Calendrier Financier de L’Exercice 2008

Résultats trimestriels

  • quatrième trimestre 2007 et exercice clos le 31 décembre 2007 : le 13 février 2008,
  • premier trimestre 2008 : le 25 avril 2008,
  • deuxième trimestre et premier semestre 2008 : le 23 juillet 2008, troisième trimestre et neuf premiers mois de l’exercice 2008 : le 17 octobre 2008.

Rapport annuel 2007
La version électronique du rapport annuel du Groupe pour l’exercice 2007 (tant en français qu’en anglais) sera disponible au téléchargement sur les sites Internet du Groupe d’Euronext à compter du 26 mars 2008.

Les versions imprimées de ces rapports seront disponibles à compter de début avril 2008 et pourront être obtenues sur simple demande adressée de préférence par courrier électronique envoyé à l’adresse suivante : investor-relations@globalgraphics.com, ou à défaut par courrier au siège social.

Assemblée générale 2008
L’assemblée générale qui sera réunie notamment afin d’approuver les comptes de l’exercice clos le 31 décembre 2007 devrait avoir lieu le 25 avril 2008 à Bruxelles en Belgique.

L’horaire et l’ordre du jour définitif de cette assemblée seront communiqués au plus tard 35 jours avant la date définitive d’assemblée.

Réunions d’analystes
Une première réunion avec les analystes qui suivent le Groupe est prévue à Bruxelles le 25 avril 2008 au terme de l’assemblée générale annuelle.

Une deuxième réunion sera organisée au second semestre 2008 si nécessaire.

Merci de bien vouloir adresser toute question relative à ce calendrier à Monsieur Alain Pronost, directeur financier du groupe Global Graphics, soit par courriel à l’adresse de messagerie électronique suivante : investor-relations@globalgraphics.com, soit par courrier adressé à son intention au siège social.

Editors notes

A propos de Global Graphics

Global Graphics (www.globalgraphics.com) est un groupe leader dans le développement et la commercialisation de solutions logicielles complexes et à haute performance, répondant aux besoins des secteurs de l’impression numérique et de l’impression de labeur, et de technologies développées autour du format de fichier PDF (Portable Document Format). Le Groupe commercialise ses solutions en matière de vectorisation de données pour la création d’images numériques (RIP), de création, gestion et édition de documents créés au format PDF, de gestion de flux de documents électroniques (workflow) et de rendu des couleurs (color management) principalement à des fabricants d’équipements, des intégrateurs de systèmes, des sociétés de développement informatique, et des revendeurs. Le Groupe compte parmi ses clients les plus grands fabricants mondiaux de systèmes pré-presse numériques, d’imprimantes couleur grand format, de systèmes d’épreuves couleur, de copieurs et d’imprimantes pour les marchés professionnels, des grandes entreprises ou des PME, ainsi que pour l’usage privé ou en libéral, ainsi qu’une grande variété de sociétés de développement logiciel.

Contact

Alain Pronost, directeur financier groupe
Tél : + 33 (0)6 62 60 56 51

Jill Taylor, responsable des relations investisseurs
Tél : + 44 (0)1954 283 074

Resultaten Global Graphics Derde Kwartaal 2007

De vergelijking van het derde kwartaal 2007 met hetzelfde kwartaal vorig jaar omvat:

<ul>
<li>Omzet van 3,5 miljoen euro dit kwartaal (3,8 miljoen euro tegen wisselkoersen van het derde kwartaal 2006) vergeleken met 3,6 miljoen euro in het derde kwartaal 2006;</li>
<li>EBIT van 0,9 miljoen euro voor dit kwartaal, vergeleken met 0,7 miljoen euro in het derde kwartaal 2006;</li>
<li>Pro forma bedrijfswinst (EBITA) van 0,3 miljoen euro voor dit kwartaal, vergeleken met 0,4 miljoen euro in het derde kwartaal 2006;</li>
<li>Pro forma winst vóór belastingen van 0,3 miljoen euro voor dit kwartaal (of 0,03 euro per aandeel), identiek met het derde kwartaal 2006;</li>
<li>Netto winst van 0,5 miljoen euro voor dit kwartaal (of 0,05 euro per aandeel), vergeleken met 0,3 miljoen euro in het derde kwartaal 2006 (of 0,03 euro per aandeel);</li>
<li>Pro forma netto winst van 0,1 miljoen euro voor dit kwartaal (of 0,01 euro per aandeel), identiek met het derde kwartaal 2006.</li></ul>

Jim Freidah, Chief Executive Officer, lichtte toe: “De omzet van nieuwe contracten in digitale druk en elektronische documenttechnologie bleef stevig tijdens het derde kwartaal en toonde een voortgezette groei op jaarbasis. We sloten tijdens het afgelopen kwartaal ons eerste contract voor de recent gelanceerde elektronische documenttechnologie van de nieuwe generatie en verwachten tijdens het vierde kwartaal verdere contracten te sluiten. Wij onderhandelen actief met een groot aantal potentiële nieuwe klanten voor digitale druk. Het feit dat het Microsoft® Vista™ besturingssysteem slechts langzaam afnemers vindt, of meer specifiek het trage ritme waarmee XPS-gerelateerde softwaretoepassingen die onder Vista werken op de markt komen, heeft als effect dat de producenten van drukapparatuur minder gehaast zijn. Daadoor hebben velen de lancering van hun XPS-compatibele toestellen uitgesteld, wat op zijn beurt de contract- en inkomstencyclus voor Global Graphics heeft verlengd.

“In het traditionele grafische segment lag de omzet lager, wat kenmerkend is voor het derde kwartaal in dit segment. Door consolidatie ligt de omzet ook op jaarbasis opnieuw lager. De belangrijkste vakbeurs voor dit segment, Graph Expo, werd goed bezocht en in combinatie met upgrade verkopen van de nieuwe versie van Harlequin RIP zou dat sterkere resultaten voor het vierde kwartaal moeten opleveren.”

Prestatie van het derde kwartaal
De kwartaalomzet bedroeg 3,5 miljoen euro, vergeleken met 3,6 miljoen in het derde kwartaal 2006, of een daling van 1,9% bij de huidige wisselkoersen. Het afgelopen kwartaal werd ongeveer 74,8% van de omzet van de onderneming uitgedrukt in US dollar (tegen een gemiddelde koers van 1,377 dollar voor 1 euro). De wisselkoersschommelingen met de euro bleven een invloed uitoefenen op de omzet van de Onderneming en op het resultaat van haar activiteiten. Indien de kwartaalomzet omgewisseld werd tegen de gemiddelde dollarkoers die van toepassing was tijdens hetzelfde kwartaal van 2006 (1,274 dollar voor 1 euro), dan zou de omzet ca. 3,8 miljoen euro bedragen, of een groei met 5,3%, bij gelijkblijvende wisselkoersen, tegenover de omzet van het derde kwartaal van 2006.

De totale bedrijfskosten (uitgezonderd verkoopkosten, afschrijving van immateriële activa, uitgaven voor aandelencompensatie, en het netto-effect van gekapitaliseerde ontwikkelingsuitgaven voor 0,7 miljoen euro) beliepen dit kwartaal 3,1 miljoen euro, net als in  dezelfde periode van 2006, en t.o.v. 3,4 miljoen euro in het tweede kwartaal van 2007.

De EBIT bedroeg dit kwartaal 0,9 miljoen euro (of 25,3% van de kwartaalomzet), ten opzichte van 0,7 miljoen euro in het derde kwartaal van 2006 (of 18,8% van de omzet van het derde kwartaal van 2006), wat neerkomt op een groei met 32,0% t.o.v. dezelfde periode vorig jaar.

EBITA (pro forma bedrijfswinst, zoals gedefinieerd in de onderstaande tabel) was dit kwartaal 0,3 miljoen euro, vergeleken met 0,4 miljoen euro in het derde kwartaal van 2006, of een daling van 14,8% tegenover dezelfde periode vorig jaar. Bijgevolg daalde de EBITA marge voor het afgelopen kwartaal naar 8,9% van de kwartaalomzet vergeleken met 10,3% in het derde kwartaal van 2006. Indien de wisselkoersen van het derde kwartaal 2006 gehanteerd werden, d.w.z. constante wisselkoersen, zou de EBITA in het derde kwartaal 2007 nagenoeg 0,5 miljoen euro bedragen hebben, een groei van 41,3% t.o.v. het EBITA cijfer van het derde kwartaal 2006.

De pro forma winst vóór belastingen (zoals gedefinieerd in de onderstaande tabel) bedroeg dit kwartaal 0,3 miljoen euro, net als in dezelfde periode van 2006. Bijgevolg bedroeg de pro forma netto winst vóór belastingen per aandeel 0,03 euro, net als in het derde kwartaal 2006.

De netto winst bedroeg in het derde kwartaal 0,5 miljoen euro (of 0,05 euro per aandeel) tegenover 0,3 miljoen euro in het derde kwartaal van 2006 (of 0,03 euro per aandeel). Dat betekent een klim met 47,0% t.o.v. dezelfde periode vorig jaar.

De pro forma netto winst (zoals gedefinieerd in de onderstaande tabel) bedroeg voor dit kwartaal 0,1 miljoen euro, net als in dezelfde periode van 2006. Bijgevolg was de pro forma winst per aandeel voor dit kwartaal 0,01 euro, identiek met het derde kwartaal 2006.

Prestatie voor de eerste negen maanden
De omzet van de eerste negen maanden van 2007 bedroeg 12,9 miljoen euro, t.o.v. 12,1 miljoen euro in dezelfde periode van 2006, of een groei met 7,1% tegen de huidige wisselkoersen. Tijdens de negen eerste maanden van 2007 werd ongeveer 85,5% van de omzet van de onderneming uitgedrukt in US dollar (tegen een gemiddelde koers van 1,343 dollar voor 1 euro). Indien de omzet van de eerste negen maanden omgewisseld werd tegen de gemiddelde dollarkoers die van toepassing was in dezelfde periode van 2006 (d.w.z. tegen een gemiddelde wisselkoers van 1,238 US dollar voor 1 euro), dan zou de omzet voor de eerste negen maanden ca. 13,9 miljoen euro bedragen of een stijging van 15,4% t.o.v. de omzet in dezelfde periode van 2006 (bij constante wisselkoersen).

De EBIT bedroeg 4,1 miljoen euro voor de eerste negen maanden van 2007 (of 32,1% van de periode-omzet) tegenover 2,5 miljoen euro (of 20,5% van de omzet) in dezelfde periode van 2006. Dat betekent een groei met 67,8% t.o.v. het cijfer voor dezelfde periode van 2006.

De EBITA voor de eerste negen maanden van dit jaar bedroeg 2,4 miljoen euro (of 18,6% van de periode-omzet), tegenover 2,0 miljoen euro (of 16,4% van de periode-omzet) voor de eerste negen maanden van 2006, en toonde dus een groei van 21,5% t.o.v. het EBITA-cijfer voor dezelfde periode van 2006. Indien de wisselkoersen van de eerste negen maanden van 2006 gehanteerd worden, d.w.z. constante wisselkoersen, zou de EBITA voor de eerste negen maanden van 2007  nagenoeg 3,1 miljoen euro hebben bedragen, wat een groei van 55,6% vertegenwoordigt t.o.v. het EBITA cijfer voor de eerste negen maanden van 2006.

De pro forma winst vóór belastingen was 2,4 miljoen euro voor de eerste negen maanden van 2007 (of 0,23 euro per aandeel), een stijging van 6,7% vergeleken met 2,2 miljoen euro of 0,22 euro per aandeel voor dezelfde periode van 2006.

De netto winst voor de eerste negen maanden van 2007 bedroeg 3,3 miljoen euro (of 0,32 euro per aandeel) en groeide met 136,0% t.o.v. 1,4 miljoen euro (of 0,14 euro per aandeel) voor dezelfde periode van 2006.

Voor de eerste negen maanden van 2007 bedroeg de pro forma netto winst 2,2 miljoen euro (of 0,21 euro per aandeel) een stijging met 97,6% t.o.v. 1,1 miljoen euro (of 0,11 euro per aandeel) voor dezelfde periode van 2006.

Programma voor inkoop van aandelen
In overeenstemming met de machtiging door de aandeelhouders aan de Raad van Bestuur tijdens hun vergadering van 27 april 2007, heeft de Onderneming haar programma voor de inkoop van eigen aandelen verder gezet tijdens het kwartaal dat eindigt op 30 september 2007.

Tijdens het derde kwartaal van 2007 kocht de Onderneming een totaal van 59.398 aandelen terug in tegen een gemiddelde prijs van 8,07 euro per aandeel. De Onderneming heeft het voornemen om nog verder eigen aandelen in te kopen op de tijdstippen en in de hoeveelheden die zij geschikt acht.

Bijkomende informatie over het programma voor de inkoop van eigen aandelen van de Onderneming is beschikbaar in het Memorandum over dit programma (beschikbaar in het Engels en het Frans). De Onderneming publiceerde dit in april 2007. Het kan gedownload worden van de website van de Onderneming op www.globalgraphics.com.

Herziening van de vooruitzichten voor 2007
Jim Freidah voegde er aan toe: “Twee belangrijke factoren beginnen nu onze vooruitzichten voor 2007 te beïnvloeden. De eerste, zoals reeds aangegeven in de toelichting over het derde kwartaal, is dat de trage lancering van de op XPS gebaseerde toepassingen en de ontbrekende haast van de apparatuurfabrikanten om XPS-compatibele toestellen te lanceren, die daar het gevolg van is, een invloed zullen hebben op onze inkomstenstroom. De tweede factor is de verdere verzwakking van de US dollar. Die oefent niet enkel een invloed uit op onze prestatie op jaarbasis over de eerste negen maanden van 2007 (wij hebben al gesteld dat indien de omzet van 12,9 miljoen euro die we tijdens de eerste negen maanden van 2007 hebben gerealiseerd, geconverteerd werd tegen de gemiddelde US dollarkoers die van toepassing was tijdens de eerste negen maanden van 2006, deze gelijk zou zijn aan 13,9 miljoen euro). Wij moeten nu rekening houden met de weerslag van de dollarverzwakking op de vooruitzichten die wij in april 2007 hebben gegeven voor het ganse jaar 2007.

“Bijgevolg herzien wij nu onze omzet- en winstvooruitzichten voor 2007. Wij verwachten voor het ganse jaar 2007 een omzet tussen 17,0 miljoen en 18,0 miljoen euro. Omdat wij onze bedrijfsuitgaven strikt onder controle houden, verlagen wij de EBITA slechts lichtjes naar een bedrag tussen ca. 3,2 miljoen en 4,0 miljoen euro. Wij blijven verder rekening houden met niet-activiteitsgebonden factoren (inclusief wisselverschillen met betrekking tot onze huidige hedgingstrategie) die een nominaal effect kunnen hebben op onze gerapporteerde resultaten.  Daarom verwachten wij dat voor 2007 de pro forma netto winst vóór belastingen per aandeel zal liggen tussen 0,31 en 0,40 euro. Deze herziene vooruitzichten zijn gebaseerd op de huidige spot market koersen, met name 1,417 US dollar voor 1 euro en 2,04 US dollar voor 1 Brits pond.”

Praktische details over de telefoonconferentie m.b.t. de resultaten van het derde kwartaal van 2007
Global Graphics houdt vandaag, 19 oktober 2007, om 14u00 CET een telefoonconferentie in het Engels. Deelnemers dienen te telefoneren naar +44 20 7162 0025 en zich te melden met “Global Graphics quarterly results conference call”. Het gesprek is daarna nog gedurende 7 werkdagen te beluisteren door te bellen naar +44 20 7031 4064, toegangscode 770049.

Bekendmaking van de resultaten voor het vierde kwartaal 2007 en het volledige jaar 2007
Global Graphics verwacht de resultaten voor het kwartaal en voor het volledige jaar eindigend op 31 december 2007 bekend te maken op vrijdag 8 februari 2008 vóór beurstijd.

<table><tr><td><pre class="qHead">GLOBAL GRAPHICS SA AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED INTERIM INCOME STATEMENT
In thousands of Euro, except share data in Euro
Unaudited and unreviewed figures

                                                Quarters         Nine months
                                           ended 30 September  to 30 September
                                             2007      2006     2007     2006

</pre><pre class="qBodyEven">Sales                                       3,538     3,608   12,908   12,050</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Cost of sales                                (114)     (114)    (354)    (343)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Amortization of intangible assets             (18)      (17)     (52)     (51)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">GROSS PROFIT                                3,406     3,477   12,502   11,656</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Selling, general & administrative expenses (1,192)   (1,366)  (4,206)  (4,492)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Research and development expenses          (1,198)   (1,391)  (3,741)  (4,502)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Share compensation expenses                  (101)      (22)    (349)    (133)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Amortization of intangible assets             (19)      (19)     (57)     (57)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">OPERATING PROFIT                              896       679    4,149    2,472</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Interest income (note 5)                       19        29       37       80</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Interest expenses (note 5)                      0       (30)      (6)    (109)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Foreign exchange gains (losses), net (note 5)  10       (67)     (29)     315</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">PROFIT BEFORE INCOME TAX                      925       611    4,151    2,758</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Income tax (benefit) expense (note 6)         437       279      894    1,378</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">NET PROFIT                                    488       332    3,257    1,380</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">EARNINGS PER SHARE (note 7)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Basic net profit per share                   0.05      0.03     0.32     0.14</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Diluted net profit per share                 0.05      0.03     0.32     0.13</pre>
</td></tr></table><p><p><p>
<p><p>
The accompanying selected explanatory notes are an integral part of these consolidated interim financial statements.<p><p>
<p><p>
<p><p>
</p><table><tr><td><pre class="qHead">GLOBAL GRAPHICS SA AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED INTERIM BALANCE SHEET
In thousands of Euro                        30 Sept. 2007    31 Dec. 2006
                                              Unaudited
                                               figures
</pre><pre class="qBodyEven">ASSETS</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">NON-CURRENT ASSETS</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Property, plant and equipment                   1,021          1,039</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Intangible assets                               3,720          1,770</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Goodwill                                        8,177          8,514</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Other non-current assets                          141            149</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Deferred tax assets (note 4)                    3,266          4,269</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS                       16,325         15,741</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">CURRENT ASSETS</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Inventories                                        99             94</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Trade receivables                               4,150          3,814</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Current tax receivables                           438            423</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Other current assets                               90            164</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Prepaid expenses                                  475            440</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Cash                                            3,358          3,310</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                            8,610          8,245</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">TOTAL ASSETS                                   24,935         23,986</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Share capital (note 8)                          4,111          4,099</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Share premium (note 8)                         28,844         28,754</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Share options outstanding                       2,457          2,108</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Reserve for own shares (note 9)                (1,178)          (399)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Accumulated deficit                            (3,886)        (7,143)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Foreign currency translation adjustment        (7,628)        (6,638)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                     22,720         20,781</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">LIABILITIES</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Other non-current liabilities                       2              2</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES                       2              2</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">CURRENT LIABILITIES</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Bank overdrafts                                     0            234</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Trade payables                                    262            457</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Other payables                                    385            837</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Customer advances and deferred revenue          1,566          1,675</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                       2,213          3,203</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">TOTAL LIABILITIES                               2,215          3,205</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">TOTAL LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY       24,935         23,986</pre>
</td></tr></table><p><p><p>
<p><p>
The accompanying selected explanatory notes are an integral part of these consolidated interim financial statements.<p><p>
<p><p>
<p><p>
</p><table><tr><td><pre class="qHead">GLOBAL GRAPHICS SA AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
In thousands of Euro
Unaudited and unreviewed figures
                                                           Nine months
                                                         to 30 September
                                                         2007       2006
</pre><pre class="qBodyEven">CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Profit before income tax                                4,151      2,758</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Adjustments for:</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">- Depreciation on property, plant and equipment           287        145</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">- Amortization of intangible assets                       109        108</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">- Amortization of capitalized development expenses        227         41</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">- Share compensation expenses                             349        133</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">- Interest expenses (interest income)                     (31)        29</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">- Foreign currency exchange losses (gains)                 29       (315)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">- Expenses offset against the share premium (note 8)       (2)       (11)</

Editors notes

Over Global Graphics

Global Graphics (http://www.globalgraphics.com) is een toonaangevende ontwikkelaar van technologie voor open document- en drukoplossingen. Het levert krachtige en gesofistikeerde softwarecomponenten voor de grafische en commerciële drukindustrie, voor de markt van digitale druk en voor PDF (Portable Document Format) software toepassingen. Global Graphics verkoopt zijn RIP, PDF, workflow en kleurentoepassingen aan een klantenkring die hoofdzakelijk bestaat uit apparatuurproducenten (OEMs), integratoren, softwareontwikkelaars en distributeurs. Deze partners omvatten de meeste belangrijke spelers in de digitale pre-press wereld, breedformaatkleurenprinters, kleurproefystemen, digitale kopieerapparaten, printers voor de kantoor- en SOHO-markt en een brede waaier van toonaangevende softwaretoepassingen.

Toekomstgerichte verklaringen
Dit persbericht bevat, naast historische informatie, toekomstgerichte verklaringen die risico’s en onzekerheden inhouden. Dit omvat verklaringen aangaande de groei- en expansieplannen van de onderneming, haar financiering en de verwachte resultaten voor toekomstige perioden. Dergelijke verklaringen steunen op de huidige verwachtingen van het management en zijn onderhevig aan een aantal onzekerheden en risico’s die ertoe zouden kunnen leiden dat de feitelijke resultaten materieel verschillen van die beschreven in de toekomstgerichte verklaringen. Hoewel het management ervan overtuigd is dar zijn verwachtingen die in de toekomstgerichte verklaringen naar voren komen redelijk zijn, gebaseerd op de thans beschikbare informatie, kan het aan niemand garanderen dat de verwachtingen juist zullen blijken. Dienovereenkomstig is het aangewezen dat lezers niet louter en alleen op deze toekomstgerichte verklaringen vertrouwen. In ieder geval zijn deze verklaringen van toepassing op de datum van deze persmededeling. De vennootschap neemt geen enkele verplichting op zich om de hier geuite verklaringen te herzien of te actualiseren teneinde gebeurtenissen of omstandigheden van na de datum van deze mededeling of nieuwe informatie of het voorkomen van onvoorziene gebeurtenissen te reflecteren.

Contact

Alain Pronost, CFO
Tel: + 33 6 62 60 56 51

Global Graphics reports third quarter 2007 results

Comparisons for the third quarter 2007 with the third quarter of the previous year include:
<ul>
<li>Sales of Euro 3.5 million this quarter (Euro 3.8 million at Q306 exchange rates) compared with Euro 3.6 million in Q3 2006;</li>
<li>EBIT of Euro 0.9 million this quarter, compared with Euro 0.7 million in Q3 2006;</li>
<li>Pro forma operating profit (EBITA) of Euro 0.3 million this quarter, compared with Euro 0.4 million in Q3 2006;</li>
<li>Pro forma pre-tax income of Euro 0.3 million this quarter (or Euro 0.03 per share), the same as in Q3 2006;</li>
<li>Net income of Euro 0.5 million this quarter (or Euro 0.05 per share), compared with Euro 0.3 million in Q3 2006 (or Euro 0.03 per share); and</li>
<li>Pro forma net income of Euro 0.1 million (or Euro 0.01 per share), the same as in Q3 2006.</li></ul>

Jim Freidah, chief executive officer stated, “Revenues from new business in digital print and electronic document technology continued to be strong during the third quarter showing continued year-on-year growth.  We signed our first contract for our newly launched next-generation Electronic Document technology during the quarter and expect to sign further contracts during the fourth quarter.  We also continue to be in active negotiations with a broad number of potential new digital print customers.  However, the slow adoption rate of the Microsoft® Vista™ operating system, or more specifically the slow release of XPS-related software applications that run on Vista, has had the effect of lessening urgency among printing hardware manufacturers.  This has caused many to delay their launch of XPS-compatible equipment, which in turn has translated into longer contract and revenue cycles for Global Graphics.  

“With regard to our traditional graphic arts segment, sales in this segment experienced their typically weaker third quarter levels and continue to be down year-on-year due to consolidation.  Graph Expo in September, this segment’s largest tradeshow of the year, was well attended, and combined with upgrade sales of the new version of the Harlequin RIP should drive stronger Q4 results.”

Third quarter performance
Sales for the quarter amounted to Euro 3.5 million, compared with Euro 3.6 million in the third quarter 2006, or a decrease of 1.9% at current exchange rates. Approximately 74.8% of the Company’s sales were denominated in US dollars this quarter (at an average rate of USD 1.377 for 1 Euro), and exchange rate fluctuations with the Euro continued to impact upon on the Company’s sales and results of operations. Had this quarter’s sales been converted at the average US dollar rate applicable in the same quarter of 2006 (USD 1.274 for 1 Euro), sales would have amounted to approximately Euro 3.8 million, representing an increase of 5.3% over those reported in Q3 2006 at constant exchange rates.

Total operating expenses (excluding cost of sales, intangible assets amortization and share compensation expenses, as well as the net effect of capitalized development expenses of Euro 0.7 million) for this quarter amounted to Euro 3.1 million, as in Q3 2006, and compared to 3.4 million in Q2 2007.

EBIT was Euro 0.9 million this quarter (or 25.3% of quarterly sales), compared with Euro 0.7 million in Q3 2006 (or 18.8% of Q3 2006 sales), or an increase of 32.0% over the figure reported for the same period of the previous year.

EBITA (pro forma operating profit, as defined in the accompanying table) was Euro 0.3 million for this quarter, compared with Euro 0.4 million in Q3 2006, or a decrease of 14.8% over the figure reported for the same period of the previous year. Accordingly, EBITA margin dipped to 8.9% of quarterly sales this quarter compared with 10.3% in Q3 2006.  Using the exchange rates prevailing in the third quarter 2006, i.e. at constant exchange rates, EBITA would have amounted to approximately Euro 0.5 million in Q3 2007, showing an increase of 41.3% over the EBITA figure actually reported in Q3 2006.

Pro forma pre-tax income (as defined in the accompanying table) was Euro 0.3 million for this quarter, as in the same period of 2006. Accordingly, pro forma pre-tax EPS was Euro 0.03 this quarter, the same as in Q3 2006.

Net income was Euro 0.5 million this quarter (or Euro 0.05 a share), compared with Euro 0.3 million in Q3 2006 (or Euro 0.03 a share), or an increase of 47.0% over the figure reported for the same period of the previous year.

Pro forma net income (as defined in the accompanying table) was Euro 0.1 million for this quarter, as in the same period of 2006. Accordingly, pro forma EPS was Euro 0.01 this quarter, the same as in Q3 2006.

First nine months performance
Sales for the first nine months of 2007 were Euro 12.9 million compared with Euro 12.1 million in the same period of 2006, or an increase of 7.1% at current exchange rates. Approximately 85.5% of the Company’s sales were denominated in US dollars in the first nine months of 2007 (at an average rate of USD 1.343 for 1 Euro).  Had sales for the first nine months of 2007 been converted using the average US dollar rate applicable in the same period of 2006 (i.e. at an average rate of USD 1.238 for 1 Euro), sales would have amounted to approximately Euro 13.9 million, or an increase of 15.4% over sales made in the same period of 2006 at constant exchange rates.

EBIT was Euro 4.1 million for the first nine months of 2007 (or 32.1% of the period’s sales) compared with Euro 2.5 million (or 20.5% of the period’s sales) for the first nine months of 2006, or an increase of 67.8% over the figure reported for the same period of 2006.

EBITA was Euro 2.4 million for the first nine months of 2007 (or 18.6% of the period’s sales) versus Euro 2.0 million (or 16.4% of the period’s sales) for the first nine months of 2006, or an increase of 21.5% over the figure reported for the same period of 2006.  Using the exchange rates prevailing in the first nine months of 2006, i.e. at constant exchange rates, EBITA would have amounted to approximately Euro 3.1 million for the first nine months of 2007, showing an increase of 55.6% over the EBITA figure actually reported for the first nine months of 2006.

Pro forma pre-tax income was Euro 2.4 million for the first nine months of 2007 (or Euro 0.23 per share), compared with Euro 2.2 million (or Euro 0.22 per share) for the first nine months of 2006, or an increase of 6.7% over the same period of 2006.

Net income was Euro 3.3 million for the first nine months of 2007 (or Euro 0.32 per share) compared with Euro 1.4 million for the first nine months of 2006 (or Euro 0.14 per share), or an increase of 136.0% over the same period of the previous year.

Pro forma net income was Euro 2.2 million for the first nine months of 2007 (or Euro 0.21 per share) compared with Euro 1.1 million in the first nine months of 2006 (or Euro 0.11 per share), an increase of 97.6% over the same period of 2006.

Share repurchase programme
In accordance with the authority granted to the Board of Directors by the shareholders in their meeting on 27 April 2007 the Company continued with its share repurchase programme in the course of the quarter ended 30 September 2007.
A total of 59,398 shares were repurchased by the Company in the third quarter 2007 at an average price of Euro 8.07 a share. It is the Company’s intention to continue to repurchase its own shares at such times and in such quantities as deemed appropriate.
More information on the Company’s share repurchase programme is available in the information memorandum on such programme (available in both French and English) which was released by the Company in April 2007, and can be downloaded from the Company’s website at: www.globalgraphics.com.

2007 guidance revision
Jim Freidah added: “Two major factors are now beginning to affect our 2007 guidance.  The first, as I have already noted in my comments on the third quarter, is that the slow launch of XPS-based applications and the subsequent lack of urgency of equipment manufacturers to launch XPS compatible devices will have an effect on our revenue stream.  The second is the continued weakening of the US dollar which has not only had an effect on our year-on-year performance during the first nine months (we have noted earlier the Euro 12.9 million sales we achieved in the first nine months of 2007 converted at the average USD rate applicable during the first nine months of 2006 would have amounted to Euro 13.9 million), but whose effect now has to be considered on the guidance that we issued in April this year for the full year 2007.

“Consequently we are now revising our sales and earnings guidance for 2007.  We now expect total sales for the full year 2007 to range between approximately Euro 17.0 million to Euro 18.0 million.  In view of the fact that our operating expenses have remained under tight control, we are adjusting EBITA slightly downwards at between approximately Euro 3.2 million and Euro 4.0 million. We continue to expect non-operating items (including exchange differences with regards to our currency hedging strategy) to have a nominal effect on our reported performance and therefore expect 2007 pro-forma pre-tax EPS to range between Euro 0.31 and Euro 0.40. Such revised guidance is based on actual spot market rates, namely 1.417 US dollars for 1 Euro and 2.04 US dollars for 1 British Pound.”

Third quarter 2007 conference call details
Global Graphics will hold a conference call today at 14.00 pm CET.  Callers should dial +44 (0)20 7162 0025 and mention "Global Graphics quarterly results conference call" to the operator.  The call will be available for replay for 7 working days by dialing number +44  (0)20 7031 4064 (freephone number UK only: 0800 358 1860), access code 770049.

Fourth quarter and full year 2007 results announcement
Global Graphics expects to announce its financial results for the quarter and full year ending 31 December 2007 on Friday 8 February 2008 before market opening.

<table><tr><td><pre class="qHead">GLOBAL GRAPHICS SA AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED INTERIM INCOME STATEMENT
In thousands of Euro, except share data in Euro
Unaudited and unreviewed figures

                                                Quarters         Nine months
                                           ended 30 September  to 30 September
                                             2007      2006     2007     2006

</pre><pre class="qBodyEven">Sales                                       3,538     3,608   12,908   12,050</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Cost of sales                                (114)     (114)    (354)    (343)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Amortization of intangible assets             (18)      (17)     (52)     (51)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">GROSS PROFIT                                3,406     3,477   12,502   11,656</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Selling, general & administrative expenses (1,192)   (1,366)  (4,206)  (4,492)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Research and development expenses          (1,198)   (1,391)  (3,741)  (4,502)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Share compensation expenses                  (101)      (22)    (349)    (133)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Amortization of intangible assets             (19)      (19)     (57)     (57)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">OPERATING PROFIT                              896       679    4,149    2,472</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Interest income (note 5)                       19        29       37       80</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Interest expenses (note 5)                      0       (30)      (6)    (109)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Foreign exchange gains (losses), net (note 5)  10       (67)     (29)     315</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">PROFIT BEFORE INCOME TAX                      925       611    4,151    2,758</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Income tax (benefit) expense (note 6)         437       279      894    1,378</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">NET PROFIT                                    488       332    3,257    1,380</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">EARNINGS PER SHARE (note 7)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Basic net profit per share                   0.05      0.03     0.32     0.14</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Diluted net profit per share                 0.05      0.03     0.32     0.13</pre>
</td></tr></table><p><p><p>
<p><p>
The accompanying selected explanatory notes are an integral part of these consolidated interim financial statements.<p><p>
<p><p>
<p><p>
</p><table><tr><td><pre class="qHead">GLOBAL GRAPHICS SA AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED INTERIM BALANCE SHEET
In thousands of Euro                        30 Sept. 2007    31 Dec. 2006
                                              Unaudited
                                               figures
</pre><pre class="qBodyEven">ASSETS</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">NON-CURRENT ASSETS</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Property, plant and equipment                   1,021          1,039</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Intangible assets                               3,720          1,770</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Goodwill                                        8,177          8,514</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Other non-current assets                          141            149</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Deferred tax assets (note 4)                    3,266          4,269</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS                       16,325         15,741</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">CURRENT ASSETS</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Inventories                                        99             94</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Trade receivables                               4,150          3,814</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Current tax receivables                           438            423</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Other current assets                               90            164</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Prepaid expenses                                  475            440</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Cash                                            3,358          3,310</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                            8,610          8,245</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">TOTAL ASSETS                                   24,935         23,986</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Share capital (note 8)                          4,111          4,099</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Share premium (note 8)                         28,844         28,754</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Share options outstanding                       2,457          2,108</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Reserve for own shares (note 9)                (1,178)          (399)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Accumulated deficit                            (3,886)        (7,143)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Foreign currency translation adjustment        (7,628)        (6,638)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                     22,720         20,781</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">LIABILITIES</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Other non-current liabilities                       2              2</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES                       2              2</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">CURRENT LIABILITIES</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Bank overdrafts                                     0            234</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Trade payables                                    262            457</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Other payables                                    385            837</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Customer advances and deferred revenue          1,566          1,675</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                       2,213          3,203</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">TOTAL LIABILITIES                               2,215          3,205</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEmpty">&nbsp</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">TOTAL LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY       24,935         23,986</pre>
</td></tr></table><p><p><p>
<p><p>
The accompanying selected explanatory notes are an integral part of these consolidated interim financial statements.<p><p>
<p><p>
<p><p>
</p><table><tr><td><pre class="qHead">GLOBAL GRAPHICS SA AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
In thousands of Euro
Unaudited and unreviewed figures
                                                           Nine months
                                                         to 30 September
                                                         2007       2006
</pre><pre class="qBodyEven">CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">Profit before income tax                                4,151      2,758</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">Adjustments for:</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">- Depreciation on property, plant and equipment           287        145</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">- Amortization of intangible assets                       109        108</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">- Amortization of capitalized development expenses        227         41</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">- Share compensation expenses                             349        133</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">- Interest expenses (interest income)                     (31)        29</pre>
<pre class="qBodyEven">- Foreign currency exchange losses (gains)                 29       (315)</pre>
<pre class="qBodyOdd">- Expenses offset against the share premium (note 8)       (2)

Editors notes

About Global Graphics

Global Graphics (http://www.globalgraphics.com) is a leading developer of technology for open document and print solutions. It provides sophisticated high performance software components to the graphic arts/commercial print and digital print markets and for PDF (Portable Document Format) software applications.  The Company supplies its RIPs, PDF document, workflow and color solutions mostly to a customer base of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), system integrators, software developers and resellers. These partners include the world’s leading vendors of digital pre-press systems, large-format color printers, color proofing systems, digital copiers and printers for the corporate and SOHO (Small Office / Home Office) markets, and a wide variety of market leading software applications.

Forward-looking statements
This press release contains, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These include statements regarding the Company’s growth, funding, expansion plans and expected results for future periods. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Although management believes that their expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information currently available to them, they cannot assure any reader that the expectations will prove to have been correct. Accordingly, any reader should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. In any event, these statements speak only as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any of these statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release, nor to reflect new information nor the occurrence of unanticipated events

Contact

Alain Pronost, CFO
Tel: + 33 6 62 60 56 51

Global Graphics hosts seminar on XPS at E-Document Forum in Tokyo

The free of charge seminar is entitled “ XPS and a new breed of print and document applications”.  It will cover:

  • an overview of Page Description Languages,
  • the benefits inherent in XPS as a document and print format,
  • a comparison of  XPS with other document formats such as PDF,
  • the likely adoption path for XPS,
  • the impact and opportunity of XPS for developers of electronic document systems and printing workflows,
  • Global Graphics’ next generation eDocument Library technology that allows application developers to provide inclusive, seamless support for multiple document formats and to add XPS support into existing applications.

Global Graphics has been working with the XPS format since 2003 when Microsoft chose Global Graphics to provide consulting and proof of concept development services on its upcoming new print and document format for Windows Vista™.  In July this year standards development body Ecma International appointed Global Graphics’ chief technology officer, Martin Bailey, to chair the technical committee that will work on producing a formal industry standard for XPS.

The next generation eDocument Library has been developed by Global Graphics for application developers and integrators to provide conversion, optimisation, analysis and manipulation capabilities at a time when, increasingly, multiple document formats need to coexist within applications to give users the choice of document format that best suits their needs for a particular task. The eDocument Library provides seamless interoperability between different formats, makes it easy to keep up to date with new document formats, such as XPS, or revisions to existing formats, and can provide numerous optimisation, analysis and manipulation tasks to bring new application functionality to the user.

The seminar will take place between 15:00 – 16:30 on Friday 26th October at the Tokyo Big Sight
Conference Tower 6th floor 606 conference room, Seminar No. : SB-33.  The seminar is free of charge but places are limited. To participate in the seminar register at http://www.e-document.jp

Editors notes

Notes to editors:

About XPS
The XPS (XML Paper Specification) Document format is a paginated, fixed-format, representation of electronic documents and is based on XML and the new graphics architecture that Microsoft has developed alongside Windows Vista. As an open, cross-platform document format, XPS allows users to create, share, print and archive documents.  When combined with the new print subsystem, its capabilities as a new page description language mean that it will offer significant improvements in fidelity and increased performance in rich graphics content. Read Global Graphics’ White Papers: ‘Page Description Language Document Conversion’ and ‘Analysis: XPS for business and SoHo printing’ at http://www.globalgraphics.co.jp/xps/more.html

About eDocument Library
http://www.globalgraphics.co.jp/solutions/eDocuments/index.html

About Global Graphics
Global Graphics Software (http://www.globalgraphics.co.jp/) is the technology expert for open document and print solutions committed to the continuous development of industry standards.  It is a leading developer and supplier of sophisticated high performance RIPs, PDF document, workflow and color solutions mostly to a customer base of Independent Hardware Vendors, system integrators, software developers and resellers. These partners include the world’s leading vendors of digital pre-press systems, large-format color printers, color proofing systems, copiers and printers for the corporate and SOHO markets and software applications. Jaws PDF creation tools have been developed since the format’s inception in 1994. Global Graphics Software is a subsidiary of Global Graphics S.A. (Euronext:GLOG)

Global Graphics and the smarter alternative are trademarks of Global Graphics Software Limited which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.  Global Graphics is a trademark of Global Graphics S.A. which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other brand and product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners. Global Graphics makes no warranty and accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of information or particulars in this document.

Contact

Jill Taylor/Global Graphics

+44 1954 283074
Jill.Taylor@globalgraphics.com

Next generation Harlequin RIP breaks new ground for the print industry

The next generation of the Harlequin® RIP – the Harlequin+ Server RIP – is announced today by Global Graphics at Graph Expo (booth #5451).  It is based on a re-engineered RIP kernel to bring a new level of ground-breaking functionality and performance to a wide variety of pre-press, digital printing, newspaper and workflow applications.

In addition to its ability to process PDF and PostScript files natively, the Harlequin+ Server RIP is the first commercially available graphic arts RIP to natively process files in the new XPS print format (XML Paper Specification) available with Windows® Vista™.  This format will have ramifications for the entire print industry, initially amongst print service providers who already process Microsoft files as well as in-plants and print shops who undertake corporate printing, but ultimately across most segments of the print industry given the ubiquity of the Windows operating system.  Native processing of file formats renders files more accurately and speedily because there is no conversion to an intermediary format.

The Harlequin+ Server RIP also introduces support for PDF 1.7, the soon to be published PDF/X-4 specification as well as JDF 1.3.  There is also support for the HD Photo/JPEG XR format, a new file format for continuous tone still images that surpasses the limitations of existing image formats with superior compression capabilities and extended dynamic range.

The Harlequin+ Server RIP provides faster processing speeds than its predecessors, notably through multi-threaded rendering that helps remove RIP bottlenecks in handling raster data and takes full advantage of the new Duo and Quad core technology.  A new retained PDF raster feature speeds up variable data processing by only RIPping new content on multi-page jobs so that the same areas are not processed repeatedly.

“Each new revision of the Harlequin RIP introduces significant performance increases and enhancements,” comments Paul Collins, the product manager for RIP technologies, “but this new iteration is highly significant because the kernel processor at the heart of the RIP has been re-engineered to provide more processing power.  That’s why we’ve decided to call this version Harlequin PLUS because it really does bring more power and productivity to the print industry.

“Everyone in the print industry needs to think about the impact XPS may have on their business.  Its inherent capabilities as a format over the previous print path in Windows, such as support for transparencies and smooth gradients, improved typography and enhanced color support, could bring the high expectations of commercial print quality to the office environment but conversely set the expectation that ‘everyday’ document could be suitable for commercial printing.  But it’s also a portable electronic document format so when corporate customers upgrade their internal workflows to Windows Vista, a printer’s ability to accept XPS files, as well as PDF, will provide them with a keen competitive edge.  Global Graphics has been working with the XPS format since 2003 because Microsoft chose us to provide consulting and proof of concept development services on XPS from its early days, but, equally, our expertise in PDF and PostScript allow us to consider the future needs of the print industry from a neutral standpoint.”

The Harlequin+ Server RIP is being previewed at Graph Expo on Global Graphics’ booth (XPS Land 5451) and also on the Xitron (5225 and 5451), Screen (3801 and 5451) and Compose (4847 ) booths.

Processing power and a rich feature set for maximum efficiency
The new features bring important performance improvements and efficiencies to print operations of all sizes for CtP, proofing, DI presses, short run print, wide format printers and workflow applications   New features include:

Native XPS 1.0 processing:  The XPS (XML Paper Specification) Document format is a paginated, fixed-format, representation of electronic documents and is based on XML and the new graphics architecture that Microsoft has developed alongside Windows Vista. As an open, cross-platform document format, XPS allows users to create, share, print and archive documents.  When combined with the new print subsystem, its capabilities as a new page description language mean that it will offer significant improvements in fidelity and increased performance in rich graphics content that users increasingly demand.  The Harlequin+ Server RIP processes XPS files natively.

Native PDF 1.7 and PDF/X-4 support:  In addition to handling all popular file formats the new RIP provides full support for PDF 1.7.  as well as previously available support for PDF 1.6 – PDF 1.0 and complies with the final specification for PDF/X – 4 as well as the previously available support for PDF/X-1a and PDF/X-3. The Harlequin RIP has processed PDF natively for more than ten years. Native processing of file formats, rather than converting to PostScript as an intermediary format, ensures fast and accurate rendering of the file.

HD photo support: A new file format for continuous-tone still images that surpasses the limitations of existing image formats

Significant performance increases: Multithreaded rendering that helps remove RIP bottlenecks in handling raster data and teaks full advantage of the new Duo and Quad core technologies; PDF retained raster that speeds up variable data processing

PDF wrapped raster facilitates soft proofing: PDF wrapped raster allows the print service provider to quickly and easily create a completely flattened PDF file that represents exactly how a job will appear on press, enabling it to be used for soft-proofing and customer approvals.

Compatible with JDF 1.3 specification: The Harlequin+ Server RIP is JDF- ready. Version 3.0 of Global Graphics’ JDF Enabler adds JDF compatibility to Harlequin RIP based workflows and Imposition-led workflows.  In such cases printers can easily sets up a JDF-based workflow to accept JDF files from most major prepress Imposition packages and allow JDF files created from those packages to determine how the RIP processes the constituent page files. The JDF-enabled Harlequin +Server RIP will accept jobs conforming to the JDF 1.3 specification and is compliant with the Base, JMF, and “Layout Creator to Imposition” Interoperability Conformance Specifications (ICSs).  The Harlequin+ Server RIP’s predecessor, the Genesis Release™ (v7.1) was the first product to be officially CIP4 certified following testing by the Printing Industries of America/ Graphic Arts Technical Foundation, against the Layout Creator to Imposition ICS and Base ICS.

Extended platform support: to include Windows Vista and MAC OS X 10.5 (Leopard).

In addition the Harlequin+ Server RIP features many prepress processes that normally run on separate applications, giving print shops the functionality of a workflow.  These features include in-RIP simple imposition, trapping, screening, color management and font emulation winner of a 2007 PIA/GATF InterTech Technology award (see separate press release).

“The option for Navigator GPS users to upgrade their workflow to process XPS natively, just as they have done with PDF and PostScript for many years, will be a tremendous value-added,” stated Jim Thrush, President, Xitron (booth 5225). “Native XPS processing rounds out an already powerful set of workflow tools for the small to medium sized printers who represent the majority of the Navigator GPS users.”

Jim Luttrell, director of marketing, ECRM Imaging Systems said, “ECRM is pleased to see Global Graphics on the leading edge of RIP development that includes PDF 1.7 and native XPS file support in v8.0 release.”

Other Global Graphics customers at Graph Expo offering solutions based on Harlequin RIP technology include HP (1229), Agfa (3839), Kodak (1246), Presstek (3829), Ryobi (3808) , HighWater Designs (on the Printware booth 5425), and Polkadots Software (5620).

Global Graphics’ OEM and system integrator partners will announce products and solutions based on the Harlequin+ Server RIP separately. Partners include the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of imagesetters, Computer-to-Plate and direct -to-press systems, digital color proofers, digital press and workflows.  Information about specific Harlequin RIP implementations can be obtained direct from Global Graphics customers listed at  http://www.globalgraphics.com/purchase/harlequin_rip.html

Ends

Editors notes

Notes to editors:
A Harlequin+ Server RIP datasheet and a variety of images, including those showing the award winning font emulation,are also available on request to jill.taylor@globalgraphics.com or by visiting the technologies section of www.globalgraphics.com and selecting the Harlequin RIP.

About XPS
The XPS (XML Paper Specification) Document format is a paginated, fixed-format, representation of electronic documents and is based on XML and the new graphics architecture that Microsoft has developed alongside Windows Vista. As an open, cross-platform document format, XPS allows users to create, share, print and archive documents.  When combined with the new print subsystem, its capabilities as a new page description language mean that it will offer significant improvements in fidelity and increased performance in rich graphics content that users increasingly demand.
given the ubiquity of the Windows platform, more and more print vendors are wondering what impact this format will have on their business. Read Global Graphics’ White Paper “Analysis:  XPS and the Graph Arts” at http://www.globalgraphics.com/xps/graphic_arts_wp.pdf

About Harlequin RIP technology
Global Graphics PostScript Language Level 3 compatible Harlequin RIP was first launched in 1989 since when its core technology and associated modules has evolved through successive generations into the high-performance processor it is today.  For more information visit: http://www.globalgraphics.com/products/harlequin_rip/index.html

About Global Graphics
Global Graphics Software (http://www.globalgraphics.com) is the technology expert for open document and print solutions committed to the continuous development of industry standards.  It is a leading developer and supplier of sophisticated high performance RIPs, PDF document, workflow and color solutions mostly to a customer base of Independent Hardware Vendors, system integrators, software developers and resellers. These partners include the world’s leading vendors of digital pre-press systems, large-format color printers, color proofing systems, copiers and printers for the corporate and SOHO markets and software applications. Jaws PDF creation tools have been developed since the format’s inception in 1994. Global Graphics Software is a subsidiary of Global Graphics S.A. (Euronext:GLOG)

Global Graphics, the smarter alternative, Harlequin and the Harlequin logo are trademarks of Global Graphics Software Limited which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.  Global Graphics is a trademark of Global Graphics S.A. which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. PostScript is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other brand and product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners. Global Graphics makes no warranty and accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of information or particulars in this document.

