AGM Statement

Fisher (James) & Sons PLC 03 May 2007 Thursday 3 May 2007 James Fisher and Sons plc AGM Statement James Fisher and Sons plc, the marine services provider, is holding its Annual General Meeting in Barrow-in-Furness today. At the meeting, Tim Harris, Executive Chairman, will make the following comments: '2006 was a productive and successful year for the Group. We delivered a strong performance with revenue up 29% to £118.1m (2005: £91.4m) and profit from continuing activities before separately disclosed items and tax up 42% to £15.9 million (2005: £11.2 million). Our Marine Support Services activities accounted for around 70% of the Group's operating profit. '2007 has started well and I am pleased to report that the integration of Everards has progressed as planned. The integration of the commercial and ship management teams is now complete; the chartering department has become one team, based in London, whilst the Everard ship management team has moved to our head office in Barrow. The remaining step in our plan is the full integration of the James Fisher and Everard sea staff which we anticipate will be completed by the end of the first half. 'The third of the Everard's newbuilds, Superiority, has just entered service and we expect the fourth and final vessel, Supremity, to enter service in late summer. Our plans for refinancing the first three Everard newbuilds as bareboat charters are well advanced. 'It has been our aim since 2002 to become the UK's leading marine services company and build our Marine Support Services divisions both by acquisition and by organic growth. All three of these divisions, Offshore Oil, Specialist Technical and Defence, have started the year well and are trading in line with management expectations. These businesses are the key focus of James Fisher's growth which should now be enhanced further by the cash flow from the acquisition of Everard. 'The benefits of the Everard acquisition should begin to come through in the second half of 2007. As already indicated, any positive impact in the first half will be offset by the costs of integration, the majority of which will be incurred in this period. Overall, the Group is well positioned to continue to produce good growth and value for our shareholders.' - Ends - For further information: James Fisher and Sons plc Tim Harris, Chairman 020 7614 9508 www.james-fisher.co.uk Financial Dynamics Richard Mountain / Susanne Walker 020 7269 7121 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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