3rd Jul 2006 07:01
National Express Group PLC03 July 2006 3 July 2006 National Express Group PLC Pre close trading update National Express Group ("the Group") reports on trading for the six months to 30June 2006 prior to entering its close period. We have made a good start to theyear and are pleased to report that trading remains in line with expectations. In our trains division, we have been short-listed for the new London RailConcession and are finalising arrangements for the extension of the existingSilverlink franchise to November 2007. Currently we are responding to theAccreditation Questionnaires for the Midlands franchises, scheduled to besubmitted by the end of July, and, as announced on 30 June, we have submitted ajoint bid for the South Western rail franchise competition, for which the Grouppre-qualified earlier this year. In our UK bus business, Travel London has seen new contract wins and extensionsto existing contracts and Travel West Midlands is trading in line with ourexpectations. Our UK coach division is entering its key summer trading periodafter a solid start to the year. Overseas our North American school bus business is well positioned for the startof the new school year, after a strong bid season. In Spain, Alsa traded wellduring the period and the integration of business, both financially andoperationally, is on track. We continue to look at new opportunities to grow ourbus operations overseas. The Group remains fully hedged against fuel prices for the current year.Looking forward, we will need to remain focused on seeking ways to addresscontinued increased fuel prices in order to mitigate the impact on the Group's2007 results where possible. The Group's interim results will be announced on 28 September 2006. - ENDS - For further information: Adam Walker/Nicola MarsdenNational Express Group PLC020 7529 2000 Andrew Dowler/Ben FosterFinancial Dynamics020 7831 3113 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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