Trading Update
Further to the pre-close trading update on 4 August 2011, Mouchel Group plc ('the Group') provides a further trading update today, ahead of the announcement of its Preliminary Results.
In the Interim Management Statement on 15 June 2011, the Group reported that it expected a significant one-off profit on one of its long-term contracts to offset lower profitability than originally expected following commercial conclusions on a number of contracts.
The Group was very recently informed that, as a result of an actuarial error, the one-off gain will be 4.3m lower than previously expected which has an immediate and corresponding impact on the profits the Group will report for the year to 31 July 2011.
In addition, as part of the year-end audit process, Rod Harris, the new Finance Director, has reviewed contract risks and project claims, taking into account the continuing challenging business environment. As a result, the Group has decided to increase provisions in respect of these contract risks and project claims by a similar amount to the reduction in the one-off gain.
The reduction in the one-off gain and the increase in provisions relate to non-recurring and non-cash items.
Richard Cuthbert, Chief Executive, has tendered his resignation with immediate effect, and he will work with the Group for a short period to ensure an orderly handover. Bo Lerenius will become executive Chairman until a new Chief Executive has been appointed. The Board will make a further announcement as appropriate.
Bo Lerenius said: "I would like to express the Board's gratitude to Rich for his many years of service and his continuing belief in and commitment to the business. The Board will focus on maintaining Mouchel's position in its core markets in the interests of all its stakeholders."