Angling Direct soars as govt eases fishing restrictions

Angling Direct reiterated full-year guidance on Tuesday as shares in the equipment retailer soared on news the government would include fishing in its relaxation of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

The company on Tuesday said online sales had continued to grow after the 24% boost seen in April. Additional investments made in its French, German and Dutch web stores during 2019 had already generated "significant growth" in international sales and led to improved conversion rates.

The AIM-listed group said it was progressing with advanced planning to re-open its brick and mortar locations when the government's coronavirus lockdown restrictions were lifted.

Angling Direct reiterated expectations for a full-year turnover of £53.1m and an underlying loss of no more than £500,000 for the year ended 31 January.

As of 1125 BST, Angling Direct shares had shot up 11.39% to 66p,

(Writing by Frank Prenesti, editing by Michele Maatouk)