Marshalls Regulatory News (MSLH)

6 Jul 2005 07:00

Marshalls PLC06 July 2005 6 July 2005 Marshalls plc Trading Statement - Six Months to 30 June 2005 Marshalls' revenue from continuing operations, including acquisitions, in thesix months to 30 June 2005 was £185.1 million (2004: £172.7 million). Revenue from continuing operations, on a like for like basis, was down 1.3% at£170.5 million (2004: £172.7 million). Acquisitions and new businessinitiatives, including the pilot Garden and Driveway Transformation Centre inScotland, contributed an additional £14.6 million. The process of integratingthe 2004 acquisitions into the Group is proceeding to plan. Sales to the public sector and commercial market, which represent half of Grouprevenue, were ahead of 2004 and demand remains robust. After an encouragingstart to the year sales to the domestic market in the second quarter of the yearwere disappointing, reflecting the widely reported consumer slowdown. Domestic installers' average order books ended the period at 8.9 weeks comparedto 10.2 weeks at the beginning of the year and 11.9 weeks at the same time lastyear. The Group will announce interim results, prepared in accordance withInternational Financial Reporting Standards, on Friday 9 September 2005. Graham Holden, Chief Executive, commented "Our market intelligence shows that public sector and commercial demand, whichrepresents half of Group revenue, remains robust. However, domestic markets areexpected to remain challenging reflecting weaker consumer confidence and theindustry is forecasting a reduction in private housing repair, maintenance andimprovement expenditure. The continuing review of our cost base, together withour leading product portfolio, innovative marketing techniques and strongbalance sheet ensure that we are well positioned to operate in these moredifficult market conditions." Enquiries: Graham Holden Chief Executive Marshalls plc 01484 438900Ian Burrell Finance Director Marshalls plc 01484 438900 Jon Coles Brunswick Group LLP 0207 404 5959Sarah Tovey Brunswick Group LLP 0207 404 5959 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange