Cropper (J) Regulatory News (CRPR)

24 May 2007 09:43

Cropper(James) PLC24 May 2007 Issued by Citigate Dewe Rogerson Ltd, BirminghamDate: Thursday, 24 May 2007 IMMEDIATE RELEASE James Cropper PLC Trading Update STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN, J A CROPPER On 1 February 2007 we provided the market with an update on trading. At thattime I indicated that the Group's overall results for the year prior to IFRSpension adjustments would exceed market forecast. I am pleased to report that since then our Technical Fibre Products and JamesCropper Speciality Papers businesses continued to trade strongly in the fourthquarter. In addition, the full year IFRS pension adjustment charge relating tothe Group's defined benefit pension schemes is considerably less than wasanticipated. Therefore, although audit clearance is yet to be given, it should be anticipatedthat barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Group Profit before Tax for theyear to 31 March 2007 will not be less than £1.9 million. In view of the Group'srecovery the Board anticipates that the final dividend for the year willincrease significantly over that for the previous year. The Group's Preliminary Results for the year to 31 March 2007 will be announcedon Tuesday 19 June 2007. Enquiries:Alun Lewis, Chief ExecutiveJohn Denman, Group Finance Director Fiona Tooley Ifor Williams, DirectorJames Cropper PLC Citigate Dewe Rogerson Brewin Dolphin Securities LimitedTelephone: 01539 722002 Telephone: 0121 455 8370 Telephone: 0121 236 7000www.cropper.com Mobile: 07785 703523 Mobile: 07721 002520 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange