Cookson release trading and strategic plan updates

Cookson Group plc, a leading materials science company, will make a presentation to analysts and shareholders at 10.30am today giving an update on trading and the execution of its Strategic Plan. A copy of the slides will be available on the Cookson website, www.cooksongroup.co.uk, from 10.30am today. A full archived webcast will be available from mid-afternoon today.

Commenting on the trading and Strategic Plan updates, Nick Salmon, Chief Executive commented:

"Following an encouraging performance in the third quarter we now expect performance for the year as a whole to be slightly ahead of our earlier expectations. We have made good progress in executing the Strategic Plan outlined in January 2005 and most of the original targets have been achieved ahead of schedule. We are convinced there is more to go for in the continued execution of this strategy which will deliver further significant growth. Our financial condition is now robust. We can therefore also start to contemplate additional growth by acquisition in the event that suitable opportunities arise."