Stuttgart, March 14th 2011

With raw material costs continuing to escalate, and crude oil prices climbing to levels not seen since the 2008 crisis, Flint Group today announces a 5% increase in its sheetfed offset ink prices, effective April 1st 2011.

“Our energy costs have been on the increase for some time now, and some of our key raw materials continue to increase beyond earlier forecasts” Stated Nick Brannan, VP Product Management, Print Media Europe. “For example gum rosin, acrylic acids, vegetable oils and pigments have all increased recently, and the predictions are that this will continue through 2011”.

Despite rigorous cost containment programmes and the procurement team’s efforts to reduce the impact of these increases, this announcement has become necessary as such sustained cost increases cannot be absorbed.

“Our commitment is to the long term quality and availability of our products, and although regrettable, we are convinced that without this price adjustment, our value as a business partner to our customers would be undermined” Concluded Brannan

Flint Group sales and technical staff will contact customers individually to discuss the implications of this increase