Impregilo sales growth

Impregilo reported first half sales of € 1,4 billion, up +8,4% on the € 1,3 billion recorded for the first half of 2008. Pre-tax profits for the half slipped -5,5% to € 91 million, down from € 97 million last year.

New orders in the first half totalled € 4,8 billion, taking the order book at 30 June to € 20 billion.

Chairman of Impregilo, Massimo Ponzellini said, "The acquisitions and order book of the company confirm the Group's solidity and will enable us to exploit all the opportunities that become available globally.

"Despite the general slowdown worldwide, the first six months of 2009 end with positive industrial and financial results," he said.

A statement confirmed the Group will achieve its previous 2009 full-year forecasts.