3rd May 2005 12:05
National Express Group PLC03 May 2005 For immediate release at 12.05 pm, Tuesday 3 May 2005 National Express Group PLC ("the Group") Annual General Meeting - Trading Update Commenting at the Group's Annual General Meeting David Ross, Chairman, made thefollowing statement: "I am pleased to report our business has started the year well and full yearprofits remain in line with market expectations. We continue to make goodprogress within our core operations as we develop the Group for the future. "Our continued focus is on the improvement of the quality of our operations,both in terms of performance and the standard of service we provide ourcustomers. We believe this approach will drive further growth. The Group'strain operating companies continue to perform well and I am pleased to reportthat, in the Strategic Rail Authority's latest National Rail Trends trainpunctuality report, Midland Mainline topped the performance tables, being themost improved train operator. The SRA announced in March that we were on theshortlist for both the Greater Western and Thameslink/GN rail franchises.Invitations to tender are expected to be received in June. "Since announcing the £100 million share buyback programme in February, we haveacquired £23.6 million of shares. We continue to seek both organic andacquisitive growth opportunities and look forward to the future with confidence." - ENDS - Notes to Editors • The Group will issue IFRS restated 2004 results at the time of its pre close season statement at the end of the first half. For further information, please contact: Nicola MarsdenNational Express Group PLC 020 7529 2036 Andrew Dowler /Ben FosterFinancial Dynamics 020 7831 3113 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
NEX.L