GRA.L Regulatory News (GRA)

8 Apr 2009 07:00



FOR RELEASE

7:00AM

8 APRIL 2009

PRINTING.COM PLC

("Printing.com" or "the Company")

Specialist retail chain with Outlets across the UK and Ireland

PRE-CLOSE TRADING STATEMENT

The Company expects its results for the year ended 31 March 2009 to be in line with market expectations.

Since last updating the market, trading has remained stable across the Company's established markets in the UK and Ireland.

Whilst some consolidation within the Company's Franchise estate continues, the rate at which additional Bolt-on Franchises continue to be granted proves encouraging. The Company has a pipeline of these franchises and anticipates the grant of further licences over the coming months. 

In the present difficult economic situation, whilst volumes have shown a slight decline and some operational margin eroded, the Company continues to trade both profitably and cash generatively. With the Printing.com proposition centred on value, we continue to believe that, notwithstanding present circumstances, the Company is well positioned to mitigate the contraction in SME and corporate spending. 

Accordingly, whilst in the short term, given the continued economic uncertainty, it is prudent for us to be cautious, we remain optimistic about the Company's longer term prospects.

The Company intends to report its Preliminary Results at 7.00am on Monday 1 June 2009. 

For further information:

Printing.com plc

Tony Rafferty (Chief Executive) 07966 517 336

Alan Roberts (Finance Director) 0161 848 5713

Cubitt Consulting

Brian Coleman-Smith / Nicola Krafft / James Verstringhe 0207 367 5100

Brewin Dolphin Ltd (Nominated Adviser)

Mark Brady 0845 213 4730