RNS Number:8373T Topps Tiles PLC 28 March 2007 Topps Tiles Plc Pre-close period Trading Update and Board changes Topps Tiles Plc (the "Company"), the UK's largest tile and wood flooring specialist, reports on trading for the 26 week period ended 31 March 2007, prior to entering its close period. The Board will announce interim results for the 26 week period to 31 March 2007 on Tuesday 22 May 2007. We are pleased to report that despite a continuing tough retail market overall revenue is expected to be in the region of 101.8 million (2006: 88.6 million) up 14.9%, with like for like revenue expected to be up 4.4%. The Company's cur rent period overall revenue reflects, for the first time, the revenue from the Dutch stores following the acquisition of the further 50% share holding in the Joint Venture business in October 2006 which now gives the Company 100% of the share holding. The UK is expected to show overall revenue growth of 11.4% (2006:up 1.2%) with like-for-like revenue up 4.0% (2006:down 4.0%).Holland is expected to show overall revenue growth of over 36.0% (2006:up 21.6%) and like-for-like revenue up 19.0% (2006:up 8.6%). The Board expects operating profit, for the 26 week period, to be in the region of 21.0 million (2006:19.5 million) to give profit before tax in the region of 18.3 million (2006: 20.3 million). Gross margins are expected to be ahead of this time last year. The Group has a new store opening target of a net 30 new UK stores and a net 5 new Dutch stores for the full financial period and to date has opened a net 15 stores in the UK and a net 4 stores in Holland, in the 26 weeks to 31 March 2007, to give a total of 286 stores in the United Kingdom and 19 stores in Holland. The Board announces that Barry Bester will move to Non-executive Chairman with effect from 01 October 2007 from his current role as Executive Chairman. Additionally, during the period the Company was pleased to announce that Robert Parker was appointed to the Board as Finance Director. The appointment is effective from 10 April 2007. Enquiries: Ann-marie Wilkinson/Emma Kent Bell Pottinger Corporate & Financial 020 7861 3232 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange END
