CHW.L Regulatory News (CHW)

Chime Communications PLC

("Chime" or the "Company")

INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT

AND BOARD CHANGE

Chime Communications PLC, the international communications and sports marketing group, is today publishing its Interim Management Statement relating to the period 1st July 2012 to 19th November 2012 (as required by the UK Listing Authority's Disclosure and Transparency rules).

Trading has continued to be in line with management's expectations which will show strong growth in continuing operations compared to last year, with the second half showing growth over the first half and an improving margin. Our Sports Marketing Division has seen very good growth in 2012; our Advertising and Marketing Services Division has continued to focus on improving margin whilst maintaining income growth; our Public Relations Division is progressing well with its restructuring following the disposal of the Bell Pottinger businesses; Open Health (part of our Public Relations Division) has continued to grow strongly; and our Insight and Engagement Division is performing ahead of our expectations.

Following the disposal of the Bell Pottinger businesses on 30th June 2012, the Group has announced a revised strategy which is now being implemented. 2012 is therefore a year of transition which has resulted in a restructuring of the business and this will result in some restructuring costs in 2012. This should enable us to enter 2013 with the right cost base to support long term future growth. In 2013, we are anticipating good growth particularly in VCCP and Open Health, and we expect Sports Marketing to maintain its 2012 profit level. There are a range of acquisition opportunities we continue to review.

The general trading environment continues to be difficult but, unless there is an unexpected deterioration in our businesses, we expect trading profits for 2012 will be in line with our expectations.

We are today delighted to announce the appointment from 6th December 2012 of Mervyn Davies, Lord Davies of Abersoch, as the Chairman of Chime Communications PLC. Lord Davies' other current roles include: Vice Chairman and Partner at Corsair Capital, Non-Executive Chairman of PineBridge Investments and also Senior Independent Director at Diageo.

We would like to thank Rodger Hughes for the outstanding job he has done as Acting Chairman in 2012. Rodger will continue as Senior Independent Director. 

Lord Davies said:

"Chime is a very interesting company with strong growth potential. I am looking forward to helping them achieve their goals. There are many international opportunities and we intend to seize them."

Rodger Hughes, Acting Chairman of Chime Communications, commented: 

"Lord Davies has an outstanding reputation as a leading businessman and a clear passion for people based businesses. He also has a wealth of international experience which will help Chime as it develops its business in the UK and overseas."

- ENDS -

For further information please contact:

Christopher Satterthwaite 020 7861 8515

Chief Executive

Chime Communications

Mark Smith 020 7861 8515

Chief Operating Office and Finance Director

Chime Communications

James Henderson/Victoria Geoghegan 020 7861 3232

Pelham Bell Pottinger

NOTES TO EDITORSChime is an international communications and sports marketing group, including CSM Sport and Entertainment, the VCCP Partnership in advertising, the Good Relations Group in public relations, Open Health in healthcare communications, Teamspirit a specialist in financial and professional services and CIE our insight and engagement agency.For more information please go to www.chimeplc.com