Macfarlane Grp. Regulatory News (MACF)

11 Jul 2007 07:00

Macfarlane Group PLC11 July 2007 Macfarlane Group PLC Pre-close trading update 11 July 2007 Macfarlane Group ("the Company") intends to announce its results for the sixmonths to 30 June 2007 on Tuesday 11th September 2007. The Company will report an increase in sales from continuing activities,improved trading performance and a return to first half profits. Sales in our Packaging Distribution business are over 10% ahead of last year andmargins are recovering. The net effect is a significantly improved performancefrom our Packaging Distribution business in the first half compared with 2006. In our Manufacturing Operations, the Labels, Plastics and UK PackagingManufacturing businesses are performing satisfactorily. Our US/Mexico businessis contending with slower markets in 2007 but is now realigning its cost basewith these lower levels of demand. The Manufacturing Operations will show animprovement in profit for the first half compared with 2006. The most significant feature of trading to date in 2007 is the improvement inour key businesses, particularly in Packaging Distribution, reflecting our aimto give greater focus to the Company's activities. The Company's intentionsregarding dividend payments remain as previously expressed. Further information Archie Hunter - Chairman 0141 333 9666Peter Atkinson - Chief Executive 0141 333 9666John Love - Finance Director 0141 333 9666 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange