19 May 2008 07:00
Sportech PLC ("Sportech" or "The Company")
Interim Management Statement
Sportech PLC, one of the UK's leading gaming businesses, has today published its first Interim Management Statement as required by the revised Listing Authority disclosure rules. The statement relates to the first 18 weeks of the new financial year, representing the period 5 January to 9 May 2008
At the full year results announced on 18 March 2008, we reported that trading for the current period had started well. We are pleased to report that for the first 18 weeks the Group has continued to trade in line with management's expectations.
The integration of the Vernons business is ahead of schedule and continues to exceed management's forecasts.
The rebranding of the football pools, as The New Football Pools, which has already been introduced online, remains on target for a full launch across the entire football gaming business in August 2008.
The overhaul of our technology suite is on schedule and the next phase will be completed before the beginning of the new football season and ahead of the full launch of the rebranded football gaming business.
Our balance sheet remains strong and there have been no significant changes in the financial position of the Group since the publication of the Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2007.
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Enquiries:
Sportech PLC
Ian Penrose, Chief Executive 0151 288 3561
Bell Pottinger Corporate & Financial
David Rydell/Emma Kent/Rosanne Perry 0207 861 3232