The review will consider "all strategic options" which could include keeping the group's current structure which includes retail chains Homebase and Argos, or a demerger of Experian, which analysts have valued at between £3.5bn and £4.5bn as a stand-alone company.
In the 12 months to March 31 2004, GUS reported group sales up six per cent to £7.5bn, with underlying profits up 29 per cent to £827m. Experian's sales were up 14 per cent to £1.29bn with profits up 20 per cent to £282m.
In addition to providing consumer credit checks, Experian uses its databases as sources of marketing information for larger marketers.
_1.jpg)
.jpg)
