CITY LODGE HOTELS LIMITED - Impact of Covid-19 on group operations

Impact of Covid-19 on group operations

City Lodge Hotels Limited
“City Lodge” or the “Company” or the “Group”
(Reg. No. 1986/002864/06)
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
Share Code: CLH    ISIN Code: ZAE000117792

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON GROUP OPERATIONS

Operational Impact

Following President Ramaphosa’s pronouncement of a 21 day nationwide lockdown, which the
Company fully supports, and the ongoing, significant impact of COVID-19, coupled with the
imposition of the ban on international arrivals from most countries and restrictions on
domestic travel on the already challenging operating environment, the Group is
experiencing a significant downturn in occupancies.

To date a number of proactive cost containment measures have been implemented to improve
the resilience of the business during this period of operational weakness and minimize
the impact upon our valuable employees. These include a freeze on all uncommitted
capital expenditure, culling of variable costs and the reduction of fixed costs, all of
which are designed to preserve and maximise our cash flow.

Prior to the announcement of the lockdown, the Group had planned for the temporary
closure of 24 of its 62 hotels. However, given the extraordinary circumstances we find
ourselves in following the announcement and the forecast additional impact thereof, this
is under review and will no doubt result in further closures.       The extent of further
closures will be dictated by the degree to which the Group is called upon to provide
support to government and essential and critical business continuity services, as well as
other enabling services in the form of either quarantine facilities or staff
accommodation. Good discussions have taken place in this regard and we stand ready to
support such initiatives as part of a coordinated response to this pandemic.

The Group remains well-positioned to re-open any of its hotels on very short notice as
circumstances improve.
During this period, core central office functions will continue to operate remotely and
all booking channels, including the Group’s website, www.clhg.com, will remain open for
all our hotels for reservations for any period in the future.

Balance Sheet

As at the interim reporting period, the Group’s borrowing covenants were met. However,
given the fluidity of the situation and uncertainty around not only its severity, but how
long the pandemic will continue to affect the Group, we remain in close contact with the
Group’s funders and are engaging on all options available to ensure the Group emerges
from this period of uncertainty in a position of strength. Access to the Group’s
existing facilities is secured.

Conclusion

While we are deeply aware of the impact these difficult but necessary actions will have,
not only on our employees, shareholders, service providers and suppliers, they are
required to ensure the Group is optimally positioned to navigate the pandemic.

As the situation develops, we will review the decisions taken and arrangements that have
been put in place and implement additional measures, as necessary. We will update the
market of such developments in a timely manner.

Bryanston
24 March 2020

Sponsor
Nedbank Corporate & Investment Banking

Date: 24-03-2020 05:36:00
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