UPDATE 2-Tecnicas Reunidas aims for 2.7 bln euros '09 sales

* Sees 2.7 bln euros sales in '09

* Sees improvement in market for new tenders

* Q1 backlog 5 bln euros to be maintained to yr-end

* Q1 net profit 34 million euros, in line

* Shares close down 3.46 pct at 27.37 euros

(Adds details from conference call, share price)

MADRID, May 11 (Reuters) - Spanish engineering company
Tecnicas Reunidas (TRE.MC: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Monday it could make sales of
2.7 billion euros ($3.7 billion) this year, up from 2.48 billion
a year ago, as it posted a rise in first-quarter net profit.

The company expects to maintain its first-quarter order
backlog of 5 billion euros, up 7.7 percent from a year ago, to
the end of the year, Tecnicas Reunidas' chief executive officer
said during a results conference call with analysts.

"The first objective is to maintain backlog, the second is
to grow," Juan Llado said. "I am confident the first objective
can be achieved ... I dont think we are going to start seeing
cancellations."

The company also expects to maintain its end-March net cash
position of 689 million euros to the end of the year.

"I think we have a very healthy working capital and
therefore cash position," Llado said.

SOLID Q1 RESULTS

First-quarter net profit for the three months to end-March
rose 6 percent to 34.2 million euros ($45 million), in line with
an average forecast of 34.7 million from analysts polled by
Reuters.

Sales grew 7 percent to 620 million euros, driven by a
contribution from its petroleum and gas division, but just
missing analysts' forecasts for 624.2 million.

Llado said he expected the market for new tenders to improve
sooner or later.

"It is definitely going to happen, but it might take six
months or longer," he said.

Tecnicas Reunidas specialises in high-tech tubing for the
oil industry.

Its shares closed down 3.46 percent at 27.37 euros.
(Reporting by Tracy Rucinski and Tomas Gonzalez; writing by
Judy MacInnes, editing by Will Waterman)