Pz Cussons Regulatory News (PZC)

7 Jun 2007 07:01

PZ CUSSONS PLC07 June 2007 7 June 2007 PZ CUSSONS PLC TRADING UPDATE PZ Cussons Plc today issues the following trading update in respect of the yearended 31 May 2007. The group anticipates that results for the full year will be in line withexpectations. Overall, strong trading performance, particularly in all European units, hascountered the second half impact of a further weakening of the US dollar andcontinued increases in the price of certain commodities. In its key markets, trading comments are as follows: In the group's main market, Nigeria, trading in the second half has been strongwith very limited disruption from the election process. In particular, sales ofelectrical goods through our partnership with Haier have been aboveexpectations. Our joint venture with Glanbia continues to progress well with anumber of successful new product launches in the second half, although therising cost of milk has impacted margins in the short term. The Nigeriancurrency has remained stable against the dollar during the period although theresults are affected on translation to sterling as a result of the weak dollar. In the UK, performance has been above expectations with achievement of thenumber one position in the Personal Wash category and a successful roll-out ofthe Charles Worthington haircare brand into the nationwide trade. Constructionof the new Innovation Centre in Manchester, incorporating a manufacturingfacility and R&D centre, has now begun. As indicated in the interim statement, profitability in Australia has beenimpacted by a competitive detergent market as a result of the introduction ofprivate label ranges by the trade. In Indonesia, performance continues to improve with strong sales of the babyrange in the second half. The preliminary announcement of results for the twelve months to 31 May 2007will be made on Tuesday 31 July 2007. -Ends-Enquiries: PZ Cussons Plc Tel: 0161 491 8000Graham CalderHogarth Partnership Limited Tel: 020 7357 9477John Olsen / Sarah MacLeod / Sarah Richardson This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange