Ann: Half Yearly Report and Accounts, page-3

Hi Travelightor
Is that a little harsh? they had a small minority stake, and made a small gain on book value, so not as though it was wholly negative news was being buried. I can see your point re: style of writing - Dr Holmes does lay it on a little thick, but that's his style. Each to his own, in my view. There is more info and explanation in his letter than in many other companies' releases, IMHO.

PS. the comments about " capable dentists are increasingly coming available once again" once contracts end was interesting. Abano, who own Maven, commented recently that one of the reasons their LfL sales were down was due to more junior dentists replacing senior ones. They suggested it was due to retirements of seniors, rather than contracts ending, but an interesting indicator possibly to the relative positions of Maven and 1300 smiles.

PS2. did you see the comment about the "best mgmt team" ever - we'll still be watching comings and goings closely of course!