Ahead of the end of its financial year on 31 December 2004 Serco Group plc (“Serco” or the “Group”) confirms that it continues to trade in line with expectations.

Since the Interim Results announcement on 1 September, the Group’s trading has remained strong and its forward order book now stands at a record level of over £12bn.

Of particular note, during the period Serco announced the signing of the Northern rail franchise, worth around £2bn over eight years and nine months.  Other significant awards announced included the renewal of a United States Federal Aviation Administration contract for the operation of air traffic control towers, worth more than $100m over five years, and a five year contract with the UK Home Office for the electronic monitoring of offenders.

As separately announced, Serco is today presenting to analysts and investors on the Group’s transition to International Financial Reporting Standards.