FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - The personnel services provider Amadeus Fire has started the year with a dampened result. Operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (operating EBITA) fell by almost a quarter to a good 14.4 million euros in the first quarter, the company announced in Frankfurt on Tuesday. Calendar effects, such as the earlier start of the Easter vacations compared to the previous year, had a negative impact on earnings. However, the overall economic weakness also put pressure on the Frankfurt-based company's business. Overall, the training segment performed better, while the personnel services business area was weaker. The management confirmed its targets for the current year.

Accordingly, the operating result should increase by 5 to 14 percent to between 74 and 80 million euros. Turnover is expected to increase by 6 to 13 percent to between 470 and 500 million euros. In the first quarter, it amounted to 114.8 million euros and was therefore 3.4 percent higher than in the same period last year./lew/stk