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TRI Trifast Plc

73.20
-3.20 (-4.19%)
03 May 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Trifast Plc LSE:TRI London Ordinary Share GB0008883927 ORD 5P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -3.20 -4.19% 73.20 73.20 77.80 76.00 74.80 76.00 33,793 16:35:18
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Manufacturing Industries,nec 244.39M -2.87M -0.0213 -35.21 100.99M

Trifast PLC Half Yearly Report - six months ended 30.9.15 (1087F)

10/11/2015 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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TIDMTRI

RNS Number : 1087F

Trifast PLC

10 November 2015

HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

"Continued organic and acquisitive growth"

"Focus on operational efficiencies delivers EPS growth of 23.2%"

"Order pipeline across key locations remains encouragingly healthy"

HALF-YEARLY HIGHLIGHTS

Key financials

 
                                                 Change 
                                                HY 2016 
                                                      v   Half year   Half year   Full year 
Continuing operations                           HY 2015   30.9.2015   30.9.2014   31.3.2015 
---------------------------------------  --------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
Group revenue                                     +5.6%    GBP78.1m    GBP74.0m   GBP154.7m 
Gross profit %                                   +30bps       29.3%       29.0%       29.0% 
Underlying operating profit*                     +22.2%     GBP8.6m     GBP7.1m    GBP15.3m 
Operating profit                                 +38.9%     GBP7.5m     GBP5.4m    GBP12.8m 
Underlying pre-tax profit*                       +24.8%     GBP8.3m     GBP6.6m    GBP14.3m 
Pre-tax profit                                   +43.9%     GBP7.1m     GBP4.9m    GBP11.8m 
Underlying diluted earnings per share*           +23.2%       5.05p       4.10p       8.68p 
Basic earnings per share                         +42.3%       4.41p       3.10p       7.39p 
Dividend: 
- final                                                           -           -       1.50p 
- interim                                        +33.3%       0.80p       0.60p       0.60p 
---------------------------------------  --------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
- total                                                       0.80p       0.60p       2.10p 
Net debt                                       +GBP1.3m  (GBP16.3m)  (GBP17.5m)  (GBP13.4m) 
Return on capital employed (ROCE)*              +200bps       19.3%       17.3%       18.6% 
---------------------------------------  --------------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

* Before separately disclosed items (see note 2).

   --     Revenue at constant currency grew 8.7% with acquisitions representing 5.4% 
   --     Organic constant currency growth of GBP4.6m from our top 50 multinational OEMs 
   --     Underlying pre-tax profit* grew 24.8% to GBP8.3m, with VIC acquisition representing 11.1% 
   --     Underlying diluted earnings per share* has increased by 23.2% 
   --     Interim dividend has increased by 33.3% 
   --     Factory expansion in Taiwan completed, increasing SFE capacity by 15% 
   --     Additional investment in "lean-lift" technology in UK, halving pick times 
   --     Post period end events: 

Seamless transition of Mark Belton to CEO and Clare Foster to CFO on 1 October 2015

Strategic and earning enhancing acquisition of Kuhlmann on 1 October 2015 to aid further expansion into Germany

"We are pleased to report a solid first half performance which has delivered an underlying pre-tax profit increase of 24.8% to GBP8.3m and a 23.2% increase in underlying EPS.

Our order pipeline across our key locations remains encouragingly healthy. We continue to focus on cost control and supply chain management, particularly from ongoing investment into efficiency drivers. The positive impact this is having on our margins is expected to continue.

In our quest to add to the momentum of our organic growth, we were very pleased at the start of the second half to establish a strong domestic distribution and logistics facility in Germany through our acquisition of the well-respected Kuhlmann business.

Overall, taking into account the current business climate we are operating within, the Board remains optimistic about the Group's prospects and continues to expect its trading for the financial year as a whole to be in line with its expectations. Organic growth remains only part of our strategy and we will continue to look for our next strategic acquisition to complement the Group's existing global, product and sector footprint."

Malcolm Diamond MBE, Executive Chairman

http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/1087F_-2015-11-9.pdf

 
 Enquiries please contact: 
  Trifast plc                                TooleyStreet Communications       Peel Hunt LLP 
  Malcolm Diamond MBE, Executive             IR & media relations              Stockbroker & financial 
  Chairman                                   Fiona Tooley                      adviser 
  Mobile: +44 (0) 7979 518493                Tel: +44 (0)7785 703523           Justin Jones 
  (MMD)                                      Email: fiona@tooleystreet.com     Mike Bell 
  Mark Belton, Chief Executive                                                 Tel: +44 (0)20 7418 
  Officer                                                                      8900 
  Office: +44 (0) 1825 747630 
  Email: corporate.enquiries@trifast.com 
----------------------------------------  --------------------------------  -------------------------- 
 

About Trifast plc

The Company is quoted on the London Stock Exchange (LSE Premium Listing: Ticker: TRI)

Group website: www.trifast.com

Trifast's trading business TR Fastenings is a leading international manufacturer (35% of sales) and distributor (65% of sales) of industrial fastenings to the assembly industries, with operations in Europe, the Americas and Asia supplying both distributors and OEMs. TR has over 5,000 customers and has attained 'preferred supplier status' with over 40 global OEM customers.

Group sales derive from industrial sectors: Automotive (32%), Electronics (17%) Domestic appliance (23%) Distributors (9%) with the remaining 19% from a combination of other sectors.

TR is well established and respected in the industry; built from one office in East Sussex, England in 1973 employing five people, today TR is an international business employing over 1100 staff in 17 countries; it operates through 26 business locations within Asia, North America and Europe and offers manufacturing and logistics capabilities serving over 50 countries 24/7. The TR business has strong leadership, experienced and motivated people throughout the business.

For more information, please visit www.trfastenings.com: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/tr-fastenings:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trfastenings: Twitter: www.twitter.com/trfastenings

TRIFAST PLC

HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT

Chairman's Introduction

Our ongoing focus so far this year is on operational efficiencies, especially on our incoming supply chain and warehousing costs, together with increasing our manufacturing capacity at PSEP in Malaysia and SFE in Taiwan.

Global market overview

Clearly, global events have influenced the industrial sector's confidence during the period. However, TR trading to date has not been unduly affected, although it would be wrong to be complacent as we look forward. Rather, events serve as a prompt to be even more diligent in identifying non value add overhead reductions and seek supplier price reductions where steel prices, container rates, any spare factory capacity and relevant foreign exchange movements are opportunities for cost down reviews and negotiations.

TR strategy update

Our core business of being the preferred fastener supplier to over 40 multinational OEMs, mostly in the electronics, Tier 1 automotive and domestic appliance sectors, continues to gather pace, thus reinforcing our commitment to this growth strategy. The reason why we believe this strategy has future momentum is due to our minor penetration into the many hundreds of sister manufacturing sites of our numerous multinational OEM customers spread across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

In addition, our global sales team has been successful in winning new multinational OEMs every year, and each of these have many plants dotted around the world; therefore, our opportunities for growth continue to roll out.

Elsewhere, our TR Branded Products team has maintained excellent margins, as have Lancaster Fastener and our TR Plastics specialist team. The factory extension at SFE in Taiwan has been completed and an additional section of new sophisticated cold forging machines installed, increasing our total capacity in Taiwan by 15%. Before the end of the 2015 calendar year, a Japanese six stage parts former, costing GBP1.0m and weighing over 40 tonnes, will be ready to commence production at PSEP in Malaysia. This will increase our capacity for complex larger components for the automotive, two wheel vehicle and compressor sectors. We believe that this machine will give us a distinct competitive advantage in these target markets.

We have long declared our continuing search for suitable acquisitions to add to the momentum of our organic growth. This has recently been rewarded by Kuhlmann becoming part of the Trifast Group. Germany has been a growing export market for TR, but our ability to leverage our business potential there has been constrained by the lack of a German speaking team with good local logistics capabilities - especially with the many multinational OEMs based in the country. Both the Kuhlmann management team and their TR colleagues are very optimistic about the benefits that will arise from their joint efforts and focus on new business targets.

Succession and people

Finally, as of 1 October, Mark Belton handed over his CFO role to Clare Foster and took on the CEO position. As planned, Jim Barker retired as CEO but remains available to the Board as a valued consultant until June 2016. I would like to personally acknowledge, with thanks and gratitude, my close and long term colleague's pivotal contribution in leading Trifast to the success it is today after we re-joined the Company back in early 2009.

Also, I take the opportunity to thank all my colleagues around the business for their ongoing dedication which has underpinned our performance.

Malcolm Diamond MBE

Executive Chairman

Business review

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November 10, 2015 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

Unless stated otherwise, comparisons with prior year are calculated at constant currency ("CER") and, where we refer to 'underlying', this is defined as being before separately disclosed items (see note 2).

The Group's sales for the period were up 8.7% on the same period last year, although within this we have seen regional variations, both up and down, in relation to the prior year period and our internal targets. The UK and Shanghai were virtually flat, Hungary and Malaysia were down, whereas the USA, Sweden, Holland and Singapore were each substantially higher. Moreover, the key customer order pipeline into 2016 remains encouraging. Our Italian operation, VIC, continues to yield strong results and now the earn-out has been successfully delivered, the integration of sales and marketing activities is gaining rapid momentum. A review to increase manufacturing capacity on the current site is under way. It is worth noting that the cost gap between the region of Italy where VIC is located and Taiwan is narrowing enticingly.

Importantly, gross and operating margins at a Group level have shown evidence of continuing improvement as, despite increasing expenditure on staff and management training and the ongoing restoration of performance driven staff remuneration, overheads have remained firmly under control.

We continue to invest in the business. In the UK, this period has seen the successful trial and then gradual introduction of computer controlled "lean-lift" stock storage and picking machines; these are halving stock picking times and reducing warehouse space consumption so dramatically, that the need for any new premises through business growth has been removed for the foreseeable future. In turn, this has led to the consolidation of the Poole warehouse into the Uckfield "Hub", which will deliver operational efficiencies whilst continuing to maintain strong customer service.

We are exploring a number of geographical areas, including Spain and Mexico, for new business opportunities and we will report on our progress by June 2016.

Key financials

Revenue

 
                                                   Growth at 
                                                      actual 
                                        Growth at 
                                         constant 
                                         exchange   exchange 
                Six months  Six months 
                  ended 30    ended 30 
                 September   September 
                      2015        2014       rate       rate 
Revenue (CER)    (GBP'000)   (GBP'000)      (CER)      (AER) 
--------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
UK                  32,054      31,989       0.2%       0.2% 
Europe              26,128      21,171      23.4%      13.4% 
Asia                20,057      18,970       5.7%       4.2% 
USA                  2,218       1,903      16.5%      22.5% 
--------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
Total               80,457      74,033       8.7%       5.6% 
--------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 

At CER, Group revenue in the period under review grew by 8.7%. An element of this growth reflects the acquisition of VIC which we acquired on 30 May 2014, two months into the prior half year period. Excluding VIC, organic growth for the Group was 3.3%.

Our half year organic growth has come largely from Europe and Asia at 4.7% (GBP1.0m) and 5.7% (GBP1.1m) respectively compared to HY 2015. Our US operation continued to do very well, albeit from a smaller base, to achieve revenue growth of 16.5% (GBP0.3m) in the half year. Revenue from our UK businesses remained broadly flat compared with HY 2015 with 0.2% (GBP0.1m) growth.

In Asia, our Singapore location continued to perform very well with revenue growth of 19.5% (GBP1.1m). In contrast, our PSEP business in Malaysia reported a 9.6% (GBP0.5m) fall in revenue from the previous half year. Both movements have arisen largely out of changes in product/sales quantities to specific key accounts in the region.

Currency exchange rates

The ongoing volatility in the currency markets has impacted on reported revenue growth for the period. On an actual exchange rate ("AER") basis this has reduced CER growth by 3.1% to 5.6% compared to HY 2015.

The largest currency impact has been seen in Europe, where the continued weakness in the Euro has reduced HY 2016 revenue from our European businesses by GBP2.1m (10.0%) at AER compared to CER. In addition, the more recent depreciation of the Chinese Yuan and its wider impact on currencies across the Asian region has led to a decrease in the revenue from our Asian operations of GBP0.3m (1.5%) at AER compared to CER.

Gross and operating profit

Gross margin at AER was 29.3% (HY 2015: 29.0%) with positive momentum coming predominantly out of our UK and Singapore businesses due to sales mix changes and close management of our supply chain and warehousing costs. Underlying overheads as a percentage of sales have continued to be well managed at 18.2% (HY 2015: 19.4%; FY 2015: 19.1%) reflecting our ongoing commitment and focus on operational efficiencies and continuous improvement.

Underlying operating profit at AER increased by 22.2% to GBP8.6m and excluding the impact of the additional two months of VIC in HY 2016, organic underlying operating profit grew 11.6% (GBP0.8m).

Separately disclosed items

The Group incurred GBP1.2m of separately disclosed items in the period. These are amounts that in the Directors' opinion should be shown separately in order to better understand the underlying performance of the Group. They are as follows:

 
                           2015   2014 
                           GBPm   GBPm 
------------------------  -----  -----  ---------------------------------------------- 
Acquisition costs           0.3    1.2     Represents the estimated total professional 
                                                                     costs incurred in 
                                                  acquiring Kuhlmann on 1 October 2015 
                                                                        (HY 2015: VIC) 
------------------------  -----  -----  ---------------------------------------------- 
Intangible amortisation     0.3    0.2              Represents the amortisation charge 
                                         on intangible assets acquired on acquisition. 
                                               The increase relates to the intangibles 
                                               acquired as part of the VIC acquisition 
------------------------  -----  -----  ---------------------------------------------- 
                                              Represents the IFRS 2 fair value charge. 
                                                                          The increase 
                                                     is due to the Directors' deferred 
                                                          equity bonus share scheme as 
Share based payment                                 approved at the 2014 AGM (FY 2015: 
 charges                    0.6    0.3                                        GBP0.7m) 
------------------------  -----  -----  ---------------------------------------------- 
Total                       1.2    1.7 
------------------------  -----  -----  ---------------------------------------------- 
 

Margins

At AER, underlying operating margins in the UK have continued to increase in the period to 9.8% (HY 2015: 8.9%), largely driven by the gross profit improvements discussed above. In Asia the increase is more marked at 16.5% (HY 2015: 12.2%) reflecting a 250 bps increase in gross profit margin due to positive sales mix changes and a reduction in overhead costs.

Underlying operating margins in Europe have reduced to 12.1% (HY 2015: 13.5%). This is largely from adverse movements in the US$:EUR exchange rate which has specifically impacted VIC at a gross profit level, leading to reduced underlying operating margins in VIC of 18.6% compared to 22.1% for the same period last year.

For the Group overall, underlying EBITDA increased to GBP9.6m (HY 2015: GBP7.7m) at CER and now represents 11.9% of revenue (HY 2015: 10.3%). Underlying pre-tax profit improved by 28.9% (GBP1.9m) at CER on the prior year period and by 24.8% (GBP1.6m) at AER. On an organic basis (excluding the two additional months of VIC in HY 2016), the increase remains strong at 16.9% (GBP1.1m) at CER and 13.7% (GBP0.9m) at AER.

Interest costs

These were slightly lower at GBP0.4m (HY 2015: GBP0.4m). Although the average net debt position over the period increased to GBP14.5m (HY 2015: GBP10.9m), this has been offset by the additional arrangement fees relating to the VIC acquisition that were incurred in HY 2015.

The Group continues to operate comfortably within all banking covenants with an improved net debt to EBITDA ratio of 0.89 (HY 2015: 1.07).

Taxation

The taxation charge of GBP2.0m (HY 2015: GBP1.5m) is recognised based on the estimated weighted average annual Group effective tax rate (ETR) of 27.9% (HY 2015: 29.4%). The decrease is primarily due to the reduction in the UK corporation tax rate and the increased proportion of profits being generated in the UK and Asian countries where taxation rates are lower.

Earnings per share

Underlying diluted earnings per share increased by 23.2% to 5.05p (HY 2015: 4.10p) and basic earnings per share increased by 42.3% to 4.41p (HY 2015: 3.10p).

Balance sheet, cash flow and working capital

While the Group's profitability has increased, total shareholders' equity has decreased by GBP0.2m since the beginning of this financial year. This reflects a net retained profit for the period of GBP3.3m, offset by adverse foreign exchange differences on the translation of foreign operations of GBP3.5m.

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November 10, 2015 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

Non-current assets reduced in the same timeframe by GBP1.5m to GBP47.5m. Capital expenditure in the period of GBP0.8m relates to the expansion of our manufacturing capacity at SFE in Taiwan and at VIC in Italy, as well as an investment in "lean-lift" technology in the UK. This has been offset by depreciation and amortisation charges around the Group.

Inventories have increased by GBP1.4m, reflecting increased stock levels of GBP1.0m to support the higher trading levels in Singapore. Receivables have remained stable at GBP39.5m (FY 2015: GBP39.9m). A GBP2.4m increase in the debtor position at VIC has arisen due to the decision to unwind the non-recourse factoring previously used pre acquisition. This has been offset by falls in receivables elsewhere within the Group. As a result net debtor days have increased from 72 days in FY 2015 to 79 days (HY 2015: 71 days) mainly due to the VIC de-factoring. Bad debts have continued to be minimal during the period.

Trade and other payables have reduced by GBP5.9m since 31 March 2015. Of this, GBP3.4m (EUR5.0m) relates to the settlement on 1 July 2015 of the final earn-out consideration for VIC. The remaining movement reflects a fall in the UK where trade and other payables have decreased by GBP1.8m due to the seasonality of the market causing lower purchasing requirements during the summer months.

The Group's cash balance has improved by GBP5.4m since 31 March 2015 to GBP20.9m (FY 2015: GBP15.5m). This increase relates to the additional funds accessed immediately prior to the 30 September 2015 and then held in trust at the balance sheet date in advance of the Kuhlmann acquisition on 1 October 2015. The initial consideration amount was EUR6.8m (GBP4.9m) (see note 9).

Net cash generated from Group operations has been affected by the movements in working capital discussed previously, leading to a cash conversion of underlying EBITDA of 46.3% (HY 2015: (4.7)%, FY 2015: 50.2%). We expect to see this position improve over the second half of the year.

The provisional values for the net assets acquired as part of the Kuhlmann acquisition total GBP4.0m (see note 9).

Finance and banking facilities

There has been no requirement to change the existing banking facilities that the Group has in place. However, as our current Asset Based Lending facility is due for renewal in February 2016, the Group has commenced positive dialogue with HSBC plc.

At 30 September 2015, gross debt was GBP37.2m (FY 2015: GBP28.4m) and net debt was GBP16.3m (FY 2015: GBP13.4m). The primary reason for the increase in the net position was the drawdown of EUR5.0m (GBP3.4m) from the Revolving Credit Facility to meet the VIC deferred earn-out payment on 1 July 2015. The gross debt position also reflects the EUR6.8m (GBP4.9m) initial consideration for Kuhlmann.

The net gearing ratio was 22.7% (FY 2015: 18.7%) at the period end.

Dividend

The Directors remain committed to a progressive dividend policy. To underpin the Board's confidence in the business and its future prospects, we are declaring an interim dividend of 0.80 pence per share, an increase of 33.3%. The interim dividend will be paid on 15 April 2016, to shareholders on the Register as at 18 March 2016. The shares will become ex-dividend on 17 March 2016.

Kuhlmann

On 1 October 2015, Trifast acquired Kuhlmann for a total consideration of EUR8.5m (GBP6.2m). The initial amount of EUR6.8m (GBP4.9m) was paid on completion in cash and EUR0.04m (GBP0.03m) was satisfied by the allotment of 29,350 ordinary shares in the Company. Consideration of EUR1.7m (GBP1.2m) will be deferred for 12 months as a retention against any potential warranty and indemnity claims. The cash consideration was met from the Company's existing bank facilities.

Germany is the fourth largest industrial fastener market globally and the biggest in Europe. Over the last five years TR has successfully developed its export business and last financial year sales into Germany contributed around GBP7.0m. To further enhance TR's reputation and presence in this important market, the Board consider it strategically beneficial to establish a strong domestic distribution and logistics facility managed by local German speaking industrial fastener professionals.

Kuhlmann has a highly experienced and motivated team with excellent technical knowledge which will enable the Group to drive its core growth strategy of growing revenues into its multinational OEM base.

Outlook

Looking ahead, we are pleased to report that our order pipeline across our key locations remains encouragingly healthy with continued sales growth expected primarily from Europe and the USA. However, this is being tempered by a slight softening in demand, most specifically in the UK where we are starting to see some signs of hesitation and order deferral. In the longer term, we feel comfortable that our UK core business remains strong which is firmly evidenced by the high level of sales enquiries that continue to be registered on to our enquiry portal.

In Asia we have seen substantial growth in HY 2016 reflecting increased business with certain key customers, although we see at least an element of that increase will start to reduce in the second half of the year. At PSEP, slower order levels in the automotive sector are expected to continue in the short term. On a more positive note, following the recent GBP1.0m capital investment programme, we anticipate our increased capacity in Malaysia will start to counteract any possible slowdown in FY 2017.

In Europe we expect organic sales to continue to grow on a CER basis. We are also very excited about the addition of Kuhlmann to our business as it adds to our footprint an important market that will have a positive impact on our future trading.

As evidenced in the period, our cost control and supply chain management is positively impacting margins and this will continue, particularly given our ongoing investment into efficiency drivers such as the "lean-lifts" we are rolling out across our UK business.

As a global business operating in a number of different territories and currencies, we are aware the ongoing volatility in the currency markets could continue to impact on our results. As discussed in our 2015 Annual Report, we will continue to monitor and manage foreign exchange risk.

Overall, taking into account the current business climate we are operating within, the Board remains optimistic about the Group's prospects and continues to expect its trading for the financial year as a whole to be in line with its expectations. Organic growth remains only part of our strategy and we will continue to look for our next strategic acquisition to complement the Group's existing global, product and sector footprint.

Risks and uncertainties

The Directors do not consider that the principal risks and uncertainties of the Group have changed since the publication

in July 2015 of the Group's Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2015. A copy of this can be found on our website

www.trifast.com.

No system can fully eliminate risk and therefore the understanding of operational risk is central to the management process within TR. The Group operates a system of internal control and risk management in order to provide assurance that we are managing risk whilst achieving our business objectives. Risk assessment reviews are regularly carried out by management, with responsibilities for monitoring and mitigating personally allocated to a broad spread of individual managers. The review is analysed and discussed at Audit Committee meetings chaired by our Senior Independent Non-Executive Director.

As with all businesses, the Group faces risks, with some not wholly within its control, which could have a material impact on the Group, and may affect its performance with actual results becoming materially different from both forecast and historic results. There are indications that the macroeconomic climate is still under pressure, so it is too soon in Management's opinion to assume the worst is reliably over, and so we continue to remain vigilant for any indications of a reversal that could adversely impact expected results going forward. Past and future acquisitions can also carry impairment risks on goodwill should there be a sustained downturn in trading within an acquired subsidiary.

The long-term success of the Group depends on the ongoing review, assessment and control of the key business risks it faces.

Trifast plc - responsibility statement

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

-- the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU;

   --     the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by: 

a. DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

b. DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the entity during that period; and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.

Malcolm Diamond MBE

Executive Chairman

9 November 2015

Condensed consolidated interim income statement

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Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2015

 
                                                           Six months     Six months       Year 
                                                                ended          ended      ended 
                                                         30 September   30 September   31 March 
                                                                 2015           2014       2015 
                                                 Notes         GBP000         GBP000     GBP000 
---------------------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Continuing operations 
Revenue                                                        78,142         74,033    154,741 
Cost of sales                                                (55,260)       (52,575)  (109,866) 
---------------------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Gross profit                                                   22,882         21,458     44,875 
Operating income                                                  169            165        352 
Distribution expenses                                         (1,717)        (1,490)    (3,108) 
---------------------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Administrative expenses before separately 
  disclosed items                                    2       (12,690)       (13,059)   (26,845) 
 Net acquisition costs                                          (252)        (1,200)      (750) 
 Intangible amortisation                                        (302)          (238)      (551) 
 Cost on exercise of executive share options                        -          (228)      (511) 
 Release of closure provision for TR Formac 
  (Suzhou) Co. Ltd                                                  -              -         94 
 IFRS 2 charge                                                  (608)           (22)      (741) 
---------------------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Total administrative expenses                                (13,852)       (14,747)   (29,304) 
---------------------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Operating profit                                                7,482          5,386     12,815 
---------------------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Financial income                                                   28             56         97 
Financial expenses                                              (401)          (503)    (1,063) 
---------------------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Net financing costs                                             (373)          (447)      (966) 
---------------------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Profit before tax                                               7,109          4,939     11,849 
Taxation                                             4        (1,984)        (1,453)    (3,455) 
---------------------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Profit for the period 
 (attributable to equity shareholders of 
 the parent company)                                            5,125          3,486      8,394 
---------------------------------------------  -------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Earnings per share 
Basic                                                6          4.41p          3.10p      7.39p 
Diluted                                              6          4.27p          2.97p      7.07p 
 

Condensed consolidated interim statement of comprehensive income

Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2015

 
                                                                      Six months     Six months       Year 
                                                                           ended          ended      ended 
                                                                    30 September   30 September   31 March 
                                                                            2015           2014       2015 
                                                                          GBP000         GBP000     GBP000 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Profit for the period                                                      5,125          3,486      8,394 
Other comprehensive income/(expense): 
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations                (3,201)          (349)    (2,726) 
Net (loss)/gain on hedge of net investment in foreign subsidiary           (302)            857      2,180 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Other comprehensive (expense)/income recognised directly in 
 equity, 
 net of income tax                                                       (3,503)            508      (546) 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Total comprehensive income recognised for the period 
 (attributable to equity shareholders of the parent company)               1,622          3,994      7,848 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 

Condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity

Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2015

 
                                                 Share     Share  Translation   Retained    Total 
Unaudited results for the                      capital   premium      reserve   earnings   equity 
 six months ended 30 September 2015             GBP000    GBP000       GBP000     GBP000   GBP000 
--------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------- 
Balance at 1 April 2015                          5,809    20,978        6,342     38,551   71,680 
Total comprehensive income for the period: 
Profit for the period                                -         -            -      5,125    5,125 
Other comprehensive expense: 
Foreign currency translation differences             -         -      (3,201)          -  (3,201) 
Net loss on hedge of net investment in 
 foreign subsidiary                                  -         -        (302)          -    (302) 
Total other comprehensive expense                    -         -      (3,503)          -  (3,503) 
--------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------- 
Total comprehensive (expense)/income for 
 the period                                          -         -      (3,503)      5,125    1,622 
--------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------- 
Transactions with owners, recorded directly 
 in equity: 
Issue of share capital                               1         5            -          -        6 
Share based payment transactions (including 
 tax)                                                -         -            -        650      650 
Dividends                                            -         -            -    (2,440)  (2,440) 
--------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------- 
Total transactions with owners                       1         5            -    (1,790)  (1,784) 
--------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------- 
Balance at 30 September 2015                     5,810    20,983        2,839     41,886   71,518 
--------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------- 
 
 
                                                    Share     Share  Translation   Retained    Total 
Unaudited results for the                         capital   premium      reserve   earnings   equity 
 six months ended 30 September 2014                GBP000    GBP000       GBP000     GBP000   GBP000 
-----------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------- 
Balance at 1 April 2014                             5,435    18,488        6,888     30,856   61,667 
Total comprehensive income for the period: 
Profit for the period                                   -         -            -      3,486    3,486 
Other comprehensive (expense)/income: 
Foreign currency translation differences                -         -        (349)          -    (349) 
Net gain on hedge of net investment in foreign 
 subsidiary                                             -         -          857          -      857 
-----------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------- 
Total other comprehensive income                        -         -          508          -      508 
-----------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------- 
Total comprehensive income for 
 the period                                             -         -          508      3,486    3,994 
-----------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------- 
Transactions with owners, recorded directly 
 in equity: 
Issue of share capital                                240     2,316            -          -    2,556 
Share based payment transactions (including             -         -            -          -        - 
 tax) 
Dividends                                               -         -            -    (1,568)  (1,568) 
-----------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------- 
Total transactions with owners                        240     2,316            -    (1,568)      988 
-----------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------- 

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Balance at 30 September 2014                        5,675    20,804        7,396     32,774   66,649 
-----------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -----------  ---------  ------- 
 

Condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position

Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2015

 
                                                     30 September  30 September  31 March 
                                                             2015          2014      2015 
Group                                         Notes        GBP000        GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment                              14,752        15,655    15,623 
Intangible assets                                          31,306        31,883    32,162 
Deferred tax assets                                         1,485         1,257     1,272 
Total non-current assets                                   47,543        48,795    49,057 
Current assets 
Inventories                                                38,796        39,285    37,418 
Trade and other receivables                                39,503        35,532    39,864 
Cash and cash equivalents                         7        20,889        13,596    15,453 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Total current assets                                       99,188        88,413    92,735 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Total assets                                              146,731       137,208   141,792 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Current liabilities 
Bank overdraft                                    7             1            47       439 
Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings       7        20,268        11,691    11,906 
Trade and other payables                                   28,587        33,277    34,482 
Tax payable                                                 3,138         2,256     1,927 
Dividends payable                                 5         1,743         1,134         - 
Provisions                                                    222             -       298 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Total current liabilities                                  53,959        48,405    49,052 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Non-current liabilities 
Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings       7        16,882        19,389    16,523 
Provisions                                                    883         1,100       885 
Deferred tax liabilities                                    3,489         1,665     3,652 
Total non-current liabilities                              21,254        22,154    21,060 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Total liabilities                                          75,213        70,559    70,112 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Net assets                                                 71,518        66,649    71,680 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Equity 
Share capital                                               5,810         5,675     5,809 
Share premium                                              20,983        20,804    20,978 
Reserves                                                    2,839         7,396     6,342 
Retained earnings                                          41,886        32,774    38,551 
Total equity                                               71,518        66,649    71,680 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------- 
 

Condensed consolidated interim statement of cash flows

Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2015

 
                                                                        Six months     Six months       Year 
                                                                             ended          ended      ended 
                                                                      30 September   30 September   31 March 
                                                                              2015           2014       2015 
Group                                                         Notes         GBP000         GBP000     GBP000 
------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Cash flows from operating activities 
Profit for the period                                                        5,125          3,486      8,394 
Adjustments for: 
Depreciation, amortisation & impairment                                        952            820      1,768 
Unrealised foreign currency (gain)/loss                                      (648)              -        111 
Financial income                                                              (28)           (56)       (97) 
Financial expense                                                              401            503      1,063 
Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment and investments                    (2)           (14)        (3) 
Equity settled share based payment charge                                      608             22        741 
Taxation charge                                                              1,984          1,453      3,455 
------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Operating cash inflow before changes in working capital 
 and provisions                                                              8,392          6,214     15,432 
Change in trade and other receivables                                      (1,077)        (3,700)    (9,187) 
Change in inventories                                                      (2,300)        (3,059)    (1,679) 
Change in trade and other payables                                           (708)            148      2,080 
Change in provisions                                                           (2)             37        121 
------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Net cash generated from/(used in) operations                                 4,305          (360)      6,767 
Tax paid                                                                     (931)        (2,546)    (4,639) 
------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities                       3,374        (2,906)      2,128 
------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment                               15             16         25 
Interest received                                                               43             56         97 
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired                            (3,361)       (18,610)   (16,240) 
Acquisition of property, plant & equipment                                   (769)          (456)    (1,414) 
------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Net cash used in investing activities                                      (4,072)       (18,994)   (17,532) 
------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Proceeds from the issue of share capital                                         6          2,556        494 
Proceeds from new loan                                                      10,496         20,337     20,337 
Repayment of borrowings                                                    (2,129)        (1,955)    (3,347) 
(Payment)/purchase of finance lease liabilities                               (13)             38         31 
Dividends paid                                                               (697)          (434)    (1,569) 
Interest paid                                                                (429)          (503)    (1,063) 
------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Net cash generated from financing activities                                 7,234         20,039     14,883 
------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents                                      6,536        (1,861)      (521) 
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April                                        15,014         15,504     15,504 
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held                            (662)           (94)         31 
------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                        7         20,888         13,549     15,014 
------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2015

1. Basis of preparation

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting policies set out in the full Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2015.

There are no new standards effective for the first time in the current financial period with significant impact on the Group's consolidated results or financial position.

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These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR) of the Financial Conduct Authority and International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) IAS 34: Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU. They do not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Group as at and for the year ended 31 March 2015. The annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with International Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU.

This statement does not comprise full financial statements within the meaning of Section 495 and 496 of the Companies Act 2006. The statement is unaudited but has been reviewed by KPMG LLP and their Report is set out on page 17.

