GRA.L Regulatory News (GRA)

7 Apr 2006 07:00

Printing.com plc07 April 2006 FOR RELEASE 7:00AM 7 APRIL 2006 PRINTING.COM PLC ("Printing.com" or "the Company") Specialist retail chain with Outlets across the UK Pre close trading statement The Company is pleased to report that its un-audited management accountsindicate that its performance in the year ending 31 March 2006 is in line withexpectations. This was achieved notwithstanding the expenditure associated withthe launch of the Company's International Master Franchise. Trading in most of the Company's four week trading Periods has proved robust.The expansion of the Company's estate in the UK and Ireland continues to gatherpace with most of the anticipated new Printing.com Territory Franchises nowtrading and many additional Bolt-on Franchises having been recruited. Further to the announcement of the Company's Master Franchise Programme on 14November 2005, discussions have begun with a number of parties. The MasterFranchise will enable commercial printers in countries outside the UK andIreland to execute the Printing.com business model under a royalty agreement anduse its software and systems in return. The Company is presently attending IPEX(the international printing exhibition) promoting its Master Franchise and plansto undertake similar activity over the coming year. Based on the progress thathas been made to date, the Board remains increasingly optimistic about thepotential of this programme. The Company's Manchester Hub is currently being upgraded with a mezzanine floornow in place providing additional production space. The work on this upgradewill be completed by mid-summer and will increase capacity (based on TotalRetail Sales of the network) to £40-£45 million. For further information: Printing.com plcTony Rafferty (Chief Executive) 079 665 17336Alan Roberts (Finance Director) 0161 848 5713 Cubitt Consulting Brian Coleman-Smith / Allison Reid / Nia Thomas 020 7367 5100 The Directors of Printing.com plc take full responsibility for thisannouncement. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange