24th Jan 2006 07:00
RPS Group PLC24 January 2006 RPS GROUP PLC ("RPS" or "the Group") Trading Update In advance of a presentation to shareholders later today, RPS is providing anupdate on trading for the year ended 31 December 2005. As anticipated in our 2005 Interim Results, the Group has produced a goodperformance in the second half of the year and the Board expects results for theyear ended 31 December 2005 to be at the upper end of market expectations. Cashflow in the second half was good and net bank debt at the year end wasapproximately £26 million. The performance of our Energy business has been particularly encouraging. Thereare a number of strongly positive factors supporting this business. High oiland gas prices, concerns over security of energy supply and the global warmingdebate have given rise to significantly increased exploration activity in theoil and gas sector. In addition there has been continued UK Government supportfor investment in renewable resources and a review of the need to bring morenuclear power production on stream. We are well positioned to continue toservice our clients' growing needs in each of these areas. Our Planning and Development business has benefited from high levels ofinvestment in infrastructure and property development in both the public andprivate sectors. Our fast growing planning business in Australia had anexceptionally good year, whilst our Environmental Management activities weresupported by improvement in our business in the Netherlands and in the watersector in the UK. The Board is confident that the Group will make further progress in 2006. It is anticipated that the preliminary results for the year ended 31 December2005 will be announced on 14 March 2006. 24 January 2006 RPS is an international consultancy providing advice upon the development ofnatural resources, land and property, the management of the environment and thehealth and safety of people. We trade in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands,North America and Australia and undertake projects in many other parts of theworld. Enquiries: RPS Group Plc Tel: 01235 863206Dr Alan Hearne, Chief ExecutiveGary Young, Finance Director College Hill Tel: 020 7457 2020Matthew SmallwoodJustine Warren This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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