Hyder Consulting PLC, the multi-national design and engineering consultancy, issues its Interim Management Statement covering the period 1 April to 30 July 2013, ahead of its Annual General Meeting to be held today.

Trading performance

The Group performed in line with our expectations and the order book increased during the period. The total headcount is broadly the same as at the year end, with the proportion of staff in global excellence centres continuing to increase.

In Asia Pacific our Australian results were in line with plan, despite a weakening Australian dollar. In China our new management team is refocusing the operations and trading has improved; we incurred a small loss in the period, lower than in the prior year.

In the Middle East results were in line with plan and ahead of the prior year benefiting from mobilisation on new public sector projects in Qatar and contract awards in the UAE property sector.  The shift in workload to public sector projects has resulted in an increase in working capital in the period.

In the UK results were ahead of plan and of the prior year, with the transport business performing well in the period. In Germany results have been affected by protracted negotiations on contract variations and were behind plan.

Financial position

The Group remains in a strong financial position with net cash balances and is well placed to take advantage of growth opportunities.

Outlook

Underpinned by a strong financial position, the Group's resilient performance, favourable market positioning and diversified geographic base give us confidence in the year ahead.

Enquiries:

Hyder Consulting PLC
Russell Down, Group Finance Director
Tel: 020 3014 9000

Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Ginny Pulbrook
Tel: 020 7282 2945

Notes:

1. About Hyder Consulting : Hyder Consulting is a multi-national design and engineering consultancy operating in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Germany and the UK. We employ approximately 4,000 people and apply our global expertise coupled with local knowledge to create award winning solutions for the transport, property, utilities and environment sectors.

2. This announcement is based on information obtained from unaudited management accounts.

3. This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Hyder Consulting PLC. These statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast.

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