SECURITY group G4S forecast a strong performance next year after operating profits rose by 12% in the first nine months of 2009.

The company, which provides services ranging from cash transport to facilities management, said government and new markets had boosted the business at a time of slightly slower growth in commercial security services.

It said revenues were ahead by 9% at constant exchange rates in the period to the end of September. Margins improved by 0.2%.

Recent contracts have included running two immigration detention centres for the UK Border Agency.

And an electronic monitoring contract worth £40m a year has been extended for a further two years.