Pre-close Trading Update

3 January 2013

John Menzies plc

Pre-close Trading Update

John Menzies plc today issues a pre-close trading update ahead of its Preliminary Results announcement on 5 March 2013.

Trading

Following the Interim Management Statement which was released on 13 November 2012, the Group has continued to make positive progress and the Board anticipates the full year result to be in line with its expectations.

Menzies Aviation has decided to close its cargo handling operations at Chicago Airport, having exhausted all alternative options over the last two years. This will result in an exceptional charge of £7m in 2012 but will improve EBIT in 2013 by around £1.4m.

Following the series of restructuring actions across both divisions, the full year exceptional charge will be in the region of £18m. The enhancements to underlying earnings from these actions are included within the Board's expectations and leave the Group in a stronger position with a more stable platform for growth.

Net debt at the year end is expected to be below £100m. The Group interest charge will increase by approximately £2.5m in 2013, purely as a result of the change to the accounting treatment of IAS19.

Directorate Changes

The Board today announces that Paul Dollman, Group Finance Director, has informed the Company that he intends to retire from the Board and will not seek re-election at the AGM on 17 May 2013, subject to a successor being appointed. Paul then intends to concentrate on building a portfolio career.

In addition, non-executive director, Ian Harrison has also intimated that he will not be seeking re-election at the 2013 AGM. Ian has been on the Board since 1987 and has made a significant contribution to the Group over the last 25 years.

Iain Napier, Chairman said:

"Paul has done an outstanding job for John Menzies plc over the last 10 years and we wish him well for the future. He has been an integral part of the executive team and has played a key role in the success of the Group. A full search process is underway and we will make a further announcement at the appropriate time.

I would also like to acknowledge Ian Harrison's contribution to the Group and thank him for his support during my time as Chairman."

-Ends-

For further information:

John Geddes, Group Company Secretary, John Menzies Plc +44 131 459 8180

Jonathon Brill/ Alex Beagley, FTI Consulting +44 207 831 3113