Pre-close trading update

Datacash Group PLC 11 January 2005 DataCash Group Plc ('DataCash' or 'the Company') PRE-CLOSE TRADING UPDATE The Directors of DataCash Group Plc, the AIM listed payments service provider, are pleased to announce a pre-close trading statement to highlight its successes and growth strategy through 2004. This has been another encouraging year consolidating DataCash's position as the UK's leading bank independent payment-service-provider. •The Company achieved pre-tax profits (pre-goodwill amortisation) for 2004 in line with market expectations. •DataCash ended the year with more than £3m in net cash, compared to £1.55m at 31 December 2003. •Transaction volumes grew strongly throughout the year, driven by the addition of blue-chip clients, the continued growth of its existing customers' business as a result of the growing acceptance of Card-Holder-Not-Present retailing, and the impact of Broadband upon the e-tailing experience. •The Company continues to develop new 'value add' services, in partnership with leading suppliers. DataCash now offers merchants stored value services that support loyalty, gift and promotional schemes. It has also reached agreement with BT to integrate and offer its age and identity verification services to our clients. •The Company continues to explore opportunities with its partners in the "cardholder present" retail market. It is clear that many retailers in the Company's target market are still considering their strategy, and are approaching the issue of the new technology with caution in view of the investment required. However we are confident the opportunity generated through the introduction of "Chip and Pin" remains intact. •The prospects for 2005 are good, with further strong growth expected from the core business. The appointment of Terry Cave as Chief Executive in the summer has led to a number of new opportunities with large systems integrators and new channel partners. 2005 will see further investment in people and system development with the aim of accelerating the Company's growth in the future and further consolidating its market position. •The Company expects to report final figures in early April. ** ENDS * * Contacts: •Terry Cave/Keith Butcher DataCash Tel: 0870 7274760 •Cliff Feltham/Isabel Crossley St Brides Tel: 020 7242 4477 Note to editors: •DataCash provides secure electronic payment and fraud management solutions to companies that process orders for goods and services over the Internet, call centres, interactive TV or from high street point of sale. •DataCash's payment solutions allow merchants to accept a wide range of payment options, from credit cards and direct debits, to emerging payment types. •DataCash's reporting and management tools help automate the flow of complex payment processes, such as recurring billing, chargeback workflow and payment reconciliation. •DataCash partners with and connects to an ever-expanding network of payment processors and payment service providers to offer merchants a single source solution. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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