3rd Sep 2008 16:30
WS Atkins plc AGM Trading Statement
At the Annual General Meeting held today, the Chairman Ed Wallis made the following statement to shareholders in relation to current trading. This statement also acts as the Group's pre-close trading update in advance of its half-yearly results for the six months to 30 September 2008 which will be announced on 26 November 2008.
"I am pleased to report to shareholders that the Group has started the year well and that overall the Group's results for the six months to 30 September 2008 are expected to be in line with our expectations.
We have seen continued improvement in our Rail business, further rapid growth in the Middle East and, as expected, a recovery in our Management Consultants business in the first half of the year.
Since the start of the year, we have continued to win work across the Group and, as previously announced, we are part of the consortium that is preferred bidder for the M25 DBFO contract. Despite the uncertainty in the macro economic environment, our markets currently remain robust, driven by our clients' requirements to invest in their infrastructure. Furthermore, the growing focus upon climate change and the impact of carbon is increasing the complexity of projects and the demand for our technical skills.
Looking further ahead, the Group's work in hand remains strong and we continue to view the outlook for the year with confidence."
3 September 2008
ENQUIRIES:
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Atkins |
+44 (0)1372 726140 |
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Robert MacLeod, Group Finance Director |
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Sara Lipscombe, Group Communications Director |
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Smithfield |
+44 (0)20 7360 4900 |
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John Antcliffe |
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Note: Conference Call
Robert MacLeod will be hosting a conference call for investors and analysts at 8:30am tomorrow (4 September 2008) to review this trading statement. For dial-in details, please contact Aidan Holloway on +44 (0)20 7903 0602.
Related Shares:
ATK.L