CMG positive for 2002

Wireless no flash in the pan

CMG has released positive statements for the coming year after a tough 2001 during which it saw its core IT services business and headline-grabbing wireless technology divisions struggle. Then company's 2001 net loss was £596m. However, it has forecast its wireless data operations - known for helping mobile operators ride the SMS boom and soon, it is hoped, supply more sophisticated services - will grow 30 per cent in 2002. Already this year it has secured a five country multimedia messaging (MMS) with Hutchison 3G. The Anglo-Dutch player also announced that with immediate effect Alistair Crawford, previously COO, would replace 28-year company veteran Tom Rusting as CEO. Shares in CMG closed up 9 per cent yesterday.