R4E.L Regulatory News (R4E)

17 Sep 2007 07:01

First Artist Corporation PLC17 September 2007 First Artist Corporation plc ("First Artist" or "the Group") Year end close trading statement and final results release date First Artist Corporation plc, the integrated marketing, sport and entertainmentmanagement group is pleased to issue a trading statement for the year ending31st August 2007. Preliminary results for the year ending 31st August 2007 willbe released on Monday 19th November 2007. Revenue in all divisions has increased over last year in line with marketexpectations, with a strong pipeline of contracted income already in place forthe coming year. Significant investment has been made in information, managementand operating systems, resulting in an important enhancement of the management'sability to execute its growth strategy. Performance within the group's five divisions is summarised below; Events Corporate event revenues are ahead of last year and, following the recentsignificant Public Sector contract win this division has had a strong finish tothe year. Marketing Following their successful integration into the Group, which considerablyexpanded this division, both Dewynters' UK and US operations along with NewmanDisplays, the UK's leading front of house and fascia display company, continueto deliver strong growth. The division has been heavily involved with asignificant number of new West End shows this year, including Grease and Josephand the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, both of which had very high profilelaunches through their associations with prime time television programmes. Otherprojects the division has worked on include the heavily marketed film launchesof Simpsons the Movie and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix as well asthe handling of the US merchandising rights for Young Frankenstein, a musicalsoon to be opening on Broadway, further developing the US merchandising businesswhich currently has contracts with hits, The Color Purple and The Phantom of theOpera (Las Vegas). First Rights, which was established in May 2007, acting on behalf of rightsholders has already completed three deals, including developing a sponsorshipstrategy and implementation plan for The Art of The Simpsons and a leadingFootball League Championship club. Wealth Optimal Wealth Management has increased revenues and maximised on its earn-out,as announced on 13th September 2007. Post earn-out completion, senior managementhave been retained on new contracts. Entertainment This division has had a solid year with many client revenues increasing. Thebusiness is now working with programme production companies to develop newprogramme formats for its clients, which are expected to complete next year. Sport This division has had its best performance for a considerable number of yearscompleting over 120 deals throughout the division, of which 17 wereinternational deals, many involving collaboration between our UK andinternational group offices. Jon Smith, Chief Executive of First Artist Corporation plc, said: "This year has been a great success with growth in all divisions and furthersizeable growth already contracted for the coming years. We have witnessed astep change for the group with all acquisitions now fully integrated and eachexperiencing strong trading. I would like to thank all staff and seniormanagement for facilitating such smooth transition. The group is now positionedto enter that next stage in its development as a major player in theentertainment delivery sector". Enquiries First Artist Corporation plc Jon Smith, Chief Executive Richard Hughes, Group Managing Director Tel: +44(0) 208 900 1818 Bell Pottinger Corporate & Financial Ann-Marie Wilkinson / Peter Otero Tel: +44(0) 207 861 3232 Dawnay, Day Corporate Finance Limited David Floyd Tel: +44(0) 207 509 4570 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange