In response to a letter from the ASE with protocol number 41121/04.10.2007, HDFS S.A. informs the investing community and the proper regulatory authorities that in the frame of its business strategy, is in a stage of advanced negotiations with ΗΟMERIC DEPARTMENT STORES, a company controlled by the Laskarides group, to acquire the total participation of the latter in the company ELMEC SPORTS S.A. It is understood that the Company will inform the investing community and the proper regulatory authorities as soon as there are any developments, between the interested parties.