STOCKS NEWS EUROPE-Penna up as job advice demand soars

Shares in Penna Consulting (PECO.L) rise 13.4 percent after the human resources consultancy trebles its full-year profit, driven by demand for its job advice services from companies laying off staff.

Penna's career transition division grew revenue by 51 percent during the period, while its resourcing and consulting arms delivered sales growth of 20 percent and 12 percent respectively.

"Penna has clearly been a beneficiary of the turmoil and ongoing headcount reduction in the Financial Sector," says Collins Stewart analyst Julian Carter, who maintains a "buy" rating on the stock.

"We expect strong trading in the Career Transition division over at least the next 18 months to drive positive earnings per share momentum, which is likely to be augmented over the medium-term by accretive bolt-on acquisitions."

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Reuters messaging rm://rhysl.jones.reuters.com@reuters.net