GRA.L Regulatory News (GRA)

3 Aug 2007 11:00

Printing.com plc03 August 2007 FOR RELEASE 11.00AM 3 August 2007 PRINTING.COM PLC ("Printing.com" or "the Company") AGM Statement George Hardie, the Chairman of Printing.com, will make the following comments oncurrent trading at the Annual General Meeting to be held at 11.00am inManchester today. Current Trading Sales volumes for the first four months of the current year have proved broadlyin line with the Company's internal budget. Encouragingly, and in line with objectives set out when reporting thePreliminary Results, a marked increase in the number of Bolt-on Franchisesgranted has been recorded - a trend that we believe will continue. The Company's 'Websites by Printing.com' initiative continues to gain momentum,with the most successful Franchisee now having completed over ten websites in alittle over four months. Whilst this metric pertains to a pre-eminentFranchisee, we believe it validates the appeal of the 'Websites by Printing.com'offering and the market potential. International Development The Company's first Master Licence partner in New Zealand continues tosuccessfully exploit the Printing.com system. In Australia, discussions areongoing pursuant to the previously granted Option. However, the US discussionshave not progressed - we continue to explore other options and believe that anappropriate partner will be secured. The launch of the Company's previouslyreported second Master Licence is now scheduled for September 2007. Printing.com France remains on course for an imminent launch. The initiative iscentred on the granting of Bolt-on Franchises and the shipping of product fromthe Company's Manchester Hub to further exploit current unutilized capacity. Outlook In the current fiscal year, the first half represents an important phase in thelaunch of key initiatives such as 'Websites by Printing.com', Printing.comFrance and the final stages of bedding down the Hub upgrade. These initiatives,together with the change in the reporting of the first half results (26 weeksversus the previous 28) will result in a greater emphasis on second halfearnings compared to previous years. Whilst we hoped to have made more progress in the US, we are encouraged by theprogress in the other aspects of Printing.com's development - particularly theacceleration of the granting of Bolt-on Franchises. This remains the basis forthe Board's continued optimism about the future prospects of the Company. For further information: Printing.com plcTony Rafferty (Chief Executive) 07966 517 336Alan Roberts (Finance Director) 0161 848 5713 Cubitt ConsultingBrian Coleman-Smith / Leanne Denman / James Verstringhe 020 7367 5100 Nominated AdviserBrewin Dolphin Investment BankingRichard Evans 0845 270 8602 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange