26th Sep 2012 07:00
26 September 2012
Sweett Group plc
("Sweett Group" or "the Group")
AGM statement
Michael Henderson, Chairman of Sweett Group, will make the following comments on the Group's current trading at the Annual General Meeting to be held later today:
"Trading in the first five months of the current financial year has been in line with management's expectations, with each reporting region operating profitably. Europe and the Middle East (including India) are showing significantly higher profits compared to the same period last year whilst profitability in Asia Pacific is slightly weaker year-on-year.
"In Europe, we are benefiting from the restructuring actions taken last year. The first three months of the year were particularly encouraging, followed by a seasonal slowdown in July and August. Our ability to provide clients with an independent service offering has resulted in an improving market share and an order book of £32m. Nevertheless, the ongoing weakness in our domestic construction markets points to margin levels remaining under pressure and contracts continuing to be of a short-term nature.
"The Group has continued to benefit from active markets across Southeast Asia and China and is capitalising on cross-selling opportunities across its growing network of offices. We remain mindful, however, of the slowing Chinese economy, in particular within the housing sector. We will continue to focus on diversifying our regional presence and service offering in order to balance our delivery across the region. Our Asia Pacific order book currently stands at £51m.
"In the Middle East, where the Group's operations were significantly impacted last year by the Arab Spring, we remain cautious about construction markets as a whole, but are seeing increased levels of bidding activity, in particular in the UAE. Our order book currently stands at £6m, having recovered from a low of £3.5 million some nine months ago.
"The Group recently announced the completion of the divestment of its 19% interest in Plymouth LIFT. This reflects our strategy of capitalising on the value of our mature PFI investments with the proceeds being reinvested in the continued growth of our core business. As part of the shift towards focusing on providing fee-based services within the PFI sector, the Group's Investments team has been restructured accordingly.
"The Group's net debt had increased to £9.8m at the end of August, from the year end figure of £8.2m. Our banking position remains sound and tight controls on working capital are being maintained.
"With a difficult year behind us, we have developed a new three-year strategic plan to grow the business organically by capitalising on our global platform and lean, decentralised organisation. We continue to face uncertain market conditions. However, I am confident that the Group will strengthen its position as a leading provider of independent consultancy services during the year."
- Ends -
For further information:
Sweett Group plc Dean Webster, Chief Executive Officer +44 20 7061 9000Chris Goscomb, Chief Financial Officer Theo Kjellberg, Group Communications ManagerFTI ConsultingBilly Clegg, Oliver Winters, Latika Shah +44 20 7831 3113
Westhouse SecuritiesTom Griffiths, Paul Gillam +44 20 7601 6100
About Sweett Group
Sweett Group plc is a global business with expertise in property and infrastructure professional services. Our services include programme and project management, cost management, advisory and PPP/PFI investment.
We aim to forge long term, successful relationships with all stakeholders in the property and infrastructure industry. "Global knowhow, local delivery" is the essence of our business and our reach enables us to put global best practice to use in the local markets we serve.
www.sweettgroup.com
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