08:49 WUMART<08277> - Announcement The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited takes no responsibility for the contents of this announcement, makes no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this announcement. This announcement, for which the directors of Wumart Stores, Inc. collectively and individually accept full responsibility, includes particulars given in compliance with the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Growth Enterprise Market of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited for the purpose of giving information with regard to Wumart Stores, Inc. The Directors, having made all reasonable enquiries, confirm that, to the best of their knowledge and belief: (1) the information contained in this announcement is accurate and complete in all material respects and not misleading; (2) there are no other matters the omission of which would make any statement in this announcement misleading; and (3) all opinions expressed in this announcement have been arrived at after due and careful consideration and are founded on bases and assumptions that are fair and reasonable. Wumart Stores, Inc. (a joint stock limited company incorporated in the People's Republic of China with limited liability) (Stock Code: 8277) FURTHER DELAY IN DESPATCH OF CIRCULAR The despatch of the circular in connection with the discloseable and connected transaction of Wumart Stores, Inc. (``Company'') referred to in the Company's announcement dated 31 December 2004 (the ``Circular'') is expected to be further delayed from 10 March 2005 to on or about 24 March 2005. The board of directors (``Board'') of the Company refers to the discloseable and connected transaction of the Company described in the Company's announcement dated 31 December 2004 regarding the proposed acquisition of Beijing Huixin Hypermarket. The Board would like to announce that the despatch of the Circular is expected to be further delayed as more time is needed to prepare the financial information required for inclusion in the Circular. The despatch of the Circular would be delayed to on or about 24 March of 2005 and the Company has applied to the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited for a waiver from strict compliance of the 21 days deadline as prescribed under Rules 19.38 and 20.49 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Growth Enterprise Market of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. The Board considers that despite the additional time required for obtaining the financial information for inclusion in the Circular, the Acquisition was entered into on normal commercial terms and in the ordinary and usual course of business of the Company and that the terms of the Acquisition are fair and reasonable and in the interests of the Company and its shareholders as a whole. By order of the Board Wumart Stores, Inc. Dr. Zhang Wen-zhong Chairman Beijing, PRC 9 March 2005 As at the date of the announcement, the Board of Directors of the Company comprises of: Executive Directors Dr. Zhang Wen-zhong Dr. Wu Jian-zhong Dr. Meng Jin-xian Non-executive Director Mr. Wang Jian-ping Independent non-executive Directors Mr. Han Ying Mr. Li Lu-an Mr. Lu Jiang This announcement will be available on the Company's website http://www.wumart.com and will remain on the GEM website at http://www.hkgem.com at the ``Latest Company Announcements'' page for a minimum of 7 days from the date of its publication.