FBH Fbd Holdings Plc

RNS Number:9155Y
FBD Holdings PLC
25 June 2007

25 JUNE 2007
FBD HOLDINGS PLC ("FBD" or "the Group")


                           PRE-CLOSE TRADING STATEMENT
                        FOR THE HALF YEAR TO 30 JUNE 2007
                                        
OPERATING PROFIT

FBD Holdings plc has continued to make solid progress in the year to date. In
relation to full year operating earnings, we remain comfortable with the
market's expectation*.

In our core underwriting business, the Group has maintained policy growth and
premium written is marginally ahead of 2006. Price competition remains intense
and our full year gross premium written target will become increasingly
challenging unless pricing pressure moderates. Claims and other costs are
running at anticipated levels.

Our Leisure, Property and Financial Services interests are performing to 
budget.

On 17 April we announced the return of Euro177m to shareholders. This will enhance
return on equity for shareholders and has resulted in a reduction in the assets
held in the Capital Fund to a total of Euro40m currently.

PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION

The weakness in Government Bond markets, particularly in recent weeks, has had 
a negative impact on our short term fluctuations in investment returns, and
consequently on pre-tax profit. Our equity portfolio is performing
satisfactorily in the year to date.

INTERIM RESULTS

The Group's interim results are scheduled to be announced on Wednesday 29 
August 2007.


* An FBD survey of the forecasts of the analysts who cover the Group indicates
  a mean market expectation for 2007 operating earnings per share to be 324 
  cents per share.


For Reference:                         Telephone No:

FBD
Philip Fitzsimons, Chief Executive     00-353-1-4093208
Andrew Langford, Finance Director      

Murray Consultants
Joe Heron                              00-353-1-4980315


             FBD Holdings plc   FBD House Bluebell Dublin 12 Ireland 
             Registered in Dublin, Ireland  Registered Number 135882




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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