Materials firm says results will be in line with recent forecasts

Ðǿմ«Ã½ materials supplier Travis Perkins has said that trading across its trade and retail divisions has been broadly in line with its last assessment in October.

In a brief statement to the stock exchange, the UK-based company said its performance has reflected the continuing difficult conditions in the construction market.

It said: “Against this background the board expects that pre-exceptional earnings for the full year will be in line with market expectations.â€

One consensus forecast estimates that pre-tax profit in the year to 31 December 2008 will be £207m, on turnover of £3.18bn.