11th Jun 2007 07:00
Barr(A.G.) PLC11 June 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11 June 2007 A.G.BARR p.l.c. Interim Management Statement A.G.BARR p.l.c. is today publishing its first Interim Management Statement asrequired by the UK Listing Authority's Disclosure and Transparency rules,relating to the period from 28 January to 28 April, 2007. Overall revenue for the first 13 weeks of the financial year increased by 21%compared with the same period last year. Like for like sales, stripping out theeffect of the Strathmore business (purchased on 1 June, 2006) were 11% ahead oflast year. This strong sales performance reflects some promotional phasing changes whichfavour the current year as well as a stronger underlying soft drinks marketwhich due to seasonally above average weather conditions in the period grew by8% in value terms. Year on year revenue comparisons will now come up against last year'sexceptional early summer weather. Operating margins are in line with expectations with continued pressure fromrising material prices being offset by product price increases, implementedduring the period. The installation of our new canning line at Cumbernauld has made good progressand the commissioning is well on plan. This will allow for the closure of ourAtherton site at the end of June. Our balance sheet remains strong and there have been no significant changes inthe financial position of the Company since the publication of the Report &Accounts in respect of the year ended 27 January, 2007. Outlook Our trading outlook remains in line with expectations. The business remainsfocused on developing our sales revenue at the same time as delivering thebenefits associated with our major asset redevelopment programme. For further information, please contact: A.G.Barr Tel: 01236 852400Roger White, Chief ExecutiveIain F Greenock, Finance Director Buchanan Communications Tel: 020 7466 5000Tim Thompson / Nicola Cronk / Susanna Gale This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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