AGM Statement

RNS Number : 2540A

Halma PLC

31 July 2008

 



HALMA p.l.c. AGM Trading Update / Interim Management Statement 31 July 2008 Halma, the leading safety, health and sensor technology group, is holding its 114th AGM later today, at which Geoff Unwin, Chairman, will make the following statement. This announcement comprises the Group's Interim Management Statement relating to the period 30 March - 31 July 2008 and includes the first quarter's trading. 'Revenue and order intake for the first quarter of this financial year showed good growth over last year, which is in line with the Board's expectations. 'Underlying organic growth in all three Halma sectors (Infrastructure Sensors, Health & Analysis and Industrial Safety) was boosted further by a positive impact from currency movements of approximately 3%. In addition, Riester, the German medical instrumentation business acquired in December 2007, has performed well. 'We continue to see opportunities for sustained growth in our existing markets both organically and via acquisitions. This reflects our successful strategy of operating in diverse markets underpinned by resilient growth drivers such as the demand for energy and water resources, increasing demand for healthcare, rising expectations of health and safety and long term demographic trends.   'Our investment in building our business in developing markets continues. The new Halma 'hub' in Mumbai will be operational in October 2008 providing an important platform for more of our businesses to grow their commercial and technical presence in India. In Shanghai, the Halma manufacturing hub will be ready for occupancy in October 2008, enabling four more businesses to establish local product assembly and procurement in the Chinese market. Over the medium term, we expect the demand for our safety, health and environmentally related products to increase in both of these key territories.   'The Group's financial position continues to be strong and there have been no material events or transactions affecting the Group. 'As stated at the time of our year end results in June, the Board believes that Halma is well positioned to make further progress in the current year and beyond.'
For further information, please contact:
Halma p.l.c. Andrew Williams, Chief Executive Kevin Thompson, Finance Director	Tel: [phone]
Hogarth Partnership Limited  Rachel Hirst/Andrew Jaques	Tel: [phone]

Notes:
1.	The half-yearly results for the period to 27 September 2008 are expected to be released on 27 November 2008.
2.	This Interim Management Statement has been prepared solely to provide additional information to the shareholders of Halma p.l.c., in order to meet the requirements of the UK Listing Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules. It should not be relied on by any other party, for other purposes. Forward-looking statements have been made by the Directors in good faith using information available up until the date that they approved this statement. Forward-looking statements should be regarded with caution because of the inherent uncertainties in economic trends and business risks.
3.	A copy of this announcement, together with other information about Halma, may be viewed on its website: www.halma.com.

 

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