19th Sep 2007 07:01
De La Rue PLC19 September 2007 DE LA RUE PLC PRE CLOSE STATEMENT FOR SIX MONTHS TO 29 SEPTEMBER 2007 Prior to entering its close period for the six months to 29 September 2007 De LaRue issues the following trading update. The Company's interim results are dueto be announced on 27 November 2007. The performance for the first half year has been in line with our expectations.In Security Print and Paper, a strong opening order book with high overspillcontent and continuing exceptional levels of banknote demand in the first halfhas supported both year on year revenue and margin improvement. Order visibilitybeyond the current year has improved. In Cash Systems, notwithstanding the impact on revenue growth of the weakeningUS dollar and a continuing competitive market, first half operating performancehas remained in line with our expectations, with margin improvement supported byongoing supply chain cost reductions and operational efficiencies. Advance payments have remained at historically high levels in the first halfyear, although these are expected to reduce to more normal levels by the yearend. We remain confident in the Group's cash generation for the year as a whole. De La Rue was pleased to note that during the period Camelot plc was named asthe preferred bidder for the third lottery licence which will run from 2009 to2019. Overall, we enter the second half year with good order backlog in both operatingdivisions which continues to provide a solid platform for the current financialyear. We expect the weighting between the first and second half trading to beless pronounced than in previous years. -ends- For further information, please contact: Leo Quinn Chief Executive +44 (0)1256 605303Stephen King Finance Director +44 (0)1256 605307Mark Fearon Head of Corporate Affairs +44 (0)1256 605303Richard Mountain Financial Dynamics +44 (0)207 269 7121 19 September 2007 Notes to Editors: 1. De La Rue has a 20% shareholding in Camelot plc. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
De La Rue