RNB Year-end report September 1, 2007 - August 31, 2008

RNB Year-end report September 1, 2007 - August 31, 2008

September 1, 2007 - August 31, 2008
 Net sales amounted to SEK 3,426.2 M (3,468.3), down 1.2%. Sales in comparable
stores declined 2.3%.
 Operating profit totaled SEK 1.8 M (342.2). After net financial items, a loss
of SEK 51.8 M was reported (profit: 305.8). Nonrecurring expenses of SEK 35.3 M
(income: 81.6) had a negative impact on earnings for the year.
 The loss after tax totaled SEK 63.2 M (profit: 255.8), corresponding to a loss
of SEK 1.11 per share (earnings: 4.49).  
 Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 4.8 M (233.1). 
 Non-profitable operations at Illum in Copenhagen were discontinued. Impairment
losses and close-down expenses of SEK 35.3 M were charged against earnings for
the year.


Fourth quarter, June 1, 2008 - August 31, 2008
 Net sales amounted to SEK 871.5 M (939.0), down 7.2%. Sales in comparable
stores declined 3.6%.
 An operating loss of SEK 50.4 M was reported (profit: 54.0). The loss after
financial items totaled SEK 64.3 M (profit: 45.5). Nonrecurring expenses of SEK
35.3 M (2.4) had a negative impact on earnings for the period.
 The loss after tax totaled SEK 78.8 M (profit: 42.7), corresponding to a loss
of SEK 1.38 per share (earnings: 0.75). 
 Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 44.0 M (55.8). 

After the end of the report period
 The new share issue was subscribed in full and concluded in September, which
contributed SEK 330 M to RNB after issue expenses.
 Action program is being implemented with the aim of reducing costs by
approximately SEK 110 M and tied-up capital by about SEK       145 M.
President´s comments on trends

For RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS, the 2007/2008 fiscal year was very weak in terms of
earnings. The year was filled with tough ordeals and uphill climbs to reverse
the trend within the JC/J-Store store concept. The consequences of the
collection failure within JC and J-Store resulted in approximately SEK 160 M
being charged against earnings for the fiscal year. Our assessment is that the
repositioning work is now complete. It is particularly pleasing to state that
the launch of the new store look at JC/
J-Store was positively received and a more favorable sales trend was reported in
renovated stores compared with average stores. The major challenge in JC/J-Store
is now to increase the number of visitors to the stores.   
Gratifyingly, Polarn O. Pyret and Brothers and Sisters exceeded our expectations
during the year. Polarn O. Pyret achieved an operating margin for the entire
fiscal year of 17.7%, which is the best level ever. 
During the year, the Department Store business area reported significantly
weaker results, which was primarily caused by losses in the newly established
units at Illum in Copenhagen and Steen & Ström in Oslo. The timing for the new
establishments coincided with a decline in consumption and earnings before
nonrecurring items were charged with a total of SEK 34.2 M during the fiscal
year and with SEK 12.6 M for the period. As a result of the declining economic
trend and due to the weak results during the fiscal year, a decision was made to
significantly reduce risk exposure in these units by discontinuing three of our
five units at Illum. The units that we intend to retain are Kosmetik and Polarn
O. Pyret. The fourth quarter was thus charged with impairment losses for
inventories and equipment relating to three of the five department stores at
Illum and also for Sporten on level four at Steen & Ström. The impairment losses
total SEK 35.3 M. 
After the end of the period, we successfully implemented a rights issue, which
contributed net SEK 330 M to the company. Today, I am delighted that we decided
on the new share issue and that we will enter the coming fiscal year in a
stronger financial position. 
To sum up, we implemented a number of measures during the quarter to ensure a
future stable platform with lower risk exposure. Our greatest challenge in the
coming fiscal year will be to fend off and cope with the weak situation in
financial markets. Our primary focus for the coming fiscal year will be to be
profitable and to reduce tied-up capital.
To counter the anticipated downturn in demand, an action and savings program has
been formulated with the aim of reducing costs by approximately SEK 110 M and
reducing tied-up capital by approximately SEK 145 M. 

Mikael Solberg, President

Operations
RNB Group 
RNB is organized in two business areas - Polarn O. Pyret and a distribution
platform for national and international brands.  
Polarn O. Pyret is a brand focused on baby and children's wear and has 91
stores, of which 50 are franchise stores. 
The distribution platform consists of two business areas: Department Stores and
Store Concepts. The Department Stores business area operates through shops in
the department stores NK in Stockholm and Gothenburg, Steen & Ström in Olso,
Illum in Copenhagen and Kosta Outlet. In total, the Department Stores business
area has about 23,500 square meters of retail space distributed among 80 store
units.   
The Store Concepts business area consists of JC, J-Store, Brothers and Sisters
and comprises 304 stores, including 161 franchise stores. The total number of
stores included in RNB at August 31, 2008 was 475, of which 211 were operated by
franchisees.

Discontinuation of operations at Illum in Copenhagen
During the year, the Department Stores business area reported significantly
weaker earnings, which was primarily due to losses in the newly established
units at Illum in Copenhagen and Steen & Ström in Oslo. The timing for the new
establishments coincided with a decline in consumption and, as a result,
earnings before nonrecurring items were charged with a total of SEK 34.2 M for
the fiscal year and SEK 12.6 M for the quarter. 
Due to the declining economic trend and the weak results reported during the
fiscal year, the Board has decided to significantly reduce risk exposure in
these units by discontinuing three of our five units in Illum. The units that we
intend to retain are Kosmetik and Polarn O. Pyret. 
In addition, an agreement has been concluded with Steen & Ström concerning the
Sports Department of the fourth floor. Under this agreement, RNB is provided
with a loss guarantee that covers operational losses.
The fourth quarter has been charged with impairment losses for inventories and
equipment relating to three of the five department stores at Illum and also for
Sporten at Steen & Ström. The impairment losses totaled SEK 35.3 M.

Weak trend within JC and J-Store 
During the fiscal year, JC and J-Store reported a weaker trend than anticipated
and sales dropped by approximately 15% compared with the preceding year. 
The consequences of the collection failure resulted in SEK 160 M being charged
against earnings for the fiscal year. The assessment is that the repositioning
work on the collections is now completed.

Action program 
It has been concluded that the considerable turmoil prevailing in financial
markets will have an adverse impact on consumption in the 12 months immediately
ahead. To counter the anticipated decline in demand, the Board of Directors and
company management have formulated an action program designed to reduce costs by
approximately SEK 110 M and reduce tied-up capital by about SEK 145 M in future
fiscal years. Activities encompassed by the action program have already been
initiated and it is estimated that the effects of the program will gradually
become noticeable during the fiscal year.

New share issue implemented in September
On June 18, the interim report for the third quarter stated that the performance
of JC and J-Store had been weak and that the company's operations at Illum in
Copenhagen and Steen & Ström in Olso had not been satisfactory. Due to the
negative trend, the company reported an unsatisfactory level of indebtedness. 
To strengthen the company's financial position and create the prerequisites for
future aggressive measures, the Board decided to implement a new share issue
with preferential rights for existing shareholders aimed at contributing
approximately SEK 350 M to the company.
In September 2008, the proposed new share issue was implemented, was subscribed
in full and contributed proceeds of SEK 
342 M before issue expenses. After deductions for issue expenses, the company
received a net of SEK 330 M. 

Market and demand  
Sales in the ready-to-wear and fashion clothing industry in Sweden were weak
during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, June - August 2008. According to
the HUI index, the market in Sweden declined by 6.3%, while sales in RNB's
comparable stores declined by 3.6%. 
For the entire fiscal year from September 1, 2007 to August 31, 2008, the
Swedish market declined by 1.8% according to the HUI index, while sales in
comparable RNB stores declined by 2.3%.

Revenue and earnings 
September 2007 - August 2008
RNB's net sales for the period amounted to SEK 3,426.2 M (3,468.3). Sales in
comparable stores declined 2.3% during the period.  
The gross profit margin for the period was 43.3% (45.4). The weaker gross margin
was primarily due to major price reductions and impairment losses for
inventories within the JC and J-Store concept.
Operating profit totaled SEK 1.8 M (342.2). A loss after financial items of SEK
51.8 M was reported (profit: 305.8). The loss after tax totaled SEK 63.2 M
(profit: 255.8). Nonrecurring expenses totaling SEK 35.3 M (income: 81.6) were
charged against earnings for the year. 
Compared with a year earlier, the weak sales trend within JC and 
J-Store had a negative impact of approximately SEK 160 M on earnings. JC and
J-Store reported operating losses of SEK 69.0 M for the fiscal year. However,
Brothers and Sisters performed well and reported operating profit totaling SEK
48.9 M for the period. 
During August 2007, the performance of the newly opened units at the Illum
department stores in Copenhagen and Steen & Ström in Olso was weaker than
expected, resulting in operating losses of SEK 69.5 M for the period, which
includes impairment losses and provisions totaling SEK 35.3 M for the
discontinuation of parts of the international Department Stores operations.  

