Printing.com plc
07 April 2006
FOR RELEASE 7:00AM 7 APRIL 2006
PRINTING.COM PLC
('Printing.com' or 'the Company')
Specialist retail chain with Outlets across the UK
Pre close trading statement
The Company is pleased to report that its un-audited management accounts
indicate that its performance in the year ending 31 March 2006 is in line with
expectations. This was achieved notwithstanding the expenditure associated with
the launch of the Company's International Master Franchise.
Trading in most of the Company's four week trading Periods has proved robust.
The expansion of the Company's estate in the UK and Ireland continues to gather
pace with most of the anticipated new Printing.com Territory Franchises now
trading and many additional Bolt-on Franchises having been recruited.
Further to the announcement of the Company's Master Franchise Programme on 14
November 2005, discussions have begun with a number of parties. The Master
Franchise will enable commercial printers in countries outside the UK and
Ireland to execute the Printing.com business model under a royalty agreement and
use its software and systems in return. The Company is presently attending IPEX
(the international printing exhibition) promoting its Master Franchise and plans
to undertake similar activity over the coming year. Based on the progress that
has been made to date, the Board remains increasingly optimistic about the
potential of this programme.
The Company's Manchester Hub is currently being upgraded with a mezzanine floor
now in place providing additional production space. The work on this upgrade
will be completed by mid-summer and will increase capacity (based on Total
Retail Sales of the network) to £40-£45 million.
For further information:
Printing.com plc
Tony Rafferty (Chief Executive) 079 665 17336
Alan Roberts (Finance Director) 0161 848 5713
Cubitt Consulting
Brian Coleman-Smith / Allison Reid / Nia Thomas 020 7367 5100
The Directors of Printing.com plc take full responsibility for this
announcement.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange