ARG.L Regulatory News (ARG)

13 Jul 2006 07:00

ArmorGroup International plc13 July 2006 Pre-closed period trading update ArmorGroup International plc, the leading international provider of protectivesecurity services, security training and weapons reduction and mine clearanceservices, today issues its pre-close period announcement for the six monthsended 30 June 2006. The Group's revenues and pre tax profit are expected to bein line with market expectations. ArmorGroup continues to see consistent growth from its defensive protectivesecurity operations, with its activities in support of the UK Government'sprogramme in Afghanistan and the oil and gas industry in Nigeria showingparticularly strong growth. Although the security situation in Iraq remainsunstable the Group has continued to win new and incremental contracts, includingan additional US$4.5 million of revenues since 1 April from ParsonsInfrastructure & Technology Group, one of the major US reconstruction engineersoperating in Iraq. The security training division continues to expand its services with the UStraining business achieving strong utilisation of its facilities and Phoenix CP,which was acquired in November 2005, performing ahead of expectations. Theweapons reduction and mine clearance division has had a quiet half year althoughyesterday it was awarded a US$7 million contract by the United Nations Officefor Project Services to carry out a land mine survey and clearance programme insupport of the UN's mission in Southern Sudan. The initial contract is for oneyear and the Group's team is expected to be fully deployed by 1 September. The Group also announces a change in Board responsibilities with Matthew Brabin,the Chief Financial Officer, assuming the additional role of Company Secretaryfrom Christopher Beese, the Chief Administrative Officer. Dave Seaton, Chief Executive Officer, commenting on trading said: "We continue to make progress in diversifying our revenues and profits away fromIraq, particularly into the rest of the Middle East, Afghanistan and WestAfrica. However, Iraq remains an important market for the business and we seesignificant long term potential once the newly appointed government'sinitiatives improve stability and allow greater focus on infrastructureinvestment. We also continue to diversify and broaden our service offerings,while maintaining our focus on our core risk management expertise. We are encouraged by the increasing number of diverse opportunities that we aredeveloping and look forward to the second half with confidence." The Group's half year results announcement is scheduled for 19 September 2006. For further enquiries please contact: ArmorGroup International plc Dave Seaton, Chief Executive Officer Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7808 5800Matthew Brabin, Chief Financial Officer Patrick Toyne Sewell, Director of Communications Tel: +44 (0) 20 7808 5848 Ged Brumby, Citigate Dewe Rogerson Tel: +44 (0) 20 7638 9571 Notes to Editors ArmorGroup International plc For over 25 years ArmorGroup has been recognised as a leading provider ofdefensive, protective security services to national governments, multinationalcorporations and international peace and security agencies operating inhazardous environments. It has over 9,000 highly trained and experiencedemployees and long term operations in over 38 countries. Over the past two yearsit has supported its clients in over 160 countries across the Middle East,Africa, South America, the CIS and Eurasia. ArmorGroup is headquartered inLondon and listed on the London Stock Exchange. ArmorGroup provides its services through three core divisions: ProtectiveSecurity Services, Security Training and Weapons Reduction and Mine ClearanceServices. The international protective security market in which ArmorGroupoperates covers a wide range of services and operators; however, ArmorGroup isfocussed solely on the provision of defensive security services which supportthe work of its clients' people and property. It complies with the US Foreignand Corrupt Practices Act and the UK's Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act2001 respectively, and has also been accredited to ISO 9001:2000 and to ISO/IEC27001:2005. For more information please visit www.armorgroup.com. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange