Michael Page International share price closes up despite UK recruitment falling flat and Easter falling early
Michael Page International today reported that overall profits had grown in its first quarter results, despite some of its key markets failing to deliver and its potential being knocked by an earlier-than-usual Easter.
The recruiter revealed overall profits for the period had risen to £142.4m, up 4.9 per cent from £135.7m the year before.
However, while profits for the EMEA region grew by 14.1 per cent to £61.7m, profits for the UK remained flat at £36.5m and profits for the Americas fell by 5.3 per cent to £18.3m.
Commenting on the results, Steve Ingham, chief executive of Michael Page International, remarked that the profit growth had occurred despite the early timing of Easter this year and challenging conditions in some of their markets, including the UK, Greater China and Brazil.
Ingham added: "Despite the challenges in a number of our larger markets, the unpredictable nature of the current cycle and our limited visibility, we will continue to focus on driving profitable growth, whilst remaining able to respond quickly to any changes in market conditions."
The company also saw a growth in profits in its finance and accounting branch, which increased by 5.2 per cent to £56.7m.
Shares in the company closed up 0.3 per cent at 418p.