6th Jul 2006 07:00
McBride PLC06 July 2006 6 July 2006 McBride plc PRE CLOSE STATEMENT McBride plc ("the Group"), Europe's leading provider of private label householdand personal care products, today provides an update on trading prior toentering its close period. Trading in the second half of the financial year has been as expected.Accordingly, the Group anticipates reporting financial results for the yearended 30 June 2006 in line with market expectations; turnover was slightly abovelast year with growth in the UK and flat sales in Continental Europe. Theoverall Group operating profit margin for the year (before exceptional items)was in line with the first half. Net debt at 30 June 2006 was approximately£29m. The market environment continues to be challenging, mainly due to the impact ofhigher input costs. The efficiency improvements and cost savings announcedearlier in the year provide mitigation, but these conditions are likely torestrain margin improvement in the forthcoming year. Miles Roberts, Chief Executive, said: "McBride's performance demonstratesconsiderable resilience in a challenging environment. The actions we have takenearlier in the year to restructure and re-organise the Continental Europeandivision, combined with our strong balance sheet and proven business model,provide the basis for both organic and inorganic growth." The Group intends to announce its preliminary results for the year ended 30 June2006 on 7 September 2006. For further information please contact: McBride plcBob Beveridge, Group Finance DirectorOffice 01494 607051Mobile 07876593182 Miles Roberts, Chief ExecutiveOffice 01494607050 Financial DynamicsAndrew Dowler 020 7831 3113 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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