013, creditors voluntary liquidation on 7 May 2015 and was then dissolved on 9 May 2017. The deficit to creditors was £55.69 million.

Mr Keen resigned as a director of Bramwell Company Limited in November 2012 which entered administration in October 2013 and was then dissolved on 30 July 2014. The deficit to creditors was £48.95 million.

Save as set out above there are no further disclosures pursuant to Rule 17 or Schedule Two paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies in respect of the appointment of Mr Keen.

About Angling Direct

Angling Direct is the leading omni-channel specialist fishing tackle retailer in the UK. The Company sells fishing tackle products and related equipment through its network of retail stores, located strategically throughout the UK as well as through its leading digital platform (www.anglingdirect.co.uk .de, .fr and .nl) and other third-party websites.

Angling Direct is committed to supporting its active customer base and widening access to the angling community through its passionate colleagues, store-based qualified coaches, social media reach and ADTV YouTube channel. The Company currently sells over 20,000 fishing tackle products, including capital items, consumables, luggage and clothing. Angling Direct also owns and sells fishing tackle products under its own brand 'Advanta', which was formally launched in March 2016.

From 1986 to 2002, the Company's founders acquired interests in a number of small independent fishing tackle shops in Norfolk and, in 2002, they acquired a significant premise in Norwich, which was branded Angling Direct. Since 2002, the Company has continued to acquire or open new stores, taking the total number up to 42 retail stores. In 2015, the Company opened a 2,800 sq. metres central distribution centre in Rackheath, Norfolk, where the Company's head office is also located. In March 2022, Angling Direct opened a 3,940 square metre distribution centre in Venlo, Netherlands to service its established, and rapidly growing, presence in Europe with native language websites set up in key regions to address demand.