Punch Graphix Appoints New CEO

YORK, UK/VIJFHUIZEN, THE NETHERLANDS—18 October 2007—The Board of Directors of Punch Graphix plc and the Supervisory Board of Punch Graphix nv announce that Ben Van Assche is to step down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with effect from 31 December 2007. He will be succeeded by Wim Deblauwe, current Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Punch International nv, the majority shareholder of Punch Graphix nv, and a Non-Executive Director of Punch Graphix plc. Ben Van Assche will be appointed as a member of the Punch Graphix nv Supervisory Board with effect from 1 January 2008.

Following the unexpected death of Dick Tilanus in January 2006, Ben Van Assche was appointed CEO of Punch Graphix plc in April of the same year. Prior to joining Punch Graphix plc, he had been active in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries for more than 30 years, including positions as President of UCB Pharma and UCB Chemicals and as CEO of Cytec Surface Specialties nv. Last July he was appointed CEO of Punch Graphix nv. Punch Graphix nv holds approximately 97% of the shares of Punch Graphix plc.

“My efforts for Punch Graphix have consistently focused on leading the development of the Group in the interest of all its stakeholders. The evolution of the shareholder structure since the beginning of this year has added an extra dimension,“ said Ben Van Assche. “The foundation has been laid for further development and I will continue to support Wim Deblauwe, whom I congratulate on his appointment.”

Prior to his appointment as CFO at Punch International, Wim Deblauwe fulfilled various operational and executive roles at Punch Graphix and as such he is well acquainted with the company and the graphics industry. There are no further disclosures required under para (g) of Schedule 2 of the AIM rules in relation to Wim Deblauwe.

“We are very grateful for Ben Van Assche’s professional contribution. He has skilfully guided the Group through a difficult transition. We are, therefore, pleased that he will remain involved in the development of Punch Graphix as a member of the Supervisory Board of Punch Graphix nv,” says Herman Olde Bolhaar, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Punch Graphix nv.

About Punch Graphix
Punch Graphix provides innovative, competitive and environmentally friendly imaging and printing solutions for the global graphics industry. Under the Xeikon brand name, Punch Graphix designs, develops and delivers high-end digital colour printing systems, software and consumables for the commercial, document printing and industrial markets. Under the basysPrint brand and an OEM supplier, Punch Graphix designs, develops and delivers mid to high-end imaging systems for offset prepress commercial and newspaper markets. In addition, Punch Graphix develops equipment and integrated solutions for various suppliers of prepress and postpress equipment, all of whom are leaders in their field of expertise. With a clear-minded focus on R&D, Punch Graphix is solely dedicated to customer satisfaction and aims to deliver cost-effective graphic excellence that goes beyond all expectations. Punch Graphix is listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the London AIM (PGX). Website: www.punchgraphix.com