Trading Statement

RM PLC 16 September 2003 16th September 2003 Pre-close update for the year ending 30th September 2003: profits ahead of expectations As part of its normal investor relations activities RM plc, the leading supplier of information and communications technology (ICT) and other services to UK education, is issuing an update on current trading prior to the end of its financial year on 30th September 2003. The Group will comment on future prospects at its Preliminary Results, which are due to be announced in November 2003. RM's business is seasonal with a large proportion of orders and shipments occurring towards the end of the financial year. However, performance in the second half so far is supportive of profits for the year being ahead of current market expectations. The Group commented at the time of its Interim Results announcement in May that performance in the first half had been ahead of management's plan, but that it would be difficult to predict the impact of the widely reported uncertainty over this year's school budget settlement on second half performance. Trading in the second half has been in line with plan, allowing the first half over performance to be retained for the year as a whole. Group revenue for the year is expected to be approximately 5% up on FY2002. The four strategic projects won during the first half will contribute revenue, but little profit, in the second half. As planned, LSP (Learning Schools Programme) reached completion during the year. Tim Pearson, RM's CEO, commented: 'Our schools ICT business has performed well against a challenging market background. Whilst average selling prices for hardware have declined along with the rest of the industry, for RM overall we expect to see greater than market growth for the year as a whole.' 'I am pleased with the progress we've made against the strategic plan I set out when I took over as CEO. Clearly there remains much to do to establish RM as a leading provider of broadly based education services, but we've already made a good start with our contracts with the QCA and in South Yorkshire.' - Ends - There will be a conference call for Analysts today at 10:00am. The dial in number is +44 (0)1452 561263. Please quote the password RM. For further information, please contact: Mike Greig/Phil Hemmings, RM plc 08709 200200 Andrew Fenwick/Fiona Laffan, Brunswick 020 7404 5959 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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