Commenting on current trading at today's Annual General Meeting, Michael Miles, Chairman of Johnson Matthey, said:

"The current year has started very well with all three of our divisions strongly ahead compared with the first quarter of last year.

Catalysts and Chemicals Division continues to deliver very good growth with strong sales of autocatalysts both in North America and in Europe and increased demand for platinum group metal refining.

Good sales of both platinum and palladium and rising prices have contributed to a very successful first quarter for our Precious Metals Division.

Colours and Coatings Division has achieved good sales growth particularly in the Tile and Glass sectors. Margins have also improved as the benefits of the restructuring programme for Tableware have come through.

The group is increasing its investment in fuel cells research and development and we have today announced a collaboration agreement with TXU and Energy Partners to construct and evaluate a combined heat and power fuel cell system for the residential market.

The outlook for the year for all our businesses continues to be very encouraging and we anticipate good growth for the group."

Enquiries:

Johnson Matthey

Chris Clark
Chief Executive
Tel: +44 (0)20 7269 8435

John Sheldrick
Group Finance Director
Tel: +44 (0)20 7269 8438

Howard Lee
Gavin Anderson & Co
Tel: +44 (0)20 7496 1401