Fourth quarter 
RNB's net sales during the fourth quarter totaled SEK 871.5 M (939.0). Sales in
comparable stores declined 3.6% during the same period. 
The gross profit margin during the fourth quarter was 38.5% (41.7). The weaker
gross margin was primarily due to major price reductions and impairment losses
on inventories within the JC and J-Store concept.
An operating loss for the quarter totaling SEK 50.4 M was reported (profit:
54.0). A loss after financial items of SEK 64.3 M was reported (profit: 45.5).
Nonrecurring expenses of SEK 35.3 M were charged against earnings.
The newly opened units at the Illum department stores in Copenhagen and Steen &
Ström reported an operating loss of SEK 47.9 M for the fourth quarter, which
includes impairment losses and provisions totaling SEK 35.3 M for the
discontinuation of parts of the international Department Stores operations.

Polarn O. Pyret business area 
September 2007 - August 2008
Net sales for the period amounted to SEK 396.2 M (388.4). Sales in comparable
stores declined 3.4%.   
Operating profit rose to SEK 70.2 M (56.1), due to improved gross margins and
increased earnings from international operations.
At the end of the period, the number of stores totaled 41 (38). In addition,
there are 50 (45) franchise stores, of which 14 (16) in Sweden and 36 (29)
abroad. 
In March 2008, Polarn O. Pyret signed a Master Franchise agreement concerning
the US. The US cooperation partner is SPM Retail LLC. It is estimated that the
e-trade platform for the US market will be launched in the spring of 2009. 
During autumn 2008, 10 new stores are expected to be opened in international
markets. 

Fourth quarter 
Net sales for the fourth quarter totaled SEK 102.0 M (97.0). Sales in comparable
stores declined 1.3%. 
Operating profit rose to SEK 24.6 M (15.4), due to the improvement in gross
margins and to increased sales from international operations.	

Department Stores business area 
September 2007 - August 2008
Net sales within the Department Stores business area totaled SEK 1,159.1 M
(973.9). Sales in comparable units increased 5.3%. An operating loss totaling
SEK 22.9 M was reported (profit: 42.8). Nonrecurring expenses totaling SEK 35.3
M were charged against earnings for the year.
During August 2007, the performance of the newly opened units at the Illum
department stores in Copenhagen and Steen & Ström in Oslo was weaker than
expected, resulting in operating losses of SEK 69.5 M for the period, which
includes impairment losses and provisions of SEK 35.3 M for the discontinuation
of parts of the international Department Stores operations. For comparable
units, operating profit amounted to SEK 42.6 M (47.1). 

Fourth quarter 
Net sales for the fourth quarter rose to SEK 292.3 M (264.1). The sales increase
in comparable stores was 2.9%. An operating loss totaling SEK 47.2 M was
reported (loss: 6.7). Nonrecurring expenses totaling SEK 35.3 M were charged
against earnings for the period.
The newly opened units at the Illum department stores in Copenhagen and Steen &
Ström in Oslo reported operating losses of SEK 47.9 M for the fourth quarter,
which includes impairment losses and provisions totaling SEK 35.3 M for the
discontinuation of parts of the international Department Stores operations.  

Store Concepts business area 
September 2007 - August 2008
Net sales in the Store Concepts business area amounted to SEK 1,881.6 M
(2,111.1). Sales in comparable units declined by 9.6%. An operating loss of SEK
20.1 M was reported (profit: 143.5).    
The figures for the preceding year included the Solo and Saks concept, which
contributed net sales of SEK 79.1 M and operating profit of SEK 3.3 M. 
The collection failure and the weak sales trend for JC and J-Store are estimated
to have had a negative impact of about SEK 160 M compared with a year earlier.
JC and J-Store reported an operating loss of SEK 69.0 M for the period. However,
Brothers and Sisters performed well and reported operating profit of SEK 48.9 M
for the period. 
It is estimated that the work on repositioning the collection is now essentially
completed.

Fourth quarter 
Net sales for the fourth quarter amounted to SEK 482.1 M (581.7). Sales in
comparable stores declined 10.6%. 
An operating loss of SEK 26.3 M was reported (profit: 33.3). The decrease
compared with the preceding year was due to a collection failure and the weak
sales trend in JC and J-Store. 
The number of proprietary stores at the end of the period was 143 (128). In
addition, there were 161 (169) franchise stores, including 9 (11) in Norway. 

