In extremely challenging economic conditions respectable trading results have been achieved. Bidvest’s headline earnings per share decline by 12,9% for year to June 2009.

Bidvest expands its foodservice interests into Central and Eastern Europe.
BIDVEST, the international services, trading and distribution group, today (August 3 2009) announced a major expansion of its international foodservice interests.

RISE IN BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE

Bidvest's basic earnings per share rise 8,7% for half-year to December 2008. Trading profit rises 6,4% to R2,6 billion.

Results for the half year ended December 31 2008 Revenue +11,3% to R60,0 billion Trading profit +6,4% to R2,6 billion Basic earnings per share +8,7% to 530,4 cents Headline earnings per share -8,9% to 454,0 cents Distributions per share -13,6% to 190,0 cents

 In compliance with Rules 3.59b of the JSE Listing Requirements, the following information is disclosed: Mr David Edward Cleasby, Group Financial Director, has been appointed as Company

Bidvest anticipates headline earnings per share (HEPS) for the six months ended December 31 2008 to be down 9% on the previous interim period. Earnings per share (EPS) are anticipated to be up by 9%.