Costain Issues Strong Trading Statement

Costain has issued a strong trading update ahead of its 2008 full-year results in March.

It said trading for the year has been in line with the board's expectations and pointed to a record order book of £2bn at the end of the year. The figure was 25% up on the same time in 2007.As at 31 December 2008 the Group’s Forward Order Book was a record £2 billion, a 25% increase on theprevious year (2007: £1.6 billion) and included over £700 million of work secured for 2009.

Andrew Wyllie, Chief Executive, commented:“Costain is demonstrating its resilience in the current economic environment. We have a range of excellent customers who are expected to continue with their investment programmes, a strong cash position, a focussed management team and an ongoing rigorous management of costs.”