Financial position and liquidity 
The Group's assets totaled SEK 3,328.0 M compared with SEK 2,993.0 M at the end
of the preceding fiscal year. Shareholders' equity at the end of the period
amounted to SEK 1,404.1 M (1.565.1), resulting in an equity/assets ratio of
42.2% (52.3). 
At August 31, 2008, inventories amounted to SEK 672.0 M compared with SEK 549.8
M a year earlier. New units resulted in an increase in inventories of about SEK
60 M.  
Cash flow from operating activities was SEK 4.8 M (233.1). Cash flow after
investments was a negative SEK 154.7 M (pos: 231.4). Net debt amounted to SEK
991.4 M, compared with SEK 728.2 M on August 31, 2007. 
Consolidated cash and cash equivalents at the close of the period, including
unutilized overdraft facilities, amounted to SEK 151.5 M, compared with SEK
305.8 M at the end of the preceding fiscal year. 
In September 2008, a new share issue with preferential rights for the company's
shareholders was implemented, which was fully subscribed and contributed SEK 342
M before issue expenses. After deductions for issue expenses, the company
received SEK 330 M net.  
The Board has made an assessment of the consolidated value of goodwill and
brands and has decided that no impairment requirements currently prevail.

Investments and depreciation/amortization
Investments for the period totaled SEK 163.7 M (177.4), of which acquisition of
companies accounted for SEK 57.8 M (86.4). Depreciation/amortization during the
period amounted to SEK 101.0 M (82.0). 

Tax paid
During the period, the Group paid SEK 24.8 M in tax. For the fourth quarter of
2007/2008, the amount of tax paid totaled SEK 4.3 M. During the third quarter,
JC won a case in the Fiscal Court of Appeal, which resulted in a tax refund of
SEK 2.1 M. 

Personnel
The average number of employees during the period was 1,505 (1,356).   

Parent Company
Net sales in the Parent Company amounted to SEK 132.4 M (98.8). After net
financial items, a loss of SEK 130.0 M (profit: 96.9) was reported. The results
included impairment of shares in subsidiaries totaling SEK 60.0 M. Investments
for the period totaled SEK 77.6 M (92.4), of which company acquisitions
accounted for SEK 31.2 M (74.4). 

Outlook 
The major turmoil prevailing in financial markets is expected to have a negative
impact on consumption in the next 12 months. The company's primary focus for the
coming fiscal year will be cost savings, profitability and a reduction in
tied-up capital. 

Dividend
The Board proposes that no dividend be paid for the 2007/2008 fiscal year.

Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee for the 2009 Annual General Meeting consists of Jan
Carlzon, Claes Hansson, Fredrik Persson, representing Axbrands, Arne Lööw,
representing Fourth AP Fund and John Wallmark.

Accounting principles
RNB applies the International Reporting Standards (IFRS), as adopted by the EU.
This interim report was prepared in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Reporting,
the Swedish Annual Accounts Act and recommendations from the Swedish Financial
Reporting Council for, RFR 2.1, Reporting for legal entities. 

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting for the 2007/2008 fiscal year will be held in
Stockholm on Wednesday, January 28, 2009. 

Annual Report
RNB's 2007/2008 Annual Report is expected to be completed in December 2008 and
will be available at the company's offices and on the company's website:
www.rnb.se.

Risks and uncertainties
RNB is exposed to a number of risks that are in full or in part beyond the
company's control but which could affect its earnings.  

Financial risks
•	Currency exposure comprising purchases of goods and sales in international
markets
•	Interest-rate exposure for the Group's net debt
•	Financial covenants to lenders

Strategic and operating risks
•	Demand for RNB's products is affected, as is all retailing, by changes in
general economic conditions.
•	Competition from other players active in the same segment as RNB
•	Identification of constantly shifting fashion trends and customer preferences

In other respects, refer to the detailed description of the Group's management
of financial risks in the 2006/2007 Annual Report. The risks presented there are
deemed to be essentially unchanged.
Future publication dates
Q1 interim report for 2008/2009      	    December 19, 2008
Q2 interim report for 2008/2009      	        April 1, 2009
Q3 interim report for 2008/2009      	        June 17, 2009
Year-end report for 2008/2009	              October 22, 2009

This is the type of information that must be published by RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS
AB (publ) in accordance with the Swedish Securities Market Act and/or the
Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publishing
on October 22, 2008, at 7:00 a.m. 
Stockholm, October 22, 2008 
RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS AB (publ)  

Board of Directors

If you have any questions about this report, please contact:
Mikael Solberg, President, Tel: +46 (0)8-410 520 20, +46 (0)768-87 20 20
Göran Blomberg, CFO, Tel: +46 (0)8-410 520 99, +46 (0)768-87 20 99
Cecilia Lannebo, Investor Relations, Tel: +46 (0)8-410 520 45, +46 (0)768-87 20 45



RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS AB is organized on the basis of two business areas -
Polarn O. Pyret and a distribution platform for national and international
brands. Polarn O. Pyret is a brand focused on baby and children's wear. The
distribution platform consists of two main areas, Department Stores and Store
Concepts. Department store operations are conducted via stores in the NK, Steen& Ström, Illum and Kosta oulet department stores. The store concepts comprise
JC, J-Store, Brothers and Sisters.