Computacenter Regulatory News (CCC)

28 Jun 2005 07:01

Computacenter PLC28 June 2005 Trading Update At the end of the first quarter Computacenter reported difficult tradingconditions with sales down 10% compared to last year. These difficult trading conditions have continued in the second quarter. Theimproving trend seen at the end of the first quarter was not sustained andproduct sales in the second quarter have been below our expectations. Our Managed Services business has seen continued growth, but at a lower levelthan anticipated. Overall Group sales in the first half will be down approximately 10% on thefirst half of last year, however, the final sales outcome will rely heavily onthe last few days of the quarter. These lower sales have further impacted therebates we receive. Combined with the sales performance this has had a materialimpact on the achieved margins in the first half. We do not see these trading conditions improving for the rest of 2005 and as aconsequence we expect Computacenter's profit to be substantially below currentmarket estimates. Computacenter will be holding its investor and analyst day conference on Tuesdaythe 5th of July at which it will give a more detailed analysis of this half'strading conditions and future strategy. Enquiries: Mike Norris, Chief Executive, Computacenter plc 01707 631601Tony Conophy, Group Finance Director 01707 631515Tessa Freeman, Investor Relations, Computacenter plc 01707 631514 Tim Lynch, Tulchan Communications 020 7353 4200 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange