James Halstead Regulatory News (JHD)

28 Jan 2008 07:00

James Halstead PLC28 January 2008 28 January 2008 James Halstead plc Pre-close Trading Statement James Halstead plc, the commercial flooring manufacturer and distributor, isproviding the following trading update prior to entering the close period aheadof its interim results for the six months to 31 December 2007. James Halstead will announce these results on 31 March 2008. The confidence expressed by the Chairman, Mr Geoffrey Halstead, at the AnnualGeneral Meeting, held on 7 December 2007, has been well founded. Turnover in theyear to 30 June 2007 was 13% ahead of the prior year and first half turnover, ona like for like basis, has grown by at least this amount against the prior yearcomparative. Both UK turnover and international sales are ahead with CentralEuropean sales being particularly positive. The weakness of sterling hasimproved several key market margins and has, to a significant extent, lessenedthe effects of raw material and energy cost increases. The growth in turnover will translate into profit growth which will bedemonstrated in the forthcoming interims. Enquiries: James HalsteadMark Halstead, Chief Executive Telephone : 0161 767 2500Gordon Oliver, Finance Director Hudson SandlerNick Lyon Telephone : 020 7796 4133 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange