LONDON (ShareCast) - Communisis said its profit performance in the first quarter was in line with expectations, but the printing group added that it has seen some slight weakness in demand for printed products.

The group also expects the business to perform in line with expectations for the first half from a profit perspective.

Communisis added that it continues to have reasonably good forward visibility of revenues to the end of the first half.

Kazakh real estate developer Chagala reported lower full-year pre-tax profits but said that trading in the first quarter of 2008 has been strong.

Pre-tax profit fell to $2.11m in the year ended 31 December from $2.45m last time, while revenues rose 18% to $22.07m.

“Trading in the first quarter of 2008 has continued to be strong and we remain confident of meeting expectations for the full year,” said chief executive Tim Abson.

Vending machines firm SnackTime said trading for the year is expected to be ahead of expectations.

"It is pleasing to report that SnackTime's estate has grown by over 50% as a result of continuing high customer demand. This demand has continued into the new year and we look forward to the future with confidence," said chief executive Blair Jenkins.

Car exhaust catalyst group Catalytic System's losses rose sharply last year after hefty write-downs following the acquisition of Engine Control Systems and a failed attempt to buy Delphi Catalyst.

Revenue in 2007 increased 1.9% to $41.7m with an adjusted net loss of $14m excluding a $6.5m write-down of R&D and $2.7m of fees related to Delphi. "Our two delayed light vehicles are now back on track to start up in 2008 and Catalytic Solutions will have successfully added two new automotive customers," it said.

International broadband services company Gilat Satcom said its parent company Satcom has made an offer of 90p per share to acquire all of its shares. Satcom already holds 89.79% of Gilat's shares.

The group also announced first quarter results, with pre-tax profits at £1.27m against losses of £1.13m last year. Revenue rose to £13m versus £8.7.

Mobile marketing outfit Hipcricket's operating losses widened in 2007 as it increased marketing and administrative spending, but is confident expansion into Latin America will help it lift revenues.

Operating losses widened to $5.4m from $642,000 the previous year mainly due to higher sales, marketing and administrative expenses. The company, which listed on AIM, in November, saw revenue climb to $2.1m from $1.5m.

Oxus Gold has suspended arbitration with Kyrgyz Republic pending an agreed cash settlement to be made on or before 15 May 2008.

Fixed-line telecom network operator Teleset said pre-tax profit rose to $7.9m from $4.4m previously on revenue that rose 69% to $22.7m.

• News Channel