Pre Close Trading Update

RNS Number:3464T
Novar PLC
17 December 2003

Date             17 December 2003

Contacts         Jurgen Hintz, Group Chief Executive
                 Novar plc                                  [phone]

                 Mike McKeon, Group Finance Director
                 Novar plc                                  [phone]

                 David Bick / Chris Steele
                 Holborn Public Relations                   [phone]
                                                            [e-mail]
                                                            [e-mail]

                                   Novar plc

                          Pre-Close Trading Update

The Group confirms that trading for the full year to 31 December 2003 is in line
with the outlook provided with the interim results on 29 July 2003.

We anticipate full-year headline profits to be within the range of current
market estimates, despite the effects of a weaker US Dollar on our reported
results in the second half.



Intelligent Building Systems (IBS)

Market conditions in the second half of this year have remained largely as
indicated in July.   Underlying demand remains soft, but we are delivering new
products, developing new channels to market and gaining share across our
markets.

We are seeing the continued benefits from our investments in new product
development and marketing efforts.  For example, Novar Projects has now won the
contract to supply Building Management Systems to BAA plc for the new Terminal 5
at Heathrow.   Worth in excess of #10 million, and following on from success
with the fire and life safety systems contract, this brings the total work won
on Terminal 5 to in excess of #40 million.   This business will be delivered
over the next few years, starting in 2004.



Indalex Aluminum Solutions (IAS)

The North American Extrusions markets remained flat through to October, but have
recently shown some positive signs.  Progress is far from universal, but some
segments are showing sustained improvement. IAS has made progress on its first
half performance, improving volumes, gaining further market share and further
lowering costs.



Security Printing Services (SPS)

US cheque market demand continues to be slightly down and competitive pressures
remain.  Clarke American continues to outperform, successfully bringing on
stream new business and generating additional revenue from the investments in
call centre and internet order channels.

The close period commences on 1 January 2004 and Preliminary Results for the
year to 31 December 2003 will be announced on Wednesday 25 February 2004.  A
briefing for analysts will be held at 9 am that day at The City Presentation
Centre, 4 Chiswell Street, Finsbury Square, London EC1Y 4UP.

                                    - ENDS -


Note:

This announcement contains some forward looking statements about Novar plc.
Whilst the Company believes these are based on reasonable assumptions, any
forward looking statement may be influenced by factors that could cause the
actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those predicted.
These forward looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward
looking statements, certain of which are beyond the control of Novar plc.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

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