Shares in Altrincham-based shopfitting firm Styles & Wood are expected to begin trading on the stock market next week in a move which will value the company at £96.7m. Styles & Wood confirmed its float plans as it forecast sales of £264m for 2006, up from £170.7m last year.

Pre-tax profits are expected to come in at £10.8m against £5.9m. At the end of July, the company had a projected order book of almost £700m. The shares are due to begin trading at 150p next Tuesday. The placing will raise £17.8m.

Chairman Gerard Quiligotti said "This is the next major phase in the group's development. Prospects for the future are very exciting and we look forward to building on our success over the years to come". Styles & Wood added: "The directors believe that significant opportunties exist to grow the business both organically and through selective acquistions, to enhance the company's service offering and access to new markets."

It has a six per cent share of the UK's £4.2bn retail interiors spending market, working for customers such as Argos, Boots, Debenhams, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, Tesco and leading high street banks.

Styles & Wood, which employs 380 staff, was founded in 1965. It completed a record 465 projects last year.

The float means an exit for majority shareholder Aberdeen Asset Managers, the private equity outfit. The management team, including Mr Quiligotti and chief executive Neil Davies will stay on with a reduced stake.

Rickitt Mitchell continue to advise Styles & Wood