1999 Preliminary Results

Trinity Mirror plc ('Trinity Mirror'), the UK's largest newspaper publisher, announces its first results since the merger in September 1999 of Trinity plc ('Trinity') and Mirror Group PLC ('Mirror Group').

- Turnover from continuing activities increased by 4% to UKP1,053m*

- Profit before exceptional items and tax increased by 14% to UKP168m*

- Earnings per share (before exceptional items) increased 18% to 42.6p*

- Dividend per share increased 10% to 16p

- Major commitment to Group's internet strategy - up to UKP150m investment over next 3 years

- Strengthened management team across the Group

* figures are on a pro forma basis - subject to separate review report from external auditors

Commenting on the merger and the Group's results, Philip Graf, Trinity Mirror's Chief Executive, said:

'The Group's performance for the year was encouraging and provides a robust base from which the merged Group can grow. Since the merger, we have continued to invest in building our national and regional businesses and have taken decisive management action in those businesses that did not meet expectations during 1999. Consequently, prospects for our national and regional titles have improved and we have had a good start to trading in 2000.

We are entering a very exciting period for the Group. Trinity Mirror's strong network of established brands provides us with a tremendous opportunity to take a prominent position in new media. Over the next three years we plan to invest up to UKP150m as we continue to implement and develop our new media and internet strategy.

Our objective is to create the UK's leading "local portal", seamlessly integrating superior national and local content, and to turn the traffic this content generates into substantial revenues. We will leverage all of our assets in newspapers and new media to become a critical component of local and common interest communities.'

The statement, annual report and presentation can be read on the Company Reports & Presentations page