14th Jun 2005 06:00
14 June 2005 GROUP 4 SECURICOR PLC TRADING UPDATE Group 4 Securicor plc, the international security solutions group, will beupdating analysts and investors prior to the start of the company's closeperiod. In commenting on current trading for the four months to 30 April 2005compared with the same period in 2004, management will be indicating that:Organic GrowthOverall organic growth has been maintained at above 6%, with all business linesperforming at that level. * Growth at Wackenhut in the US has continued to be strong at the double digit levels reported at the end of 2004 * Overall growth in European manned security continues at a healthy 3% despite growth in Justice Services and UK Security being flat * Security Systems growth is relatively flat across Europe but strong overall MarginsThe group margin has increased by around 0.5% during the first four months of2005 with improvements across all business lines. * Cash Services margins are particularly strong * Security Systems margins continue to improve across the division * Integration is proceeding well and it is expected that the 2005 full year financial impact of the synergies will be slightly ahead of that previously indicated Operational Highlights * Wackenhut continues its strong growth across all sectors of its business and in April 2005 it was the first security company in the US to receive SAFETY Act certification from the US Department of Homeland Security * Integration of the UK security businesses and planning for UK security officer licencing are progressing well * The Cash Services business in Germany is much improved and is currently operating at around break-even * South Africa is on target for an improved performance in the second half of 2005 ManagementThe CEO succession announced at the time of the 2004 preliminary resultsbecomes effective on 1 July 2005 when Nick Buckles succeeds Lars Norby Johansenand, at the same time, Grahame Gibson will be appointed as COO and will takeover responsibility for the worldwide manned security businesses following hisappointment to the Board in April this year.Acquisitions & DivestmentsA number of acquisitions have been made in 2005: * G4S Cash Services acquired Universal ATM Services Inc. in Canada in order to reinforce its position as the market leader in cash management and to expand its expertise in the ATM management area * G4S International (formerly SIVT) acquired OneService, a California-based shipper of diamonds and jewellery, to expand its market share and increase its global international valuables transportation coverage * G4S Security Services in Taiwan acquired Chubb Security from UTC to increase its market share across all security services in Taiwan The divestment of the Falck Dutch manned security business has taken longerthan anticipated due to the process stipulated by the European Commission. Wenow expect this divestment to be completed in the third quarter of 2005.AGM & DividendThe AGM will take place on 30 June 2005 and the final dividend of 1.85p(DKK0.1981) per share is proposed for payment on 12 July 2005.For further enquiries, please contact:Lars Norby Johansen +44 (0)1293 554400Nick BucklesTrevor DightonDebbie McGrathMedia Enquiries:Patrick Toyne-Sewell +44(0)7973 672649Sarah GestetnerNotes to Editors:Group 4 Securicor operates in over 100 countries throughout the world andemploys over 360,000 people. It is a market leader in the provision of mannedsecurity, security systems and cash services in many of the countries in whichit operates. For more information on Group 4 Securicor please visit www.group4securicor.com.An investor and analyst conference call is taking place today at 0800 (GMT).The dial-in number is +44 (0) 20 7162 0180. Results for the six months to 30June 2005 will be published on 12 September 2005.There is a presentation for analysts and major shareholders taking place todayat a number of operational centres at which no new material other than thatalready disclosed above will be discussed.ENDGROUP 4 SECURICOR PLCRelated Shares:
GFS.L