LONDON (Dow Jones)--Character Group PLC (CCT.LN), said Monday that the group continues to develop its portfolio of branded products and build its market share in the U.K, and said it is confident that trading for the financial year ending Aug. 31 will at least meet market expectations. MAIN FACTS: - The company has agreed to grant an option to Cepia HK Ltd, a subsidiary of Cepia, to subscribe for the issue of up to a maximum of 1 million ordinary shares in Character, representing 3.79% of the current issued share capital of Character at an option price of 122.5 pence per share, being the mid market price of the issued ordinary shares in Character at the close of business on July 23. -Shares closed Friday at 122.50 pence, valuing the company at GBP32.33 million. -By Razak Musah Baba, Dow Jones Newswires; 44-20-7842-9275; razak.baba@dowjones.com (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 26, 2010 02:48 ET (06:48 GMT)