Rank predicts slight fall in profits for 2005

LONDON: Leisure company Rank Group Plc. said it expects a slight fall in its profits for 2005. In an update ahead of its annual results in February, the company, which owns the Grosvenor casino, Mecca Bingo hall and Hard Rock Cafe themed-restaurant chains, said there will be a decline in the underlying profit before tax. Analysts had forecast a 4 per cent decline in full-year earnings, which will be around 159 million pounds.