Kier Group PLC Disposal of Mouchel Consulting to WSP Global (3163M)

TIDMKIE

RNS Number : 3163M

Kier Group PLC

12 October 2016

Disposal of Mouchel Consulting to WSP Global Inc.

Kier Group plc ("Kier"), a leading property, residential, construction and services group, is pleased to announce that it has completed the disposal of Mouchel Consulting to WSP Global Inc. ("WSP") for a total consideration of GBP75m, satisfied in cash.

Mouchel Consulting, acquired in June 2015 as part of Kier's acquisition of Mouchel, provides engineering, environmental and asset management consultancy services, principally to infrastructure markets. On 4 July, Kier announced that it was undertaking an evaluation of the strategic options for the Mouchel Consulting business including a possible disposal.

For the financial year ended 30 June 2016, Mouchel Consulting reported revenue of GBP125m generating an operating profit contribution of GBP8m and a profit before tax of GBP5m. The gross assets of the company, the subject of the disposal, were GBP29m at 30 June 2016.

The disposal is expected to result in an immediate profit of approximately GBP40m, subject to post-completion adjustments. The net disposal proceeds will be retained by Kier for future investment purposes and to further reduce debt, supporting Kier's Vision 2020 target of net debt to EBITDA ratio of less than 1x which was achieved ahead of schedule in 2016.

Haydn Mursell, chief executive of Kier, commented: "Having completed the integration of Mouchel, we are well progressed with the simplification of our portfolio of businesses. The disposal of Mouchel Consulting continues this process and provides increased capital to focus on the opportunities across our core businesses which will underpin the Group's future growth."

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Enquiries:

   Faeth Birch / Daniela Fleischmann Finsbury                                 [phone] 

Kier press office [phone]

   Louise Turner-Smith, Head of Investor Relations, Kier                    [phone] 

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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October 12, 2016 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)