Pre Close Trading Statement

Intertek Group PLC 21 June 2004 Intertek Group plc ('Intertek') Pre Close Trading Statement Further to the trading update given at the AGM on 14th May 2004, Intertek is performing strongly although the growth rate expressed in pounds sterling is reduced by the large proportion of profits made in US Dollar or US Dollar related currencies and the weakness of the US Dollar. Labtest's turnover and profit are growing well, continuing to benefit from a strong market resulting in increased volumes of textile and toy testing globally, and profit margins are being maintained. China is continuing to expand rapidly. Caleb Brett's cargo inspection business in America, which accounts for approximately half of the cargo inspection business, is benefiting from the action taken at the end of last year to reduce the cost base. However, some parts of Europe and the FSU are still performing poorly. Outsourcing is growing well and new contracts with ChevronTexaco and Avecia Ltd have been won this year. Outsourcing now accounts for approximately 28% of the division's sales. ETL SEMKO's safety testing and certification of electrical and building products is making good progress, especially in Asia. Trading in the Americas has improved, and all the major retailers are now accepting the Intertek owned ETL safety label on their electrical and electronic products. The previously announced acquisition of Entela Inc, the automotive parts testing company, has further strengthened the growth prospects of this division. All the main contracts in FTS are continuing which will ensure the division has good results. The Interim results will be announced on 6th September 2004. For further information please contact: Aston Swift, Treasurer and Investor Relations Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7396 3400 aston.swift@intertek.com Katie Macdonald-Smith, Tulchan Communications Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7353 4200 intertek@tulchangroup.com Corporate website: www.intertek.com High resolution images of Intertek Group plc businesses are available to download, free of charge from www.vismedia.co.uk. About Intertek Intertek is a leading international testing, inspection and certification organisation which assesses customers' products and commodities against a wide range of safety, regulatory, quality and performance standards and in some cases, certifies the management systems of customers. Intertek has over 270 laboratories with more than 12,000 people around the world and is increasingly undertaking outsourced testing work for its customers. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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