RNS Number : 7263O
Walker (Thomas) PLC
12 March 2009
Date: Thursday 12th March 2009
Embargoed: 7.00am
THOMAS WALKER PLC
Trading update and strategic review
As previously announced in statements by the Company on 11 November 2008 and 19 December 2008, the Group's trading in the first half of the current financial year was adversely affected by declining demand, particularly in its stampings business, and cost pressures resulting from the fall in the value of sterling against the US and Hong Kong dollars.
Trading has continued to be very difficult in January and February 2009, with stampings sales and order intake being substantially below both our expectations and the corresponding period in the previous year. A number of redundancies have already been implemented within the Group's UK businesses. However, in the absence of any indication of a recovery in orders, it is clear that further restructuring, which is likely to require additional funding, is now needed.
The Board has therefore begun a strategic review of the options which may be available to the Group, and will provide a further update as soon as it is in a position to do so.
Enquiries:
Bill Good
Group Managing Director
Thomas Walker PLC
Tel: 0121 486 4100
Colin Smith
Arden Partners plc
Tel: 0121 423 8940
Katie Dale
Golley Slater
Tel: 0121 384 9743
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The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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