Trading Statement

30 September 2014

RPC Group Plc

Pre-close Trading Statement

RPC Group Plc, Europe's leading rigid plastic packaging supplier, today issues a pre-close trading statement.

Trading performance in the period 1 April to 30 September 2014

Revenues are expected to be significantly ahead of the corresponding period last year reflecting the contribution from recent acquisitions and good growth in the USA, coffee capsules and UK DIY markets.

The Group's operating profit (before exceptional items) in the first half year is anticipated to be in line with management expectations despite ongoing foreign exchange translation headwinds and an adverse time lag in passing through polymer prices.

The Group continues to have a strong financial position with cash flow performance in the first half year expected to be satisfactory.

Other developments

The Fitter for the Future programme is now well advanced. The sale of the Offenburg business (Germany) has completed and, as announced on 11 September 2014, the Group has entered into binding agreements on the sale of the two sheet businesses in Lokeren (Belgium) and Montonate (Italy).

The integration of the M&H Plastics and Helioplast businesses has been successfully completed whilst the integration of the ACE business is making good progress, with both packaging and non-packaging customers confirming the strategic growth potential.

Commenting on the first half year's performance and ongoing developments, Pim Vervaat, RPC's Chief Executive Officer said:

"The performance for the first half year is encouraging against the backdrop of a continuing challenging economic environment in the Eurozone. We continue to focus on delivering organic growth whilst also looking for opportunities to further benefit from the ongoing consolidation in the European rigid plastic packaging industry and the globalisation trend in higher added value products."

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