Maiden Upbeat About Outdoor Prospects Following Strong Start To Year

Outdoor group Maiden indicated yesterday at its AGM that its own sector was feeling less ill-effects of the widely reported advertising slowdown than sectors such as TV and Radio.

“The strong growth in the first quarter accelerated through into April and, in spite of a more uncertain economic environment in May and June, we expect revenue to show a 9-10% increase over what was a record setting first half performance in 2000.” said chairman Martin Boase.

Maiden is currently benefiting from investment in new technology, including the LED Transvision screen in London’s Victoria Station. Another similar site is to be opened at London Waterloo this Autumn. The outdoor industry as a whole has also benefited in the first half of the year from increased spending by political parties in anticipation of the General Election.

The second half of the year is less certain, but even in the event of a general economic downturn, outdoor has the advantage of being one of the cheapest and best value media. Brokers ABN AMRO are expecting outdoor, which currently commands a 9% share of total advertising revenue in the UK, to be the fastest growing medium during 2001, and anticipates growth of 5.5%.

Despite this upbeat attitude, Maiden shares ended yesterday down 7½p at £4.67½. By midday today, they had slipped a further 2½p to £4.65.

Maiden: 020 7838 4000 www.maiden.co.uk

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