Advertising company JCDecaux - which operates street signs in Birmingham - has revealed a strong set of figures for 2005.
The company yesterday said revenues were up 7.2 per cent to 1.74 billion euros (£1.18 billion) compared with 2004.
Organic revenue growth, excluding acquisitions and the impact of foreign exchange, was four per cent for the year, which is in line with the upper range of guidance it gave in October.
"These results were driven by sound organic revenue growth in Street Furniture and a very good performance in Transport, which grew by double digits over the period, while Billboard declined slightly," it said in a statement.
Executive chairman Jean-Francois Decaux added: "On the basis of these figures, we can confirm our October targets for the full year 2005 results."
Analysts had expected sales of 1.717 billion euros (£1.16 billion), according to estimates, while fullyear earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) is seen at 471 million (£320 million) and net profit at 168 million (£114 million).
The company said while revenues slightly decreased in France over the period, there was solid growth in other European countries and a strong rise in North America and Asia-Pacific.
Mr Decaux said: "Following the acquisition of three companies and the winning of major new contracts, the company is today the number one outdoor advertising operator in China."
The full year results will be published on March 15.
