In its first-quarter earnings report NicoMiddle East said acquisitions will likely depend on whether it firms up aseries of long-term contracts tied to projects in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The commentary came as the companyreported a net profit of $9.2m for the three months to 31 March, whichrepresents a 33.3% improvement when compared to the gain carded a year ago, asconsolidated revenue rose 6.7%