Kier Group PLC
26 November 2001
26 November 2001
KIER GROUP plc
AGM STATEMENT
Kier Group plc, the major construction, support services and housebuilding
group, held its Annual General Meeting at the Group's head office at Sandy,
Bedfordshire on Saturday, 24 November at 11.00 am.
Commenting to shareholders on the successful growth achieved by the Group in
its financial year to 30 June 2001, Colin Busby, Chairman and Chief Executive
went on to say that growth was continuing in the current financial year.
He made the following comments:
'The events of 11 September in the US sent shock waves around the world but
the markets in which we operate remain remarkably robust. Our order books in
both Construction & Services and Housebuilding are exceptionally strong and
enquiry levels remain high.
'The Housing business is performing well. It is benefiting from being in the
right markets with the right product. In addition, the integration of Allison
Homes into the business is proceeding well and is expected to make a
significant contribution to the growth of the Housing business. Demand for new
homes is still strong in all the areas in which Kier operates, completions are
ahead of this time last year and, on a like-for-like basis, forward sales
orders are very strong at 36% ahead of last year, excluding Allison Homes, and
67% ahead overall.
'Orders taken in both Regional and National construction divisions are at a
strong level in the September quarter and opportunities to bid for new work
remain plentiful. A number of major bids are currently being prepared in our
fast-growing Support Services division.
'The target set two years ago of reaching operating margins of 1% in
Construction & Services was achieved in the year to 30 June 2001. The
programme of continuing improvement is being sustained to achieve further
margin increases in the coming years.
'In respect of PFI, the Group's Infrastructure Investment team was successful
in achieving financial close on Tendring Schools, Kier's first school project,
and we have been selected as preferred bidder on Greenwich Carehomes.
'We will continue to build on the successful, integrated business of Kier
which, over the last five years, has provided shareholders with 25% compound
growth in earnings per share: our businesses continue to perform strongly and
the prospects for further growth this year and beyond are good.'
- ENDS -
Colin Busby, Chairman
Kier Group plc Tel: 01767 640111
Caroline Sturdy
Bell Pottinger Financial Tel: 020 7861 3889
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