French staffing firm Groupe Crit (CEN: FP) reported revenue yesterday for the first quarter ending 31 March 2019 of €582.4 million, up 3.2% and 2% on an organic basis, compared with the same period last year.

In France, the group recorded a revenue rise of 2.2% to €441.5 million, this was up 3.4% organically and working days adjusted. Q1 international revenue amounted to €140.9 million, up 6.3% and up 2.1% on an organic basis and with working days adjusted.

The Staffing & Recruitment division made up 82% of the group’s business in the first quarter. Revenue was up 1.6% and 0.4% on an organic basis. French operations within the division remained stable at €359.1 million. Adjusted for working days, revenue grew by 1.5%.

In international staffing, revenue amounted to €118.6 million in Q1, up 6.8%. The group said international staffing benefited from favorable foreign exchange impacts. On a like-for-like basis at constant currrency, international activities were up 1.9% in Q1, with US operations confirming their return to organic growth rising by 9.2% (up 1.6% on a like-for-like basis and constant exchange rate).

Groupe Crit’s Multi-services division (mostly aviation-related) exceeded the threshold of €100 million in revenue for the first time in Q1. Revenue amounted to €110.0 million, rising by 11.6% (up 10.8% organically).

Airport services Q1 revenue increased by 12.8% to €85.5 million driven by the French activities rising by 16.4% (up 12.9% in organic growth). Growth in general aviation activities at Paris-Le Bourget airport and new contracts signed in cargo helped boost French airport services.

International operations in airport services for Q1 was up 3.9% (up 2.7% on a like-for-like basis at constant currrency).

Groupe Crit said it is confident in its ability to consolidate its positions both in France and abroad.

In trading yesterday Groupe Crit shares closed at €65.40, down 1.65% on the day. Based on its current share price the company has a market value of €748.12 million.