CLL.L Share News (CLL)

LONDON (Dow Jones)--Cello Group PLC (CLL.LN), an independent market research and consulting group, said Thursday it has continued to trade well and will show comparable income growth and double digit operating profit growth for the first half of the financial year. MAIN FACTS: -Group continues to experience growing income from its international blue chip client base, with particular growth arising from the U.S., where further organic investment is planned for the second half of the year. -Income from U.K. clients has held up well, with several notable private sector wins, while as anticipated there are likely to be further declines in public sector income over the coming months. -The like for like income growth achieved, combined with a lower cost base as a result of pro-active action taken in 2009, are expected to lead to a healthy improvement in profitability in 2010. -Shares closed Wednesday at 35.5 pence. -By Tommy Stubbington, Dow Jones Newswires; 44-20-7842-9268; tommy.stubbington@dowjones.com (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 22, 2010 02:25 ET (06:25 GMT)