G4S expects growth in 'challenging' market

G4S, a provider of services ranging from cash transportation and facilities management to security and protection, said total sales in the period were up 4 per cent on the year at constant exchange rates, and 2.1 per cent at actual exchange rates.

In a trading statement, the company said there had been "no material changes in trading performance, financial position or market conditions across the various G4S businesses since the 2009 year end".

Chief Executive Nick Buckles said the company had made a good start to the year and expected organic growth in 2010 to be broadly in line with last year.

Looking ahead, Buckles said the company was seeing very strong growth in the Middle East and Latin America while business in western Europe and the United States was picking up.

On acquisitions, Buckles said the company was mulling several opportunities in Brazil, although gave no further details.

In March, G4S said it expected to benefit from increased government outsourcing in 2010 and beyond after 2009 profit beat expectations.

In Yorkshire its operations include running HMP Wolds in East Yorkshire, and providing security services for all of the region's Crown and Magistrates' courts.

G4S was recently awarded a three-year contract to provide stewarding and security services for Yorkshire County Cricket Club.