Punch - H1 2005 results

Punch reports strong first half of 2005
Turnover increased by 80%
Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium - 1 July 2005 – Punch International ('Punch') has reached a turnover of more than 150 million euros for the first six months of 2005. This represents an increase of 80 per cent compared to 84.2 million euros for the same period last year.
The turnover figure of 150 mio euros takes into account the turnover generated by Punch Graphix for the first six months ended 30 June 2005. Under IFRS, however, Punch Graphix turnover generated since its listing in June should not be taken into account for the full amount. The impact on group turnover would be approximately 12 mio euros.
Punch maintains its expectations for the 2005 results.
The group's full interim results for the first half of 2005 are expected to be published on 20 September 2005.