Judges Scientific advances on trading forecast

Judges Scientific gained three per cent Thursday after the group said it maintained momentum in sales, profit and cash flow last year.

In a trading update, the manufacturer of scientific instruments estimated that adjusted earnings per share for the financial year to December 31st would meet market expectations.

Results were buoyed by an active year with two acquisitions and a £3.0m placing. The group purchased Global Digital Systems and KE Developments during the period as the businesses strengthened its position and expanded its product offering.

"The group's order book at December 31st represents almost eleven weeks' sales. This is higher than at the previous year-end but the figure is flattered by the inclusion, for the first time, of Global Digital Systems," the company said in a statement.

The organisation forecast another year of progress ahead following turbulent global economic conditions in 2012.

Shares climbed 3.1% to 1,017.50p at 10:56 Thursday.

RD