Robert Walters is “confident” over prospects for 2011 as the international recruiter posts increased profits in a trading update for Q4.

The update reveals:

· Group Q4 gross profit (net fee income) up 42% (37%*) to £40.6m (2009: £28.6m).

· Asia Pacific Q4 gross profit up 54% (39%*) to £19.7m (2009: £12.8m).

· UK Q4 gross profit up 37% (37%*) to £11.6m (2009: £8.5m).

· Europe Q4 gross profit up 24% (30%*) to £8.4m (2009: £6.8m).

· The Americas and South Africa Q4 gross profit up 71% (63%*) to £0.8m (2009: £0.5m).

· Net cash position remains strong, in excess of £20m as at 31 December 2010.

· Group headcount of 1,735 (31 December 2009: 1,269).  

* Constant currency is calculated by applying prior year exchange rates to local currency results for the current and prior years.

Robert Walters, chief executive, says: “We enter 2011 with confidence. We continue to invest in the areas where we see the most potential, seeking to benefit from our long term strategy of geographical expansion. Our new offices opened during the quarter in Beijing, Seoul and Dusseldorf are already generating revenue and, notwithstanding an uncertain economic backdrop in the UK, we expect levels of activity across the group to remain strong.”

Robert Walters will release final results for the year ended 31 December 2010 on 2 March 2011.