Character Regulatory News (CCT)

13 Nov 2006 15:32

Character Group PLC13 November 2006 The Character Group plc (the "Group") Designers, developers and distributors of toys, games and gifts Trading Update The Group's preliminary announcement of results for the financial year to 31August 2006 will be made on 28 November 2006. Following the year end, the Board has become aware that, as a result of strongsales in the last days of the financial year, the Group will be announcingprofits for the year ended 31 August 2006 for the on-going business of toys,games and gifts which are significantly above current market expectations. During the second half of the financial year, we have incurred some additionalexceptional costs with regards to the sale of the digital business which have nomaterial effect on the results of the continuing business. The Group's products continue to perform well at retail and we expect to make afull statement at the time of our preliminary announcement on November 28. Enquiries: The Character Group plc Charles Stanley Securities Citigate Dewe Rogerson LtdRichard King, Executive Chairman Rick ThompsonKiran Shah, Group Finance Director Philip Davies Fiona TooleyTel: +44 (0) 20 8949 5898 Tel: +44 (0) 20 7149 6457 Tel: +44 (0) 121 455 8370Mobile: +44 (0) 7836 250150 (RK) Mobile:+44 (0) 7785 703523 +44 (0) 7956 278522 (KS)www.thecharacter.comwww.characteronline.com CCT.L Sector: Media, AIM Notes to Editors: About The Character Group plc The Character Group plc designs, develops and distributes toys, games andgiftware, principally to the UK although it has an ever increasing exposure tointernational markets. Revenues are generated from a mix of product with over 50% designed anddeveloped in-house either under the Group's own brand or under licence with thebalance being derived from third party distribution. Notable product lines areDr Who, Scooby Doo, Biker Mice from Mars, Peppa Pig, GR8 Gear, Robosapien,Roboraptor and Robopet. For a more comprehensive view of the product portfolio,please refer to www.characteronline.com. During the first six months of the year ending 31 August 2006, The CharacterGroup underwent a major reorganisation with the disposal of its Digital Businessin February 2006. The structure is now designed to maximise the strength of, andfocus on, the core business of Toys, Games and Gifts. www.thecharacter.com CCT.L Sector: Media, AIM This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange