ARG.L Regulatory News (ARG)

17 Jan 2006 07:00

ArmorGroup International plc17 January 2006 17th January 2006 ArmorGroup International plc Pre-close period statement ArmorGroup International plc ("ArmorGroup" or the "Group"), the leadinginternational provider of protective security services, security training andweapon reduction and mine clearance services, today issues its pre-close periodannouncement for the year ended 31 December 2005. The Group's revenues and pretax profit are expected to be in line with market expectations. ArmorGroup continues to see consistent growth from its protective securityoperations, particularly through its activities in support of the reconstructionwork in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is also continuing to achieve growth amongstits other divisions. Jerry Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer, commenting on trading said: "ArmorGroup experienced growth in revenue and a strengthening of ourinfrastructure in 2005 although profitability was hit by the increased cost ofworking more securely in Iraq and by clients' delays in mobilisation in thesecond half of the year. However, I am pleased to confirm that all of the delayed contracts are now fullyoperational, other contracts have enjoyed uplifts in the numbers of staffdeployed and our recently acquired training business, Phoenix CP, is alreadyshowing good results and synergies for the Group. We have entered 2006 on astrong footing and while several contracts will be coming to an end later in theyear, with the expansion of recently awarded contracts and a strong biddingpipeline we look forward to the year with confidence." The Group's full year results announcement is scheduled for 16 March 2006. Enquiries: ArmorGroup International plc Jerry Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer tel: + 44 (0) 20 7808 5800 Dave Seaton, Chief Financial Officer Nick Melson, Communications Manager Citigate Dewe Rogerson Patrick Toyne Sewell / Ged Brumby tel: + 44 (0) 20 7638 9571 Notes to Editors ArmorGroup, headquartered in London, has over 8,700 employees and operates inover 30 countries. It provides its services principally to first world nationalgovernments, major international inter-governmental organisations andmultinational corporations. It operates principally in regions of the world withdiminished law and order or with a high risk of terrorism or which were formerareas of conflict including the Middle East, Africa, South America, Russia andthe CIS and Asia. ArmorGroup provides its services through three divisions: Protective SecurityServices, Security Training and Weapons Reduction and Mine Clearance. Theinternational protective security market in which ArmorGroup operates covers awide range of services and operators; however ArmorGroup is focussed solely onthe provision of defensive security services for people and property whichsupport the work of its clients. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange