Trading Statement

IMI PLC 30 June 2003 30 June 2003 IMI plc TRADING UPDATE In accordance with its normal practice, IMI plc is today issuing a trading update in advance of its interim results announcement for the six months ending 30 June 2003, due to be published on 8 September 2003. On a like for like basis sales overall remain steady at similar levels to last year with volume improvements in Fluid Controls offsetting the expected reduction in Retail Dispense. FLUID CONTROLS In Severe Service, the continuing investment in specialist sales engineers has helped maintain a healthy growth in the order book with record levels of forward business being booked for 2004 and beyond. In Fluid Power, new products and sector specific initiatives have resulted in modest volume growth in an otherwise flat market. Benefits arising from restructuring are continuing to show through in margin improvement. Volumes in balancing valves and service commissioning have offset a further decline in sales of thermostatic radiator valves to the German market leaving Indoor Climate marginally ahead of last year. RETAIL DISPENSE Sales in Beverage Dispense were lower than 2002 which included £21m in respect of the one-off contract for frozen carbonated beverage equipment. Trading generally is somewhat subdued with demand in the US food service sector remaining particularly soft. Our investment in new products has, however, continued to stimulate demand in the key carbonates and beer sectors. Quotation activity is stronger in Merchandising Systems overall and this is now feeding through into a growing order book. DCI, acquired in August 2002, has performed well and secured significant new long term business. Building Products maintained its solid performance with UK volumes continuing to be good. The pressure from increased polymer prices seen earlier this year is now easing. Another good cash flow performance is expected although the first half of the year will see the usual seasonal pattern of increased working capital. Rationalisation costs for the year are still expected to be less than £10m (2002: £32.2m) of which around £3m (2002: £18.1m) will be incurred in the first half. 2002 full year results included a SSAP24 pension credit of £5m (first half £2.5m). It is anticipated that this credit will not be repeated in 2003. Despite this, it is expected that the first half profit before rationalisation and restructuring, goodwill amortisation and exceptional items will be ahead of the £66.0m reported last year. - ends - Information about IMI plc can be found on the website: www.imiplc.com For further information contact: IMI plc Graham Truscott, Communications Director Tel: 0121 717 3712 Weber Shandwick Square Mile Nick Oborne / Peter Corbin Tel: 020 7067 0700 Note to Editors: IMI plc is a dynamic international engineering business specialising in innovative solutions and services for a wide range of industrial and retail customers. Its future growth is being built on the two business areas of Fluid Controls and Retail Dispense. IMI's operations in these two business areas share the following core characteristics: strong market positions in growing markets; the ability to be clearly differentiated from their competitors through technological innovation or after-sales service; and the provision of 'added value' through bespoke solutions rather than a high manufacturing or material content. IMI is quoted on the London Stock Exchange and is capitalised at approximately £1.023 billion. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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