Livermore Regulatory News (LIV)

18 Oct 2005 07:58

Empire Online Limited18 October 2005 Empire Online Limited ("Empire Online" or "the Company) Trading Update The Company announced on 10 October 2005 a separation in the gaming platformused by PartyGaming players and that used by "skins" of PartyGaming. Since thatdate, the Company has seen a slowdown in rake generated by EmpirePoker.com.Growth in new player sign-ups at the Empire Online network as a whole hasremained strong. The Company now expects Empire Online's net profit for 2005 to be approximately10 per cent. lower than consensus market estimates for the twelve months ended31 December 2005. The impact on Empire Online is on the value of the existing customer database ofEmpirePoker.com and not on the value and number of new sign-ups across theEmpire Online network. Empire Online is confident that the growth strategies ithas in place across its trading platforms, such as Noble Poker and Club Dice,along with growth in new player sign-ups across the Empire Online network, willdeliver substantial net profit growth in 2006 (albeit at lower levels thanpreviously expected) and beyond. The Company will take all measures to protectits revenues and continue the strong growth in new player sign ups reported inthe Q3 Trading Update. CEO Noam Lanir commented "The trend rate of growth at Empire Online remainsstrong and we will continue to grow ahead of the industry. Due to the talent ofthe team in place at Empire Online and the opportunities for organic growth andconsolidation in the industry I am very confident of the enduring future of thiscompany." Enquiries: Empire Online +357 (2) 5 847 700Noam Lanir, Chief Executive OfficerAndrew Burns, Chief Financial OfficerAndrew Burnett Citigate Dewe Rogerson +44 (0) 20 7638 9571Simon RigbySarah GestetnerGed Brumby This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange