UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 or 15d-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For December 16, 2003
BUNZL PLC
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
ENGLAND
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)
110 Park Street, London W1K 6NX
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F..X.. Form 40-F.....
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934.)
Yes ..... No ..X..
(If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant
in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): )
NOT APPLICABLE
INDEX
Description
1. Press release dated December 16, 2003 - Trading Statement
16 December 2003
BUNZL PRE-CLOSE STATEMENT AHEAD OF ANALYST MEETINGS
Bunzl plc, the international distribution and outsourcing Group, will be
speaking to analysts this week prior to its close period for the year to
31 December 2003. The Company will be indicating that:
- The overall results for 2003 are expected to be in line with market
estimates which take account of the impact of currency translation as a
result of the continuing weakening of the US dollar.
- Outsourcing Services continues to progress satisfactorily:
- Continuing volume growth in our largest business area is more than
offsetting year on year price deflation.
- Deflation has reduced as the year has progressed. Nevertheless it
persisted in the second half particularly because the supermarket
industry, which remains under pressure especially in the US, has
continued to identify and take advantage of any demand/supply
imbalances in the supply chain.
- Acquisitions made in late 2002 and 2003 are settling well into the
Group in North America, Europe and Australasia.
- Filtrona is also continuing its positive development:
- Volumes to the tobacco industry are well up as outsourced charcoal duals
and more specialised filters continue to grow worldwide.
- Coated and security products are benefiting from the increased emphasis
on anti counterfeiting, brand promotion and overall security concerns.
- Sales to other market sectors are also progressing well.
- Consistent with the statement made in August at the Interim Results, the
Group has continued to buy back shares on market at a similar rate to that
in the first half.
While persistence of the current level of the US dollar in 2004 would have a
translation impact compared to the previous year, the Group remains well
positioned to produce good underlying results, generate cash and take advantage
of opportunities to grow both organically and by acquisition. The results for
the year to 31 December 2003 will be published on 23 February 2004.
Enquiries:
Bunzl plc: Finsbury:
Anthony Habgood, Chairman Roland Rudd
David Williams, Finance Director Morgan Bone
Tel: 020 7495 4950 Tel: 020 7251 3801
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BUNZL PLC
Date: December 16, 2003 By:__/s/ Anthony Habgood__
Title: Chairman