12th Jul 2007 07:00
KBC Advanced Technologies plc12 July 2007 Embargoed until 0700 12 July 2007 KBC Advanced Technologies plc ("KBC") Trading Statement KBC, a leading independent consultant to the oil industry, is pleased toannounce a trading update in relation to the interim results for the six monthsended 30 June 2007 which will be announced on 10 September 2007. Refining margins remain at record levels providing us with significantopportunities and strong demand for our services. Demand has been particularlystrong for our Human Performance Improvement and Energy services and for CapitalProject support. Our recruitment and training campaign has seen consultantlevels increase by 7% since the year end, and we are continuing to recruit tomeet market demands. The first half of 2007 has seen continued growth in contract awards, revenue andtrading profitability. Contract awards for the period total £19m, compared to£12m in the same period last year. The consequent contract backlog is expectedto total £29m at the half year in contrast to £22m at the same time last yearand £27m at 31 December 2006. We have for the first time sold a project directly focused on measuring andreducing carbon emissions at a refinery in California. Although this contract isrelatively small, we believe that it is important strategically and expect thissource of work to grow as the industry responds to external environmentalpressures. We anticipate that first half financial performance will be significantly aheadof the same period last year and ahead of current full year expectations on apro-rata basis. The strong market background provides the Board with confidencethat growth will continue through 2007 and into 2008. - Ends - For further information please contact:KBC Advanced Technologies plc 01932 236314George Bright, Chief ExecutiveNicholas Stone, Operations and Finance Director Arden Partners Limited 020 7398 1632Richard Day Weber Shandwick Financial 020 7067 0700Richard Hews / Rachel Taylor Notes to Editors:KBC Advanced Technologies plc, a leading independent consulting, processengineering and software group, delivers improved operating performance to theoil refining, petrochemical, and other process industries worldwide. We provideprocess consulting, strategic planning advice, energy price forecasting andmarket analysis, economic studies, capital project services, and training tohelp clients achieve their business objectives and improve their competitiveposition. KBC's human performance improvement division, TTS Performance Systems,provides organisational effectiveness services, training programmes, operationsmanuals, and personnel development services. KBC's consultants recommend changesfor material and measurable improvements in profitability. To assist clients inrealising such improvements, KBC provides implementation services and softwaresolutions, including the KBC SIM models and Petro-SIMTM for processoptimisation, and the Linnhoff March and Veritech energy optimisation softwarepackages. Formed in 1979, KBC has offices in the UK, USA, Canada, Singapore, theNetherlands, Russia, China, and Japan. For more information, visitwww.kbcat.com. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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