EGM latest: directors fire first shots in battle for control
The Wyevale board mounted a defence of the garden centre group's trading performance this morning as the first shots were fired in the battle for control of the business.

The garden centre retailer admitted that trading has been hit by the downturn in consumer spending, but insisted: 'Notwithstanding this trading backdrop and the various distractions which the Wyevale management has faced during the last six months, our like-for-like sales showed strong resilience and remained positive at the half year.'

For the year to date, as conditions have deteriorated further, Wyevale's sales are marginally down on a like-for-like basis, but the company said: 'Although the trading outlook remains challenging, we are confident the strategy announced by your board on July 13 will benefit the group and lead to enhanced value for all our shareholders.'

Wyevale's incumbent management faces a challenge for control of the company from Laxey Partners, which has proposed Robert Ware as chairman. Shareholders will vote on the make-up of the board today.

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