Pre Close Trading Statement

RPC Group

31 March 2015

Pre Close Trading Statement

RPC Group, the leading international rigid plastic supplier to packaging and non-packaging markets, today issues its Pre Close Trading Statement for the financial year ending 31 March 2015, ahead of its full year results announcement due to be published on 9 June 2015.

Trading Performance

Group revenue and adjusted operating profit ("continuing operations") for the financial year 2014/15 are anticipated to be in line with management's expectations and significantly ahead of the previous year driven by organic growth, benefits from the now concluded Fitter for the Future programme and the contribution of acquisitions.

The year benefited from the time lag in passing through declining polymer prices to the customer base, although this was largely offset by the foreign exchange translation headwinds caused by the strengthening of the £ versus the €.

The Group's financial position remains robust with satisfactory cash flow development during the period and significant headroom under the Group's debt facilities.

Implementation of Vision 2020

Good progress continues to be made in implementing the Vision 2020 focused growth strategy by growing organically and through acquisitions.

The acquisition of Promens Group AS completed on 20 February 2015. The integration of this business into RPC has commenced and is proceeding according to plan. The announced pre-tax cost synergies of at least €15 million (before integration costs) per annum are confirmed and the potential for additional synergies is actively being explored.

In February 2015, RPC also acquired PET Power which enhances its sales into the cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical markets. PET Power has one manufacturing location in the Netherlands and sales offices in the UK, Germany and Austria. Turnover in 2014 was €45 million. The business meets RPC's strict acquisition criteria and will serve as a platform for further growth in mainland Europe.

Pim Vervaat, RPC's Chief Executive, said:

"I am pleased with the improvement in business performance and by the contribution from recent acquisitions. We are progressing well with the integration of Promens and continue to explore additional growth opportunities in line with our Vision 2020 focused growth strategy."

For further information:

RPC Group Plc 01933 410064

Pim Vervaat, Chief Executive

Simon Kesterton, Group Finance Director

FTI Consulting 0203 727 1340

Richard Mountain

Nick Hasell