Materials firm says results will be in line with recent forecasts

Building 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.”

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