Ad-hoc | 9 August 2005 08:19

United Labels with solid second quarter

Ad hoc announcement §15 WpHG Financial results for second quarter United Labels with solid second quarter Ad hoc announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. —————————————————————————— – Consolidated revenue increases to EUR 18.5 million – Order backlog rises to EUR 16.0 million – Revenue boost in the second quarter Münster, 09.08.2005 – United Labels AG (ISIN: DE 0005489561), a company specialising in comicware sold under licence, generated consolidated revenues of EUR 18.5 million in the first six months of the 2005 financial year (HY 2004: EUR 16.1 million). This corresponds to an increase of 14.8%. EBIT increased to EUR 0.3 million (HY 2004: EUR 0.2 million) and earnings after taxes rose to EUR 0.1 million (HY 2004: loss of EUR 0.1 million). The Group’s favourable performance in the first six months was driven by its solid second quarter. In the second quarter, revenue increased by 50.7% to EUR 10.1 million (Q2 2004: EUR 6.7 million). EBIT amounted to EUR 0.2 million (Q2 2004: loss of EUR 0.2 million), while earnings after taxes totalled EUR 0.1 million (Q2 2004: loss of EUR 0.3 million). Cash flow from operating activities improved by EUR 1.1 million in the first six months, taking the overall figure to EUR 3.5 million (HY 2004: EUR 2.4 million). The order backlog rose by 34% to EUR 16.0 million at the end of the first half (HY 2004: EUR 11.9 million). For further information, please visit http://www.unitedlabels.com or contact the following member of staff: United Labels AG Stefanie Frey Gildenstr. 6, D-48157 Münster Tel.: +49 (0) 251-32 21-4 06 Fax: +49 (0) 251-32 21-9 60 sfrey@unitedlabels.com United Labels AG Gildenstr. 6 48157 Münster Deutschland ISIN: DE0005489561 WKN: 548956 Listed: Geregelter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin- Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, München und Stuttgart End of ad hoc announcement (c)DGAP 09.08.2005 Issuer’s information/explanatory remarks concerning this ad hoc announcement: Press Release of United Labels AG regarding ad hoc announcement dated August 9, 2005 ISIN: DE 0005489561, WKN: 548956, Ticker Symbol: ULC United Labels with solid second quarter UK-based subsidiary established – Consolidated revenue increases to EUR 18.5 million – Order backlog rises to EUR 16.0 million – Revenue boost in the second quarter Münster, 09.08.2005 – United Labels AG (ISIN: DE 0005489561), a company specialising in comicware sold under licence, generated consolidated revenues of EUR 18.5 million in the first six months of the 2005 financial year (HY 2004: EUR 16.1 million). This corresponds to an increase of 14.8%. EBIT increased to EUR 0.3 million (HY 2004: EUR 0.2 million) and earnings after taxes rose to EUR 0.1 million (HY 2004: loss of EUR 0.1 million). The Group’s favourable performance in the first six months was driven by its solid second quarter. Solid business performance in second quarter In the second quarter, revenue increased by 50.7% to EUR 10.1 million (Q2 2004: EUR 6.7 million). EBIT amounted to EUR 0.2 million (Q2 2004: loss of EUR 0.2 million), while earnings after taxes totalled EUR 0.1 million (Q2 2004: loss of EUR 0.3 million). Cash flow from operating activities improved by EUR 1.1 million in the first six months, taking the overall figure to EUR 3.5 million (HY 2004: EUR 2.4 million). The order backlog rose by 34% to EUR 16.0 million at the end of the first half (HY 2004: EUR 11.9 million). United Labels Ltd. launched in the UK In May 2005, the company established United Labels Ltd., thus filling a major void in Europe’s consumer goods sector. Based in Castle Donington/Derbyshire, the UK-based subsidiary will be focussing on key account business. United Labels is now represented in all of Europe’s key regions for products sold under licence – including Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom – and has thus further enhanced its strong position within the marketplace. Operating against this backdrop, the company has built a solid foundation from which to expand its European customer base as a specialist in licensed merchandise. In particular, United Labels will be drawing on its formidable position within the area of sales and distribution. The company markets a comprehensive range of products featuring premium cartoon characters and has access to major sales channels throughout Europe. Share price maintains forward momentum The positive trend associated with United Labels’ shares continued unabated in the first half of 2005. The company’s share price rose from EUR3.77 (January 3, 2005) to EUR8.21 (June 30, 2005), an increase of 118%. It reached its apex of EUR8.93 (variable price, XETRA) on June 14, 2005. “This clearly reflects the level of market confidence in our business performance,” said Peter M. Boder, CEO of United Labels AG, and added: “Moreover, the steady rise in trading volumes is evidence of the growing interest shown in United Labels’ shares.” United Labels extends “The Simpsons” licence owned by 20th Century Fox United Labels AG has extended its “The Simpsons” licence granted by licensor 20th Century Fox by acquiring the exclusive worldwide production rights for all soft toy merchandise, with the exception of the US and Latin America. For the past seven years, the Münster-based specialist for merchandise sold under licence has been successfully marketing an extensive range of licensed products of “The Simpsons” throughout Europe, focusing on clothing, giftware, porcelain and stationery. In extending the licence, United Labels AG has further strengthened its long-standing partnership with US-based licensor 20th Century Fox and will be manufacturing a major product category to be marketed almost worldwide. “Ice Age 2” in spring 2006 In time for the premiere of “Ice Age 2”, the new animated movie created by 20th Century Fox, United Labels AG will be launching apparel and giftware product lines in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, commencing in April 2006. In the sequel to part one of “Ice Age”, the stars of the global blockbuster will appear not only on the silver screen but also in the shops. United Labels AG is responsible for the design, manufacture and marketing of all products within this category. United Labels United Labels AG is one of Europe’s leading specialists for comicware sold under licence. The licensing partners working in cooperation with the independent media company based in Münster/Germany include global players from the world of media and entertainment, such as Disney and 20th Century Fox. United Labels 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 Mickey Mouse, Snoopy and Sesame Street, and popular stars like The Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants. The company has established a comprehensive European sales network for comicware, distributing its products through more than 61,000 outlets operated by various retail partners. United Labels is represented in Germany, Belgium, France, the UK, Italy and Spain. For further information, please visit http://www.unitedlabels.com or contact the following member of staff: United Labels AG Stefanie Frey Gildenstr. 6, D – 48157 Münster Tel.: +49 (0) 2 51-32 21-4 06 Fax: +49 (0) 2 51-32 21-9 60 sfrey@unitedlabels.com End of message (c)DGAP 090819 Aug 05