Group overview   GUS is a retail and business services group. We provide information and customer relationship management services through Experian, general merchandise retailing through Argos Retail Group and luxury goods through a majority shareholding in Burberry Group plc. We continue to reposition the Group around these major businesses. April 2002: acquisition of ConsumerInfo.com July 2002: partial flotation of Burberry December 2002: acquisition of Homebase January 2003: acquisition of Nordic Info Group March 2003: acquisition of outstanding stakes in Scorex May 2003: disposal of Home Shopping and Reality May 2003: planned partial flotation of South African Retailing during calendar 2004     Experian A leading global business solutions company. Experian helps organisations to target, acquire and manage new customers and develop successful customer relationships. The company does this by leveraging its: specialist strategic knowledge skills in managing client processes ability to develop analytical solutions ownership of core data assets Experian has become a strategic partner for more than 40,000 clients across diverse industries, including financial services, telecommunications, healthcare, insurance, retailing, automotive, manufacturing, leisure, utilities, property, e-commerce and government. The company employs 13,100 people, supporting clients in more than 60 countries. Experian’s headquarters are in Costa Mesa, California and Nottingham, UK.     Argos Retail Group The UK’s leading general merchandise retailing group. Argos Retail Group (ARG) is focused on providing customers with choice, value and convenience. The company operates market-leading brands: Argos for general merchandise Homebase for DIY and home furnishings Wehkamp, the leading home shopping catalogue in the Netherlands A range of financial services, including the Argos store card The combination of stores, catalogues, websites and home delivery options enables customers to choose the shopping experience that suits their particular lifestyle. ARG’s competitive advantages lie in its: purchasing scale multiple brands multiple channels The company employs 45,700 people in the UK and Holland.   Back to the top ^   Burberry A leading international luxury goods business. Burberry designs and markets a comprehensive range of clothing and accessories, which appeal to style-conscious consumers around the world. Burberry products are sold through 132 directly-operated stores, concessions and outlets, and through partnerships with key retailers in the world’s leading economies. The company employs 3,600 people around the world. Burberry’s principal strengths are its: unique history and positioning international recognition and broad appeal diversified distribution channels multiple product and geographic growth opportunities   Other businesses Other GUS businesses include principally South African Retailing, a leading retailer operating out of stores throughout Southern Africa. 398 Lewis stores offering a wide range of domestic furniture and appliances 45 Best Electric stores offering specialist electronic goods and appliances The company employs 6,000 people.   Back to the top ^     Back to the top ^