AGM Statement

Walker Greenbank PLC 5 June 2000 AGM Statement Although our UK market has improved, conditions remain difficult with little discernible growth. In Europe the tough decisions we made last year, closing our costly operations in France, Germany and Holland, mean we are enjoying a relatively better time given Sterling's continuing strength against a weak Euro. The USA remains a strong growth area for us and the strength of the US dollar has helped offset the difficult conditions in Europe. Our new acquisitions are performing as expected and we look forward to their contribution for the remainder of this year. We are no longer constrained by our computer system in servicing our customers, though we will carry additional costs after cleaning up the system problems in the first half. The internal reorganisation of the group continues apace and this will hold operating profits growth back this year as we write off the costs of our move into one wallpaper manufacturing site in Loughborough. We remain confident that the underlying business will show further improvements. In view of the low rating the market has afforded the group's shares, the Board will continue to explore methods of delivering a more representative value to the shareholders. Enquiries: Aidan Connolly, Chief Executive 01442 234666 John Sach, Group Financial Director Walker Greenbank plc John Rudofsky/Patrick Toyne Sewell 020 7637 9571 Citigate Dewe Rogerson
UK 100

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