Rm Regulatory News (RM.)

17 Sep 2007 07:00

RM PLC17 September 2007 RM plc: pre-close update for the year ending 30 September 2007 - trading in line with management's expectations As part of its normal programme of communications with shareholders, RM isissuing an update on current trading prior to the end of its financial year on30 September 2007. Trading during the year so far has been consistent with management'sexpectations for the year as a whole. In addition, the income statement for theyear will include an exceptional credit related to the Group's defined benefitpension scheme (as described in the Group's interim results). Tim Pearson, CEO of RM, commented: "Our ability to provide innovative and educationally-effective solutions hasestablished RM as the ICT provider of choice in the BSF programme. Six localauthorities have now chosen RM as their ICT partner, and we've also beensuccessful in a BSF 'One School Pathfinder'. We will continue to invest inbidding for longer-term business opportunities, including BSF, and are currentlyworking on our largest ever number of education bids. "Our flagship Glow project, which is building a national education intranet forevery pupil and teacher in Scotland, goes live at the Scottish Learning Festivalthis week. As well as being the most innovative educational project of its scalein the world, Glow is a major technological achievement. "Whilst education software has continued to be a challenging market, even afterthe suspension of BBC jam earlier this year, we've seen good progress elsewherein our business. The acquisition of DACTA is an excellent fit for RM, buildingon both our ICT expertise and our growing position as an education resourcesprovider; and we end the year as the leading supplier to the Government'sComputers for Pupils initiative." - Ends - For further information, please contact:Mike Greig/Phil Hemmings, RM plc 08450 700300Mark Antelme, Brunswick 020 7404 5959 Notes: 1. Founded in 1973, the RM Group is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, colleges and universities, local government and central government education departments and agencies. RM works closely with educationalists to create new products, processes and technology which improve teaching and learning. RM is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol RM.L. 2. RM expects to announce interim results for the year to 30 September 2007 on 19 November 2007. 3. BSF (Building Schools for the Future) is a Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF, formerly the Department for Education and Skills) programme that aims to transform education by rebuilding or substantially refurbishing all secondary schools in England over the next 10-15 years. A key part of the initiative is to ensure that local authorities develop a sustainable, area-wide ICT strategy for schools, in line with the Government's personalised learning agenda. 4. RM has been selected as ICT supplier for six BSF projects, of which four have reached contractual close and two are at preferred bidder stage. The Group has also been selected as preferred bidder for a £2.1m ICT contract as part of a BSF "One School Pathfinder" project in Dorset. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange