Spectris plc, the productivity-enhancing instrumentation and controls company, today issues a trading update ahead of its results for the year ending 31 December 2008, due to be released on 24 February 2009.

We expect reported sales growth from continuing businesses for the full year to be approximately 19%. This includes benefits from currency of around 12%. Acquisitions contributed around 4%. Operating margins are expected to be in the region of 15%.

Cash conversion remained strong in the second half. In line with the first half, capital investment was in excess of depreciation.

Overall, results for the year are expected to be in line with expectations.

As we enter 2009, trading visibility is more limited than normal. However, we are in a good financial and strategic position and continue to take the management actions necessary to optimise our performance in a year which, we expect, will be more challenging than 2008.