Stratmin Global Resources Regulatory News (STGR)

18 Dec 2007 07:02

Interactive Prospect TargetingHdgs18 December 2007 Press Release 18 December 2007 Interactive Prospect Targeting Holdings Plc ("IPT" or "the Group") Interactive Prospect Targeting Holdings Plc (AIM: IPT), Europe's largest directonline marketing group, today announces an update on trading. The Directors expect revenues for the year ended 31 December 2007 to be in linewith market expectations. The French operations, which include the acquiredbusinesses Directinet and NP6, have continued on a clear course of strong growthand are expected to achieve higher than anticipated revenue figures. However,whilst the second half of 2007 is expected to produce record revenue in theGroup's UK operations, it is expected that UK revenue for the year will beapproximately 10% lower than management's previous estimates. It is expected that the gross margin to be achieved in the UK will be lower thanpreviously anticipated due to the impact of lower revenue on a largely fixedcost base as well as a change in the mix of products sold. As a consequence oflower margins in the UK, overall margins across the Group will be lower thanexpected. On 22 August 2007, the Company announced it was in discussions with a number ofparties which may or may not lead to an offer for the Company. The Companyremains in discussions, however the Board reiterates at this time that there isno certainty as to the outcome of these discussions or the timing thereof. TheCompany will update shareholders as matters progress. Commenting, Lionel Thain, Chief Executive Officer, said: "IPT retains theleading position in the provision of online direct marketing services both inthe UK and France. Despite the underperformance in the UK market effectingmargins in the second half-year and the disappointing effect this will have onGroup profitability, we are delighted by the performance of our Frenchoperations." - Ends - For further information:IPT Holdings plcLionel Thain, Chief Executive Tel: +44 (0) 20 7932 4101 Canaccord AdamsMark Williams, Corporate Finance Tel: +44 (0) 20 7050 6500mark.williams@canaccordadams.com www.canaccordadams.com Media enquiries:AbchurchCharlie Jack Tel: +44 (0) 20 7398 7700charlie.jack@abchurch-group.com www.abchurch-group.com Canaccord Adams Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the FinancialServices Authority, is acting exclusively for IPT and for no-one else inconnection with the matters referred to in this announcement and will not beresponsible to anyone other than IPT for providing the protections afforded tocustomers of Canaccord Adams Limited nor for giving advice in relation to thematters referred to in this announcement. Dealing Disclosure Requirements Under the provisions of Rule 8.3 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the'Code'), if any person is, or becomes, 'interested' (directly or indirectly) in1% or more of any class of 'relevant securities' of IPT, all 'dealings' in any'relevant securities' of IPT (including by means of an option in respect of, ora derivative referenced to, any such 'relevant securities') must be publiclydisclosed by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the London business dayfollowing the date of the relevant transaction. This requirement will continueuntil the date on which the offer becomes, or is declared, unconditional as toacceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or on which the 'offer period'otherwise ends. If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement orunderstanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire an ' interest' in'relevant securities' of IPT, they will be deemed to be a single person for thepurpose of Rule 8.3. Under the provisions of Rule 8.1 of the Code, all 'dealings' in 'relevantsecurities' of IPT by IPT or by any of its 'associates', must be disclosed by nolater than 12.00 noon (London time) on the London business day following thedate of the relevant transaction. A disclosure table, giving details of the companies in whose 'relevantsecurities' 'dealings' should be disclosed, and the number of such securities inissue, can be found on the Takeover Panel's website atwww.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. 'Interests in securities' arise, in summary, when a person has long economicexposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price ofsecurities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an 'interest' byvirtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option inrespect of, or derivative referenced to, securities. Terms in quotation marks are defined in the Code, which can also be found on thePanel's website. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are requiredto disclose a 'dealing' under Rule 8, you should consult the Panel. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange