De La Rue Regulatory News (DLAR)

19 Mar 2008 07:00

De La Rue PLC19 March 2008 DE LA RUE PLC PRE CLOSE STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 29 MARCH 2008 Prior to entering its close period for the year ending 29 March 2008, the Boardof De La Rue plc today issues the following trading update. The Company's fullyear results are due to be announced on 22 May 2008. Trading for the Group during the last quarter of the year has continued to be inline with our prior expectations. Within Security Paper & Print, strongbanknote demand supported by productivity improvements has resulted in both yearon year revenue and margin improvement. Within Cash Systems, both equipment and service volumes have remained in linewith our expectations, notwithstanding the more uncertain financial environment. Modest revenue growth is anticipated for the year, despite a weakening USdollar, whilst margin improvement has been achieved from ongoing improvements tothe supply chain. Cashflow remains a key strength of the Group and will again demonstrate a goodlevel of operating cash conversion. Growth in trade working capital reflectsthe high trading activity in the Currency operations together with theanticipated reduction in advance payments, following the exceptional inflow in2006/2007. The Group order book has improved in both divisions compared with the prioryear, most particularly in the Currency activities. Visibility in the SecurityPaper and Print Division has further improved for the next financial year andthe Board remains confident of the outlook for 2008/2009. - ends - 19 March 2008 For further information please contact: Stephen King Group Finance Director +44 (0) 1256 605307Richard Mountain Financial Dynamics +44(0) 207 269 7291Isabella Szredzki Corporate Affairs +44 (0) 1256 605308 Notes to Editors: De La Rue is the world's largest commercial security printer and papermaker,involved in the production of over 150 national currencies and a wide range ofsecurity documents such as passports, authentication labels and fiscal stamps.The Company is a leading provider of cash handling equipment and softwaresolutions to banks and retailers worldwide, helping them to reduce the cost ofhandling cash. De La Rue also pioneers new technologies in government identitysolutions for national identification, driver's licence and passport issuingschemes. De La Rue employs over 6,000 people across 31 countries and is a member of theFTSE 250. Its ordinary shares are listed with the UK Listing Authority and trade on themarket for listed securities on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol DLAR. For further information visit De La Rue's website at www.delarue.com. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange