Retec Share Discussion Threads

[hastings] 28/1/2007 19:59

Interesting read here>>>>>>>Self-service technology in retail is now a common and accepted part of the customer experience; it could be argued that it is indispensable to meeting customers' needs. Skilled and knowledgeable sales advisers are a costly and increasingly rare commodity in the retail environment. In supplementing the role of the in-store sales advisor, interactive self-service kiosks increase sales, generate revenue and enhance customer loyalty.

The AnyPlace Kiosk (APK) from IBM is rapidly becoming a reseller favourite; at the core of this success is its suitability for a wide range of applications. As a product from IBM's Retail Store Solutions range, it is to be expected that the APK would sell well into the retail space, but what is perhaps surprising the high demand from many other market sectors. This product's versatility, combined with the suitability of touchscreen applications to various vertical markets are vitally important factors in its success.

One of the pioneers of the APK is Retec Interface, who specialises in the delivery of digital communications solutions for the retail market, and who uses the APK in all of its integrated touchscreen self-service projects. John Cole, CEO of Retec Interface, illustrates the reasons for the growth of shelf edge touchscreen technology in retail, and the advantages that this technology offers retailers. "With consumers becoming ever more demanding and seeking more control over their purchases and transactions, a combination of passive and interactive communication channels is proving to be a win-win situation for both retailers and customers alike. Advanced selling technologies, such as those provided by Retec Interface, enable clients to enhance customer interactions and differentiate their in-store shopping experience, increasing core sales and improving operational efficiencies. We're already seeing companies like Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Woolworth's taking advantage of the benefits in-store kiosk solutions can bring to their stores, by empowering employees and providing customers with timely and relevant information."

The APK is particularly well suited to such usage says Cole. "Customers have instant access to information, special services, and e-business transactions, allowing retailers to exert powerful influence over purchasing decisions. The kiosks combine advanced infrared touchscreen technology, with powerful
processing capabilities, in a space-saving device that is easy to place in any environment. The advanced kiosk platform, combined with Retec Interface's flexible mounting and housing options, allows the solution to be customised to the needs of the store."

Outside of the retail market, applications for this technology are diverse, ranging from hospitality to healthcare, libraries to leisure. ScanSource Europe's solution partner programme facilitates partnerships between companies with strengths in particular vertical markets, and those with software or other specialist skills. This means that there is no need for companies with an opportunity to sell a kiosk solution into a particular vertical market to re-invent the wheel. Partnering with companies who have the capabilities to implement kiosk applications can help to deliver a fast and effective solution to customers.

[wonder boy] 25/1/2007 17:27

... and on the subject of growth, apparently our CEO was telling the City this morning that he expects to have a 1,000 screens rolled out soon (source: Bloomberg). Also he muted possible Asda and Morrison contract wins!

[hastings] 25/1/2007 16:11

Wonder Boy>>>> i have to agree with you, the market certainly hasn't woken up to this at all. Certainly looks cheap so picked some up today, although it shows as a sell.

[wonder boy] 25/1/2007 15:58

The market (and Retec themselves) don't seem to have woken up to the opportunity we have here. I owned a business which had 50 screens in UK pubs and I sold the rights to advertise on those screens to an agency for £50 per week per screen. RET has better sites, and economies of scale. Say they negotiate a similar deal: 632 screens x 52 weeks x £50 = £1.6m PBT. That's before any other revenues, and without factoring in any growth.

[hastings] 25/1/2007 15:30

A very big percentage gain today, yet the shares are still below the 4.25p when CS last issued a note. So, after a very positive trading statement CS have re-iterated their Strong Buy recc and despite the jump, the shares trade on a forward PER of 5. The conclusion from the analyst is that a 5p target price should easily be achieved. I SHOULD THINK SO TOO.

[soul traders] 25/1/2007 14:05

not a bad piece of news.

[soul traders] 25/1/2007 14:05

not a bad piece of news.

[currypasty] 25/1/2007 07:53

25 January 2006 RETEC DIGITAL PLC ("Retec" or "the Group") Trading Statement for the 6 months ended 31 December 2006 Retec Digital PLC ("Retec" or "the Group"), the in-store digital marketing
company, is today pleased to issue the following trading update.
Retec is pleased to report that trading for the six months to 31 December 2006
was in line with management's expectations. The Group has enjoyed a busy
trading period since the acquisition of Retec Interface in September 2006 and
has won a number of contracts throughout the period with a number of large
retailers, either directly or through its business partner, IBM UK Limited.Today, the Group's clients include national high street retailers such as
Sainsbury's, Tesco, Argos and Woolworths.
Retec has been pleased by the uptake of its Entertainment Xtra product,
particularly in relation to the Sainsbury's contract. The units have been
installed in more than 125 of Sainsbury's largest stores and these
installations have taken place ahead of schedule and within budget. This
roll-out is being extended and Retec will install units across a further 75
Sainsbury's stores, taking the total number of stores using Retec's
Entertainment Xtra product to over 200.
Over the course of the period, Retec has delivered 400 units to Woolworths and
Argos, and has successfully completed the roll out of its Entertainment Xtra
product to 32 Tesco stores.
In addition, the Group has witnessed strong demand for third party advertising
on its Entertainment Xtra units, particularly with the Sainsbury's contract.This is a new and exciting offering which provides an additional revenue stream
to the Group and early indications are encouraging. Consequently, the Board
looks to the future with confidence.
The Group is today holding a City Day in Central London where it is showcasing
its best selling products. No new financial information will be provided at
this briefing.

[soul traders] 10/1/2007 11:54

Tick up today: RET Bid: 3.25p Offer: 3.75p Change: 0.25

[timbo003] 27/12/2006 16:46

I've just received my EIS3 tax certificate (from the recent fund raising) in the post today, juvverly jubberly!

[currypasty] 13/12/2006 19:17

thanks tim, ill put the link in the header... are you going to 'log in' to the investor page ?

[timbo003] 13/12/2006 19:02

I'm not sure if anyone else has ever stumbled across the Retec web site, I certainly hadn't before today:



It's definitely worth a gander, even if it's just to check out the various products they supply to the numerous blue chip, retailer clients.

Hint: you may need to use the control button when you click your mouse for some of the links, especially if you are using "pop up stopper"

[wonder boy] 13/12/2006 16:24

I think it's better than we know. Apparently the Sainsbury's deal is progressing very nicely indeed. The product is in over 100 stores already. RET have apparently signed a couple of side deals as well e.g. where they get revenue shares from screen-based competitions.

[soul traders] 13/12/2006 12:54

I agree the news looks good.

[wonder boy] 04/12/2006 11:28

hastings, can you paste the note here? cheers.

RET are in danger of looking like a serious company. how long before the likes of New Media Spark are sniffing around?

[hastings] 04/12/2006 08:56

Charles Stanley has issued a Strong Buy note this morning.

[currypasty] 04/12/2006 08:00

4 December 2006

Retec Digital acquires Media 4 UK Limited

Retec Digital PLC ("Retec" or "the Group"), the in-store digital marketing
company, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the entire issued share
capital of Media 4 UK Limited ("Media 4"), a company that provides hardware
installation and maintenance services to Retec's clients, for a total
consideration of £192,500 in cash.

Media 4 was founded in January 2003 and is based in Bedford. It operates almost
exclusively for the Group providing hardware installation and maintenance
services to Retec's clients. Given the strong pipeline in Retec's business from
customers such as Sainsbury's and Tesco, the addition of this engineering
expertise to the Retec Group will enable the Group to offer its customers more
innovative and cost effective digital solutions as part of an end-to-end
solutions package. In particular, where multiple applications and devices are
provided to the same customer, it is anticipated that the economies of scale
will provide significant cost reductions whilst at the same time improving
margins for Retec. Media 4 will retain its name and will operate as a separate
subsidiary within the Retec Group.

Retec has paid £192,500 in cash for 100 per cent. of the issued share capital
of Media 4. In the year ended 31 December 2005, Media 4 had turnover of £
273,409 and a profit before taxation of £25,236. At 31 December 2005, Media 4's
net assets were £18,740. The acquisition is expected to be earnings enhancing
within the first year of operation.

Commenting on the acquisition, John Cole, Chief Executive Officer of Retec,
said:

"We are delighted to have acquired Media 4, which adds a new portfolio of
services to our customers. Retec's expertise lies in in-store digital marketing
and Media 4's is focussed around the maintenance of the screen itself. By
bringing this business into the Group, we can offer our clients more value in
the solutions we provide to them. We look forward to working with Media 4."

[currypasty] 23/11/2006 19:01

back to 10p, in 2.5 years will do me !

[timbo003] 23/11/2006 18:58

WB

I'm on the share register, but I've only got 160K shares (0.12%), not 1% unfortunately!

A nice rise today, I doubt if it will last, but still, I'm not too bothered as I'm locked in for the next 2.5 years in order to benefit from the generous EIS tax reliefs

[wonder boy] 23/11/2006 12:47

Somebody knew this was coming. Excellent news all the same. Roll on interim results.

[currypasty] 23/11/2006 12:27

Retec Digital says current year 'off to promising start'

LONDON (AFX) - Retec Digital PLC said the current financial year has got off
to a promising start following last month's reverse takeover of Retec Interface.
In a statement prepared for today's annual shareholders meeting, chairman
Sir Brian Ivory said the business has been transformed and it is now well-placed
to deliver "significant value to our customers and shareholders going forward".
Retec, which provides in-store digital marketing, said the roll-out with
Sainsbury's for Entertainment Xtra is progressing well with more than 100 stores
installed into the Sainsbury's estate. Media sales are also accelerating as it
approaches the busy Christmas trading period.
The statement added the company is entering the new financial year with a
"very solid platform on which to build, both organically and by selective
acquisition".

[wonder boy] 21/11/2006 09:32

I thought yesterday's trades were interesting - looks like somebody bought 1% of the company.

It would be nice to know who's on the share register.

[currypasty] 21/11/2006 09:14

3.50 - 4.00 couple of buys this morning

[currypasty] 14/11/2006 18:11

another tick up, looking alot healthier now

3.50 - 3.75