Q3 2007 Trading Update

Michael Page International PLC 04 October 2007 4 October 2007 Q3 2007 TRADING UPDATE Michael Page International plc, the specialist recruitment consultancy, reports a record quarterly Group gross profit of £123.4m for the third quarter, an increase of 38.5% over the £89.1m recorded in the third quarter of 2006. At constant exchange rates, the third quarter growth rate was 39.5%. Group headcount at 30 September was 4,777. In the UK, third quarter gross profit was £49.0m, an increase of 19.9% over the £40.8m recorded in the third quarter of 2006. The UK business continues to experience good levels of activity across all disciplines and regions of the UK. Headcount at 30 September was 1,732. In Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), third quarter gross profit was £48.4m, an increase of 59.7% (60.9%*) over the £30.3m recorded in the third quarter of 2006. In France, our largest business in the region representing 32% of EMEA gross profits, we benefited from increased headcount with the growth rate increasing to 41%*. The remaining EMEA countries grew at a combined rate of 72%*. Headcount at 30 September was 1,967. In Asia Pacific, third quarter gross profit was £15.5m, an increase of 27.8% (29.5%*) over the £12.1m recorded in the third quarter of 2006. In Australia, the success of the restructuring is now more evident with the growth in third quarter gross profits increasing to 26%*. In Asia, the businesses continued to perform strongly achieving growth in the third quarter of 34%*. Headcount at 30 September was 584. In the Americas, third quarter gross profit was £10.6m, an increase of 81.1% (85.5%*) over the £5.9m recorded in the third quarter of 2006. Headcount at 30 September was 494. During the third quarter, the Group repurchased and cancelled a further 3.2m shares at a cost of £15.0m, at an average price of 476p. In the year to date the Group has repurchased and cancelled 11.5m shares at a cost of £59.7m, at an average price of 519p. Commenting on the third quarter trading, Steve Ingham, Chief Executive said: "For the second consecutive quarter we have achieved year on year growth in gross profits of some 40%, in constant currencies. "We are particularly pleased with the performance of our French business where the growth rate, which has increased throughout the year, was 41%. In total, our EMEA region grew 61%, reflecting both our ongoing investment and the tremendous potential of these markets. "We have further increased our headcount by over 450 (10.5%) during the third quarter as we continue our strategy of diversification, becoming more broadly based both by geography and by discipline. Notwithstanding the recent developments in specific banking sectors, we continue to experience strong demand for talent around the globe and are confident in the ongoing prospects for Michael Page." * Denotes where overseas results denominated in foreign currencies have been translated at constant rates of exchange for constant currency illustrative purposes. The company will host a presentation and conference call for analysts and investors at 9.00am today. The presentation can be viewed by following the link: http://w.on24.com/r.htm?e=95269&s=1&k=70600E47E86AE708DD0B75E341A737A1 The dial-in details for the conference call are as follows: Dial-In: +44 (0)20 7162 0025 Conference ID: 768115 Please quote 'Michael Page Quarter 3 Trading Update' to gain access to the call. The presentation and recording of the call will be available on the company's website later today at http://investors.michaelpage.co.uk/ir/mpi/ir.jsp?page= presentations The Group will announce its fourth quarter and full year trading update on 8 January 2008. Enquiries: Michael Page International plc Steve Ingham Chief Executive 01932 264144 Stephen Puckett Finance Director 01932 264144 Financial Dynamics Richard Mountain/Susanne Yule 020 7269 7121 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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