Empresaria trades in line with expectations

Empresaria expects to turn in a 4% year-on-year increase in both net fee income and adjusted pre-tax profits but warned that, due to the mix of profit across brands with different non-controlling interests, diluted adjusted earnings per share were likely to be "slightly lower than the prior year".

The AIM-listed group recorded profit growth in three of its four main regions, which helped offset weaker results from Germany and Japan.

Chief executive Spencer Wreford said: "This result again demonstrates the benefit of Empresaria's diversified business model, delivering another year of profitable growth, despite regulatory challenges in two of our key markets.

"We have a clear vision to be a leading, international, specialist staffing group, and are confident we have a plan in place to deliver on this."

As of 1040 GMT, Empresaria shares had slipped 0.78% to 66.48p.