Interim Management Statement

Michael Page International PLC
07 April 2008



7 April 2008



                               FIRST QUARTER 2008
                          INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT


Michael Page International plc is today publishing its Interim Management
Statement relating to the period from 1 January to 31 March 2008, the first
quarter of the financial year ended 31 December 2008.


For the first quarter of 2008, Michael Page International plc, the specialist
recruitment consultancy, reports a record quarterly Group gross profit of
£140.3m, an increase of 33.0% (23.8%*) over the £105.5m recorded in the first
quarter of 2007.  Group headcount at 31 March 2008 was 5,425 (31 December 2007:
5,052).


In our largest region, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) representing 46% of
Group gross profit, first quarter gross profit was £65.2m, an increase of 55.3%
(37.7%*) over the £42.0m recorded in the first quarter of 2007. With good
activity levels, we continue to experience strong demand for talent across all
countries and disciplines, with the exception of banking. In France, our largest
business in the region representing 33% of EMEA gross profits, the first quarter
growth rate was 33%*, while the remaining EMEA countries grew at a combined rate
of 40.2%*. Headcount in EMEA at 31 March 2008 was 2,255 (31 December 2007:
2,078). During the first quarter we opened in a new country, Austria (Vienna)
and new offices in Stuttgart, Seville, Massy, Breda and Gothenburg.


In the UK, representing 34% of Group gross profit, first quarter gross profit
was £47.1m, an increase of 6.7% over the £44.1m recorded in the first quarter of
2007. UK headcount at 31 March 2008 was 1,872 (31 December 2007: 1,799). While
it is not possible to quantify, our first quarter growth rate was affected by
the early Easter break and a further weakening of the banking sector, which is
also impacting some of our other disciplines that service banking clients.
Outside of these banking related areas we continue to see good activity in job
and candidate flow. During the first quarter we opened new offices in Newcastle
and Cardiff.


In Asia Pacific, first quarter gross profit was £16.4m, an increase of 33.8%
(22.0%*) over the £12.2m recorded in the first quarter of 2007. In Australia,
first quarter gross profit growth increased to 30%* benefitting from the
increased investment in headcount in the latter part of 2007. In Asia, our
businesses grew gross profit at 11%*, with China, including Hong Kong,
continuing to grow strongly, offset by a slowing in our Tokyo business, where
banking represents a higher proportion of the business. Headcount in the region
at 31 March was 701 (31 December 2007: 632). During the first quarter we opened
in a new country, New Zealand (Auckland) and a new office in Beijing.


In the Americas, first quarter gross profit was £11.6m, an increase of 62.4%
(51.1%*) over the £7.2m recorded in the first quarter of 2007. We continue to
achieve strong growth in the USA, despite increasing concerns over the economy,
reflecting our relative share to the total potential market. Headcount at 31
March was 597 (31 December 2007: 543). During the first quarter we opened our
second office in Canada in Montreal.


Apart from the effect of the trading described above, there have been no
significant changes in the financial position of the Group since the publication
of the results for the year ended 31 December 2007.


Commenting on the first quarter trading, Steve Ingham, Chief Executive said:


"Our strong first quarter performance clearly demonstrates the benefits of our
strategy to diversify the Group's activities by geography and by discipline.
Given the increasing concerns of economic slowdown, we are pleased with our
first quarter growth in gross profit of 33% to £140m, particularly given the
effect of an early Easter.


"Whilst we continue to experience strong activity levels and demand for talent,
in certain areas there are signs of more cautionary behaviour. Consequently, we
are taking a similar approach to adding headcount in those areas most likely to
be affected, particularly in the UK. However we will continue to invest where we
are experiencing strong demand and to exploit strategic longer term
opportunities."




* Denotes where overseas results denominated in foreign currencies have been
translated at constant rates of exchange for constant currency illustrative
purposes.


The company will host a conference call for analysts and investors at 9.00am 
today, the details of which are below.

Link:

http://w.on24.com/r.htm?e=106722&s=1&k=DBB9BC115C34B956E8D3FE7673923BAD

Dial-In:        [phone]
Conference ID:  789821

Please quote "Michael Page Quarter 1 Trading Update" to gain access to the call.


A presentation and recording to accompany the call will be posted on the
company's website during the course of the morning at:

http://investors.michaelpage.co.uk/ir/mpi/ir.jsp?page=presentations




Enquiries:

  Michael Page International plc
  Steve Ingham                       Chief Executive            01932 264144
  Stephen Puckett                    Finance Director           01932 264144

  Financial Dynamics
  Richard Mountain                   Managing Director          020 7269 7121








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