finally something from the company

Aristocrat's comments came after being queried by the Australian
Stock Exchange (ASX) over a near 19 per cent jump in its share
price yesterday on renewed speculation its rivals could be eyeing
it as a takeover target and that the company was nearing the end of
an international search for a new chief executive.
There were also some market rumours the group may be preparing
to upgrade its earnings forecasts going forward.
Aristocrat shares pulled back nine cents to end at $2.19 today
after yesterday shooting up 36 cents or 18.75 per cent to $2.28 -
their highest level since a shock profit warning in February sent
them tumbling.
"The company is not aware of any information concerning it which
could explain yesterday's price movements," Aristocrat said in its
response to the ASX query.
"Specifically, an announcement about the appointment of a new
chief executive officer is not imminent and the company has had no
approaches concerning a possible takeover offer for the company and
is not aware of any circumstances which would lead to an
expectation of a bid."
Aristocrat said it was not aware of any explanation for
yesterday's trading other than the various rumours "apparently" in
circulation and referred to in recent press reports.
It added that the company was in compliance with ASX listing
rules.
Aristocrat chief executive Des Randall, chief financial officer
Lionel Jeyaraj and chairman John Ducker stood down earlier this
year after a string of profit warnings by the group.
The gaming group posted a seven per cent slide in net profit to
$80.2 million for calendar 2002 and in August recorded its first
net loss since listing in 1996 but said it was confident looking
forward.
The embattled gaming company posted a first half 2003 net loss of
$32.9 million, compared with a profit of $41.6 million in the same
period last year.
The group anticipated the loss in May following a series of
profit warnings, expecting sluggish Australian sales because of
smoking bans in Victorian gaming venues, a general economic
downturn and a decline in tourism because of SARS and other global
security concerns.
Mr Randall is embroiled in legal proceedings with Aristocrat,
claiming a severance package of around $12 million, while the group
has countersued the former chief for $2.6 million.
Acting chief executive David Creary confirmed in August he was
in the running for the top job, saying Aristocrat's board was in
the "final stages" of interviewing prospective candidates.