Ad-hoc | 15 August 2003 08:23

United Labels AG english

UNITEDLABELS’ business performance comparable to HY 2002 Ad-hoc-announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– UNITEDLABELS’ business performance comparable to HY 2002 – Order book levels increase by 66% – Positive cash flow – Revenues amount to EUR 14.8 million (Münster, August 15, 2003) – For UNITEDLABELS AG (DE 0005489561), an enterprise specialising in comicware sold under licence, business in the first six months of the 2003 financial year progressed in line with the company’s performance in the first half of 2002 and was thus on target. Compared with the same period a year ago, consolidated revenue declined slightly by 6.9% to EUR 14.8 million (HY 2002: EUR 15.9 million). At the same time, the level of orders on hand rose by EUR 4.7 million to a record figure of EUR 11.8 million. This corresponds to a year-on-year increase of 66%. As in the previous quarter, cash flow from operating activities was above par. UNITEDLABELS AG posted a loss before interest and taxes of EUR 0.3 million for the first half just ended (HY 2002: loss of EUR 0.2 million). The company achieved a quarter-on-quarter reduction in direct material costs, staff costs, and other operating expenses, not only in absolute terms but also in relation to revenue. In time for the forthcoming international trade fairs in autumn, UNITEDLABELS will be launching its new “Best of …” product line, which is to be presented to the public at this year’s tendence lifestyle exhibition in Frankfurt/Germany. The new product offering covers a high-end chinaware series which initially will be centred around the Disney and Peanuts licences. In view of the higher volume of orders and the company’s positive business performance in previous quarters, UNITEDLABELS AG is expected to show sustainable progression in the coming quarters. For further information and a full copy of the interim report for the first half year 2003, please visit www.unitedlabels.com or contact the following member of staff: UNITEDLABELS AG Katarina Orlovic (Investor & Public Relations) Tel.: +49 (0) 251-3221-406, Fax: +49 (0) 251-3221-960 korlovic@unitedlabels.com end of ad-hoc-announcement (c)DGAP 15.08.2003 Issuer’s information/explanatory remarks concerning this ad-hoc-announcement: UNITEDLABELS emulates HY 2002 business performance – Order book levels increase by 66% – Revenues amount to EUR 14.8 million – Launch of “Best of …” chinaware line (Münster, August 15, 2003) – For UNITEDLABELS AG (DE 0005489561), an enterprise specialising in comicware sold under licence, business in the first six months of the 2003 financial year progressed in line with the company’s performance in the first half of 2002 and was thus on target. Compared with the same period a year ago, consolidated revenue declined slightly by 6.9% to EUR 14.8 million (HY 2002: EUR 15.9 million). At the same time, the level of orders on hand rose by EUR 4.7 million to a record figure of EUR 11.8 million. This corresponds to a year-on-year increase of 66%. As in the previous quarter, cash flow from operating activities was above par. UNITEDLABELS AG posted a loss before interest and taxes of EUR 0.3 million for the first half just ended (HY 2002: loss of EUR 0.2 million). The company achieved a quarter-on-quarter reduction in direct material costs, staff costs, and other operating expenses, not only in absolute terms but also in relation to revenue. In view of the higher volume of orders and the company’s positive business performance in previous quarters, UNITEDLABELS AG is expected to show sustainable progression in the coming quarters. Licences Sales figures for the proprietary “Snuffles” brand continue to be very encouraging, thus prompting an expansion of the company’s product range within this area. The first collection centred around puppies is to be supplemented by three new areas – farm, forest, and jungle. UNITEDLABELS has developed a number of soft toys with lifelike features; they have even been designed to feel like real animals. The company can also take great pride in the fact that its true potential has yet again been recognised by one of the world’s largest media corporations. As part of the Licensing Show New York staged on June 10 – 12, 2003, 20th Century Fox presented UNITEDLABELS with the Silver Homer Award 2003, as one of the best licensees within the category covering “The Simpsons”. The coveted award paid tribute to creative design, brand maintenance, and brand development. This honour was bestowed on UNITEDLABELS for the second time in succession, and the Münster-based company is now recognised as one of the world’s premier suppliers of “The Simpsons” products sold under licence. New product range In time for the forthcoming international trade fairs in autumn, UNITEDLABELS will be showcasing its proprietary “Best of …” label, as announced at this year’s General Meeting of Shareholders. This new product line, which initially comprises the Disney and Peanuts licences, represents the first step towards global product marketing. UNITEDLABELS will now also have access to the Asian and US markets, which had previously been “out of bounds” due to the fact that the company was not in possession of the necessary licences. The “Best of Mickey” and “Best of Snoopy” themes cover a high-end chinaware series that is far more than a homage to the world of cartoon stardom. The decor chosen for the “Best of …” collection underlines the unique qualities of these classic cartoon characters. The espresso cups, coffee mugs, and cereal bowls can be used either separately or as sets. They have also been designed as the perfect collectible, not just for cartoon enthusiasts. Whether the cups, mugs, or bowls are used separately or within complete sets, or are displayed in glass cabinets, this highly attractive product concept is perfect for singles, young families, and discerning comicware fans – the main target groups. UNITEDLABELS AG is Europe’s leading specialist for comicware sold under licence. The licensing partners working in cooperation with the independent media company include global players from the world of media and entertainment, such as Disney, AOL-Time/Warner, and 20th Century Fox. UNITEDLABELS is able to reach all age groups within the European market of licensed products, thanks to its successful portfolio of well-established classics, such as Snoopy, Mickey Mouse, the Looney Tunes or Sesame Street, and popular stars like The Simpsons and Bob the Builder. UNITEDLABELS has already established the most comprehensive sales network in Europe, reaching over 370 million consumers with the help of more than 3,700 retail partners and approx. 17,600 outlets in over 15 European countries. For further information, photographs and logos, as well as the interim report, please visit www.unitedlabels.com or contact the following member of staff: UNITEDLABELS AG Katarina Orlovic (Investor & Public Relations) Gildenstr. 6 D-48157 Münster Tel.: 0251-3221-406 Fax: 0251-3221-960 E-mail: korlovic@unitedlabels.com ——————————————————————————– WKN: 548956; ISIN: DE0005489561; Index: Listed: Geregelter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin- Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, München und Stuttgart 150823 Aug 03