Last checked at 7 Jan 2010 07:00
Arbuthnot Banking Group
Pre-Close Trading Statement
7 January 2010
Arbuthnot Banking Group today releases a pre-close trading update ahead of its Preliminary Results announcement for the year ended 31 December 2009 to be announced on 11 March 2010.
The improving business trend experienced in the third quarter continued into the final quarter and, as a result, the Group's pre-tax profit for the full year is anticipated to be ahead of market expectations. The two banks within the Group remain highly liquid, well funded and well capitalised.
Secure Trust Bank has performed strongly benefiting from the acquisition during the year of the two books of instalment loans. Arbuthnot Latham has traded satisfactorily although its full year result will be affected by the start-up costs associated with Gilliat Financial Solutions. Arbuthnot Securities continued to trade profitably in the fourth quarter with the result that the second half will show a profit and a significant turnaround from the first half.
Inquiries:
| Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC: | Tel: 020 7012 2400 |
| Henry Angest, Chairman and Chief Executive | |
| Andrew Salmon, Chief Operating Officer | |
| James Cobb, Group Finance Director | |
| Maitland: | Tel: 020 7379 5151 |
| Emma Burdett | |
| Richard Farnsworth | |
| Hawkpoint Partners Limited | Tel: 020 7665 4500 |
| (Nominated Adviser to the Group) | |
| Lawrence Guthrie | |
| Sunil Duggal |