Contact

Jill Taylor/Global Graphics

+44 1954 283074
Jill.Taylor@globalgraphics.com

Global Graphics shows award winning font emulation at Graph Expo

One of the many features built into the Harlequin RIP, it provides font emulation for time critical applications, such as print on demand, newspapers, magazines, jobs where artwork or advertising is supplied independently of the paying customer, digital print and other applications where output must leave on time.  The Harlequin RIP will make a typographically acceptable match to missing fonts with no text overflow and with appropriate character spacing, weight and width.

Martin Bailey, Global Graphics’ chief technology officer explains, “Printers often have to find a way around the recurrent problem of customer files being supplied without the required fonts. If a printer can’t source an original font they face some stark choices. They could miss the print slot, re-set the job at their own cost or buy the fonts themselves. With these choices in mind, a problem job with missing fonts is going to cost the printer valuable time and money.  Alternatively the printer could just let the job run as it is and hope the standard substitution is adequate. Or they could try and match for style, weight and width from their own font collection. If this is a new or demanding account where the customer will be examining the job carefully, then the job needs to be accurate. Using either of these methods could lose the account.

“By making a typographically acceptable match to missing fonts with no text overflow and with appropriate character spacing, weight and width, Font Emulation in the Harlequin RIP is ideal for time critical applications where output must absolutely leave on time.”

With in-RIP font emulation, problem files are simply sent to the RIP as usual, and the RIP will construct a suitable replacement on the fly. Emulated fonts have the correct width for every glyph in the font, so that letter and word spacing will be correct, and justified text will continue to be justified, with a straight edge to the text block.  

The emulated fonts will also be slanted at the right angle, allowing oblique and italic fonts to be correctly displayed. In addition, italic faces will be slightly more ornate than emulations of the roman faces from the same family.  The emulation won’t cause any re-flow and there won’t be any changes to line-ends and page breaks.

Using Font Emulation, efficiencies in the pre-press department can be achieved in many scenarios including display ads for newspapers and publications, print on demand, jobs where artwork is supplied independently of the paying customer, where output is required before the originator can be contacted and when submitter’s skill level makes fixing difficult.

"Recipients of this prestigious award not only have a major impact on the graphic communications industry, but are also consistently successful in the commercial marketplace." said Dr. Mark Bohan, vice president, research and technology, PIA/GATF. "Award recipient technologies distinguished themselves with unique capabilities that offer real value for their respective markets."

The Harlequin RIP is sold exclusively through Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who add value to the software and market the RIP under a variety of different brand names.  Global Graphics was nominated for the PIA/GATF Intertech Technology award by Fusion Systems (Fusion Production RIPs, Fusion ColorRay Proofing RIPs,  ColorRay SiLK screening printing RIPs) HighWater Designs (TorrentConnect, TorrentDI, Torrent ProofReady, Python CtP System, Cobra CtP System) , Polkadots Software (NEWSflo, Adflo, PLATEflo and RIPflo) and Xitron (Navigator GPS workflow solutions):

Logan Herbert, director of business development, Fusion Systems comments, “Font Emulation is remarkable in its ability to accurately and correctly reproduce a missing font’s leading and kerning characteristics, including ascenders and descenders, and never over-flow or distort  the original document layout. With built-in Font Emulation, clients are now able to instantly and automatically fix jobs that are missing fonts, which is common in jobs submitted in PDF that do not have the fonts embedded. This is especially valuable in eliminating potential print errors within client supplied advertisements, which in turn eliminates ad rebates as associated credits.”

Robert Dumas, VP sales and marketing, Polkadats Software, says, “we have found that Font Emulation has been particularly well received by some of our newspaper customers. Prior to Font Emulation becoming available advertising prep departments had to search for a suitable replacement font for supplied ads that were poorly created and often missing the necessary fonts. Font Emulation has made life so much easier in these instances when the actual font used is not as critical as preserving the look and feel of the piece. Many of our NEWSflo and ADflo customers love the fact they can create a workflow queue where if a font is missing the job can be held and then if the font is not critical to the production of the document the file can be automatically processed through a queue with Font Emulation active.”

Jim Thrush, president, Xitron, says,  “Font Emulation technology further enhances Xitron’s Navigator GPS workflow solutions with yet another production enhancing standard feature. Font Emulation is perfect with Xitron’s recently announced PRISM™ short-run digital press which features the Navigator GPS Select RIP based on Harlequin core RIP technology.”

Jack Makowski, managing director, HighWater Designs, “as a standard technology in our Torrent RIP solutions all our customers may now enjoy the benefits of Font Emulation.  It only takes one job with missing fonts that would have missed a deadline without this technology for our customers to see the clear benefits in time, profitability and in the good will they gain from their customers by meeting that deadline once again.”

Other implementations using Font Emulation in the Harlequin RIP are available from ECRM and RTI.

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Editors notes

Notes to editors
The Harlequin RIP – a “workflow in a box”
The Harlequin RIP’s rich feature set includes many processes that normally run on separate applications.  This has led to it being described as ‘a workflow in a box’. In-RIP features include font emulation, simple imposition, color management, trapping, color separation, screening (FM, stochastic and hybrid), proofing and OPI and DCS support.  These powerful features are easily accessible to the RIP operator at his workstation via a user-friendly interface. For more information visit: http://www.globalgraphics.com/products/harlequin_rip/index.html

About Global Graphics
Global Graphics Software (http://www.globalgraphics.com) is the technology expert for open document and print solutions committed to the continuous development of industry standards.  It is a leading developer and supplier of sophisticated high performance RIPs, PDF document, workflow and color solutions mostly to a customer base of Independent Hardware Vendors, system integrators, software developers and resellers. These partners include the world’s leading vendors of digital pre-press systems, large-format color printers, color proofing systems, copiers and printers for the corporate and SOHO markets and software applications. Global Graphics Software is a subsidiary of Global Graphics S.A. (Euronext:GLOG)

the smarter alternative is a  trademark of Global Graphics Software Limited which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.  Global Graphics is a trademark of Global Graphics S.A. which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. PostScript is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other brand and product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

Contact

Jill Taylor/Global Graphics

+44 1954 283074
Jill.Taylor@globalgraphics.com