FNET Future

RNS Number:8140D
Future Network PLC
07 October 2004


7 October 2004

                             The Future Network plc

             Pre-close trading update and announcement of launches

The Future Network plc, the international special-interest consumer magazine
group, today issues a trading update, prior to its final results announcement on
7 December 2004 for the period to 30 September 2004.

Summary

Trading for July and August in Group terms continued the trend evident for the
six months to June.  Total Group revenue rose by 6% (11% in constant currency)
for the first eight months of 2004.  Like-for-like Group revenue (excluding 2003
and 2004 acquisitions) declined by 1% in constant currency.

New magazine launches announced

The Group announced on 14 September that a minimum of seven magazines would be
launched in the coming 12 months.  There will now be at least nine magazines
launched in this period.

In the UK, the first editions of four of these have been published: Hair Style &
Beauty, PaperCraft Inspirations, Jetix and Official Duel Masters.

Future US will continue its growth through two launches in 2005.  Future US is
entering into a new sector, action sports, with the launch of Future Snowboard
later in 2005.  Future Music, which has been successfully published by Future in
the UK since 1992, will be launched in the US next spring, expanding our
music-making portfolio.

In Mainland Europe, the Group will launch a version of our successful US
magazine, Maximum PC in Italy. Maximum PC was launched in the US in 1996, and
most recently announced first half advertising revenue growth of 31%. Two other
magazines will be launched in France during 2005.

In addition, a number of other potential launches are being examined in the UK.

Performance of 2003 and 2004 acquisitions

The Group's 2003 acquisitions continue to perform ahead of plan, and the
integration of the two UK acquisitions made since 30 June 2004 is on track.

Dividend

The Board repeats that its intention is to recommend a final-only dividend of
1.25 pence per share for the nine months to 30 September 2004, in the absence of
exceptional circumstances.

Comment

Future's Chief Executive Greg Ingham commented: "Core trading is satisfactory,
and we are seeing some promising signs from UK newsstands.

"We are continuing to grow Future by focusing on magazine enhancements;
launches; and, possibly, acquisitions.  The launches also illustrate our ability
to take a success in one country and launch it in another.  Today's moves in the
US are an important part of our strategy of extending into new areas.    Action
Sports is an attractive area for our business."

Enquiries:

The Future Network plc

Greg Ingham, Chief Executive                        Tel: 01225 442244
John Bowman, Finance Director                       Tel: 01225 732281

Hogarth Partnership
James Longfield/Georgina Briscoe                    Tel: 020 7357 9477

About The Future Network plc

The Future Network was founded in the UK in 1985. Today, it publishes over 100
special-interest consumer magazines worldwide, is the world's leading publisher
of games magazines and is the fifth largest magazine publisher in the UK.

Future employs over 1,000 people in offices in the UK, US, France and Italy.
Around 100 international editions of Future's magazines are also published in 31
other countries across the world. The company is listed on the London Stock
Exchange (symbol FNET).

The Company's website, www.thefuturenetwork.plc.uk, contains up-to-date
information on the Group's activities and the investor relations section
includes a full copy of the interim and annual results, presentations provided
to analysts, and an audio recording of the most recent such presentation made by
executive Directors on 14 September 2004.


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