Pearson maintains outlook

LONDON: British publishing group Pearson is trading ahead of its expectations, allowing it to stick to its full-year outlook of at least matching 2008's adjusted earnings per share, in spite of adverse currency effects.

Pearson reported flat underlying sales for the first half yesterday, as an improvement at its educational-publications business - the world's largest - offset declines at the FT Group, and consumer-book division Penguin.

"Over the past six years, Pearson has delivered substantial growth; this year is about proving our resilience and competitive edge," Chief Executive Marjorie Scardino said in a statement. "So far, we've passed the test."