Diploma Regulatory News (DPLM)

11 Jan 2006 07:00

Diploma PLC11 January 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11 January 2006 DIPLOMA PLC TRADING UPDATE At the Annual General Meeting to be held today of Diploma PLC, the international specialised distribution group, the Chairman will report that the Group has begun the new financial year trading in line with expectations. The markets in North America remain positive and continue to show growth. Market conditions in the UK and Germany remain tough and competitive. The Directors remain confident that the Group's focus on improving operational performance, together with the strategy of investing for organic growth and pursuing acquisitions, will continue to deliver value for Diploma shareholders in 2006. The Group also announces that it has exchanged contracts to sell Phase 3 of the Stamford land for consideration of £11.1m, before taxation and expenses of sale. The consideration, which is subject to minor adjustments relating to certain contractual matters, will be payable on completion in early February 2006. For further enquiries please contact: Bruce Thompson, Chief Executive Officer 020 7638 0934 Nigel Lingwood, Group Finance Director 020 7448 4875 Ian Seaton, Bankside Consultants 020 7367 8891 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange