Visibility remains fuzzy at Michael Page
Recruitment firm Michael Page's business in the UK continues to be depressed by the weakness of the banking sector, but the group put in a strong first quarter showing in Germany and France.
Recruitment firm Michael Page's business in the UK continues to be depressed by the weakness of the banking sector, but the group put in a strong first quarter showing in Germany and France.
Gross profit in the first quarter of 2012 was up 6.9%, or 7.7% on a constant currency basis, to £136.0m from £127.3m in 2011.
The UK, which accounts for 23% of revenue, saw gross profit slide 3.7% to £30.6m from £31.7m but Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), the largest part of the business (44% of revenues, saw gross profit rise 7.4% (10.1% on a constant currency basis) to £60.3m from £56.2m the year before.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
The Asia Pacific region's (19% of group revenues) gross profit of £26.3m was up 23.0% (17.8%) on the £21.4m in the first quarter of 2011.
In the Americas (14%), gross profit of £18.8m was up 4.6% (8.2%*) on the £18.0m the year before.
Net cash at the end of March was in the region of £63m, up from £58.2m at the end of 2011.
"Markets continue to be weak and visibility remains limited, however, the group remains financially strong, with net cash in the region of £63m. Operationally, our successful strategy of diversification, both by geography and business discipline, positions us well to benefit from our ongoing investment in those markets which we expect to deliver growth over the long-term and our strong competitive position in more mature markets," said Michael Page's Chief Executive, Steve Ingham.
JH
Sign up for MoneyWeek's newsletters
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
-
Unilever braces for inflation amid tariff uncertainty – what does it mean for investors?
Consumer-goods giant Unilever has made steady progress simplifying its operations. Will tariffs now cause turbulence?
-
‘I installed a heat pump in my home – here are five things I’ve learnt’
From the size and noise of a heat pump to how much it costs to run one, Ruth Emery reveals what she’s learnt after installing one in her home six months ago