8th Dec 2006 07:01
Go-Ahead Group PLC08 December 2006 For release at 7.00am on 8 December 2006 The Go-Ahead Group plc ("Go-Ahead" or the "Group") Pre-close Trading Update Go-Ahead announces its pre-close trading update for the six months ending 31December 2006. As indicated at the time of the AGM statement, overall trading for the Groupremains in line with management's expectations. Trading in the bus division continues to be robust. London has continued toperform strongly, with high quality operating performance and tight control oflabour costs. The trends in the deregulated bus business remain positive, withvolume growth and lower fuel and other costs having a very positive impact onfinancial performance. Work continues on the repositioning of the recentlyacquired Birmingham business. Within the rail division, both franchises - Southern and Southeastern - continueto perform strongly, demonstrating good operating performance and volume growth.Southeastern, in particular, has performed ahead of expectations as resources todeliver franchise commitments have built up more gradually than expected. Thisbenefit will reverse to some extent in the second half. As previously indicated, aviance's performance in the first half has beensignificantly affected by the increased security arrangements at UK airports andthe resulting reduction in airline schedules. Market conditions remain subduedalthough improvements are expected during the second half of the year. Meteorcontinues to pursue opportunities to refocus its business. The Board expects the Group to deliver a good performance for the first half andfor the year as a whole. For further information, please contact: The Go-Ahead Group plcKeith Ludeman, Group Chief Executive 020 8929 8650Ian Butcher, Group Finance Director 0191 232 3123 Weber Shandwick Square Mile (WSSM) 020 7067 0700Richard Hews/Rachel Taylor/Stephanie Badjonat Note to Editors: Go-Ahead is a key operator of commuter services in London and the South East.Through Govia, it is the franchise holder for Southern and Southeastern. Busservices include London Central and General, companies in North East England,West Midlands, Oxford, Brighton, Poole, Bournemouth, Southampton, Isle of Wightand routes in the Gatwick Airport and Crawley conurbation. The aviation and carparking businesses have nationwide coverage. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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