Pre-close period trading update

Overall Trinity Mirror's operations produced a strong performance in the second half of 1999, in line with market expectations at the time of announcing its merger, which completed on 6 September 1999. Good progress has been made in the integration of the businesses. The benefits of the integration, the favourable economic conditions and previous investment in titles provide a strong basis for growth.

Advertising revenues for the national newspapers have been strong during the period producing second half year on year growth of 9%.

The Mirror's circulation performance during the last six months has led to further growth in its market share. The Mirror outperformed its direct competitors during this period. Increased revenue from the 2 pence price rise introduced in September (Monday to Friday editions) and 1 pence price increase on the Saturday edition (from late November) has been invested in further enhancing the newspaper, including the launch of 'M' magazine.

The Sunday Mirror has increased its market share during the last six months of 1999. The estimated decline in circulation of less than 0.5% compares very favourably with 11% in the same period of 1998. This performance reflects management actions in refocusing the paper's editorial stance closer to that of its sister daily title.

The Sunday People's circulation has declined by 8% during the last six months compared to the same period in 1998.

The Racing Post has improved circulation during 1999 with strong growth in advertising revenues from all sectors.

The Scottish national newspapers have also achieved good growth in advertising revenues, both national and local. Circulation revenues have remained stable despite the increased promotional activity of the English tabloids.

Local factors led to variable growth rates in advertising revenues across the regional newspapers with particularly encouraging performances in the Scottish, Southern, Northern Ireland and Welsh regions. Industrial and employment issues in the Midlands and a lack of economic buoyancy in the North-West have affected the performances of these two regions. Both regional display and classified advertising continued to show growth in the second half of 1999 with an overall growth for the six months, year on year, of 4%.

The Group continues to be in discussions with its advertising customers regarding irregularities in the reporting of circulation numbers to the Audit Bureau of Circulation on certain of its Birmingham titles. Trinity Mirror remains confident that the outcome of these discussions and the impact on the Group will be as stated in its November announcement.

The earnings of the division have increased during 1999, primarily as a result of the acquisitions in 1998 and during 1999.

During the year the Group has continued to strengthen its existing new media properties and core brands, investing in local online franchises and developing national niche businesses using content from our own sites and that of our partners. Including ic24, the Group's free internet service provider launched in April, monthly page impressions on Group sites have increased to over 32 million.

Building on the Group's existing investment in its online businesses, the development of Trinity Mirror's new media strategy is well advanced. Trinity Mirror intends to outline its new media strategy by the time of the Group's preliminary announcement in March.

Integration

The integration of the two businesses is on track to deliver annual pre-tax cost savings of at least £15 million by the end of 2002, as indicated at the time of announcement of the merger.

Belfast Telegraph and Newscom

The Group is proceeding with the divestment of those Northern Ireland titles (including the Belfast Telegraph) which were required to be disposed of as a condition of consent for the merger. Prospective purchasers will be contacted imminently.

Trinity Mirror's potential interest in acquiring Newscom was announced in December and its application for consent was subsequently referred by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to the Competition Commission. The regulatory process should be completed by the end of April.