Mortice Limited Trading Update (0549F)

TIDMMORT

RNS Number : 0549F

Mortice Limited

15 May 2017

Mortice Limited

("Mortice" or the "Company")

Trading Update

Mortice Limited (AIM: MORT), the AIM listed security and facilities management company, provides the following trading update for the 12 months ended 31 March 2017.

Financial Highlights

Due to the strong performance of the combined existing and acquired businesses, the financial results for the year to 31 March 2017 are expected to be materially ahead of current market expectations.

Revenue increased by approximately 35% to US$180m (2016: US$133.5m) and EBITDA is expected to be materially above forecasts of US$6.7m (2016: US$5.6m), driven by the increase in revenue as well as greater cost optimisation throughout Mortice. Net debt at the year 31 March 2017, was $13.6m (2016:$14.5m).

Mortice achieved strong growth across all parts of the business with facilities management revenues growing approximately 44% to US$82m (2016: US$56.8m) and security services revenues growing approximately 28% to US$97m (2016: US$75.5m). The majority of sales continued to come from India, although overseas sales increased substantially following strong performances from Office & General ("O&G") in the UK (now rebranded Tenon FM Ltd, and Frontline Security Pte. Ltd ("Frontline") in Singapore. Both these businesses have now been fully integrated into the business and are performing ahead of management's expectations at the time of acquisition.

Operational Highlights

The Company continued to add new clients and strengthen existing relationships during the period with key contract wins in India, including J&K Bank, Amazon and Kotak Mahindra Bank, Ocwen financial Corporation, and Jubilant each of which is worth in excess of $500,000 per annum. In the UK, O&G was appointed to London Universities' GBP60m cleaning framework and strengthened relationships with Amey, CBRE and the University of Arts London. O&G is now trading under the name Tenon FM Ltd as part of a group-wide rebranding initiative focused on creating a global brand presence.

Acquisition Update

Post period end the Company completed the GBP4.5m acquisition of Elite Cleaning & Environmental Services Ltd ("Elite"). The earnings enhancing addition further strengthened the Company's UK reach adding a number of blue chip clients to the Company's customer base. Integration is continuing well and Elite has added new customers since the acquisition.

Outlook

The Company sees tremendous scope for organic and acquisitive growth, both within existing markets and new territories. Underpinned by high levels of recurring revenue and long-term client relationships, Mortice continues to have a strong pipeline across all parts of the business and continues to build on the momentum achieved during the period.

Commenting, Manjit Rajain, Executive Chairman of Mortice, said: "I am delighted by the Company's strong performance during the period. We are creating a global footprint and remain extremely excited by the growth prospects across all parts of the business."

Certain information contained in this announcement would have constituted inside information (as defined by Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014) prior to its release as part of this announcement.

Enquiries:

 
 Mortice Limited                                               www.morticegroup.com 
 Manjit Rajain, Executive                                     Tel: [phone] 
  Chairman 
 
 finnCap Ltd                                                     Tel: [phone] 
 Adrian Hargrave / Giles Rolls 
  / Alex Price (Corporate Finance) 
 Tony Quirk (Corporate 
  Broking) 
 
 Walbrook PR                           Tel: [phone] or [e-mail] 
 Paul McManus/ Sam Allen                                 Mob: [phone] / 07884 
                                                                            664 686 
 
 

About Mortice Limited

Mortice (AIM: MORT), is an AIM listed security and facilities management company, incorporated in Singapore and based in India with additional operations in Singapore and the UK.

Mortice operates under two brands, in India:

-- Peregrine - provision of guarding and security services to a wide range of clients from blue-chip companies, smaller businesses, commercial and private properties, and individuals.

-- Tenon - provision of a full range of facilities management services to corporate occupiers, owners and developers of real estate. Clients include respected blue-chip and home-grown companies. Within the Tenon group of companies Mortice also offers security surveillance services through its subsidiary Soteria and mechanical and engineering services via Rotopower.

The business is growing and profitable and is focused on expanding its geographical footprint and growing through targeted acquisitions, as well as organically.

In 2015, the Company established Tenon UK and through this wholly owned subsidiary acquired UK based Office & General Group Limited, an independent property service company specialising in cleaning and providing support services such as environmental solutions and built fabric maintenance in the UK. Office & General Group Limited has been fully integrated and re-branded as Tenon FM Ltd. For more information see: www.tenon-fm.com/what-we-do

In addition, the Company acquired a 51% majority stake in Singapore-based security company Frontline Security Pte. Ltd, and has an option to acquire an additional 25% within three years.

Learn more about Mortice through this video interview with Manjit Rajain, Executive Chairman of Mortice:

www.brrmedia.co.uk/broadcasts/57c94e8cd6c09fd74b0ae623/mortice-unlocking-potential

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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May 15, 2017 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)