Stanley Gibbons posts welcome profits news

British stamp-collecting and memorabilia firm Stanley Gibbons Group said it expected 2010 revenue to beat market estimates, and it would benefit from the sale of commemorative collectible products related to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

By The Newsroom

Published 18th Jan 2011, 09:07 BST

Updated 18th Jan 2011, 09:07 BST

The Royal wedding, which is due to take place at Westminster Abbey, in London, on April 29, is expected to provide a

significant boost for Britain's economy.

The company, which acquired collectibles business Benham from Flying Brands, in September 2010, said profits for the year ended December 31, 2010, were broadly in line with market expectations.

"This (Benham) business stands to benefit from sales of associated first-day covers and other commemorative collectible products marking the most exciting Royal event in recent years," the company said in a statement.

Stanley Gibbons, whose principal businesses include Fraser's Autographs and Collector Cafe, said its trading in the first quarter was boosted by strong order book from investment clients.

The firm's founder, Edward Stanley Gibbons, was born in 1840, the year the world's first adhesive postage stamps were introduced.