The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 March 2015 are not the Company's statutory accounts for that financial year and have been extracted from the full Annual Report and Accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported on by the Company's auditor and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The Report of the Auditors was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their Report, and (iii) did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

Going concern

The Company's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the accompanying half-yearly financial report from the Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The financial position of the Company, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities also are described in the same report. In addition, note 26 to the Company's previously published financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2015 include the Company's objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments and hedging activities; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk.

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which the Directors consider to be appropriate.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires management to make estimates, judgements and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions take account of the circumstances and facts at the period end, historical experience of similar situations and other factors that are believed to be reasonable and relevant, the results for which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates.

In preparing these condensed consolidated interim financial statements, the significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were in the same areas as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 March 2015. These were as follows:

   --     Recoverable amount of goodwill 
   --     Provisions 
   --     Inventory valuation 
   --     Valuation of intangible assets acquired in a business combination 

2. Underlying pre-tax profit (before separately disclosed items)

 
                                                                 Six months     Six months       Year 
                                                                      ended          ended      ended 
                                                               30 September   30 September   31 March 
                                                                       2015           2014       2015 
                                                                     GBP000         GBP000     GBP000 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Underling pre-tax profit                                              8,271          6,627     14,308 
Separately disclosed items within administration expenses: 
Net acquisition costs                                                 (252)        (1,200)      (750) 
Intangible amortisation                                               (302)          (238)      (551) 
Cost on exercise of executive share options                               -          (228)      (511) 
Release of closure provision for TR Formac (Suzhou) Co. Ltd               -              -         94 
IFRS 2 share based payment charge                                     (608)           (22)      (741) 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Profit before tax                                                     7,109          4,939     11,849 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 

3. Geographical operating segments

The Group is comprised of the following main geographical operating segments:

   --     UK 
   --     Europe            includes Norway, Sweden, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Holland and Poland 
   --     USA                  includes USA and Mexico 
   --     Asia                  includes Malaysia, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and India 

In presenting information on the basis of geographical operating segments, segment revenue and segment assets are based on the geographical location of our entities across the world, and are consolidated into the four distinct geographical regions, which the Board use to monitor and assess the Group.

Segment revenue and results under the primary reporting format for the six months ended 30 September 2015 and 2014 are disclosed in the table below:

 
                                                                          Central costs, 
                                                                              assets and 
                                        UK    Europe       USA      Asia     liabilities     Total 
September 2015                      GBP000    GBP000    GBP000    GBP000          GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------  -------- 
Revenue* 
Revenue from external customers     32,054    23,998     2,332    19,758               -    78,142 
Inter segment revenue                1,093       159        63     3,079               -     4,394 
--------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------  -------- 
Total revenue                       33,147    24,157     2,395    22,837               -    82,536 
--------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------  -------- 
Underlying operating result          3,239     2,921       247     3,764         (1,527)     8,644 
Net financing costs                  (143)      (56)       (1)      (20)           (153)     (373) 
--------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------  -------- 
Underlying segment result            3,096     2,865       246     3,744         (1,680)     8,271 
Separately disclosed items 
 (see note 2)                                                                              (1,162) 
--------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------  -------- 
Profit before tax                                                                            7,109 
--------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------  -------- 
Specific disclosure items 
Depreciation and amortisation          106       395        10       409              32       952 
Assets and liabilities 
Segment assets                      39,944    33,877     2,309    45,970          24,631   146,731 
Segment liabilities               (21,902)   (9,952)     (332)   (9,606)        (33,421)  (75,213) 
--------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------------  -------- 
 
 
                                                                                Central 
                                                                                 costs, 
                                                                             assets and 
                                        UK    Europe       USA      Asia    liabilities     Total 
September 2014                      GBP000    GBP000    GBP000    GBP000         GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  -------- 
Revenue* 
Revenue from external customers     31,989    21,171     1,903    18,970              -    74,033 
Inter segment revenue                  929       184        25     2,868              -     4,006 
--------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  -------- 
Total revenue                       32,918    21,355     1,928    21,838              -    78,039 
--------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  -------- 
Underlying operating result          2,920     2,877       193     2,661        (1,577)     7,074 
Net financing costs                  (147)      (46)       (1)      (38)          (215)     (447) 
--------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  -------- 
Underlying segment result            2,773     2,831       192     2,623        (1,792)     6,627 
Separately disclosed items 
 (see note 2)                                                                             (1,688) 
--------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  -------- 

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Profit before tax                                                                           4,939 
--------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  -------- 
Specific disclosure items 
Depreciation and amortisation           79        74         7       426            234       820 
Assets and liabilities 
Segment assets                      38,016    29,768     1,728    47,148         20,548   137,208 
Segment liabilities               (22,616)   (9,159)     (300)  (11,081)       (27,403)  (70,559) 
--------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------------  -------- 
 

* Revenue is derived from the manufacture and logistical supply of industrial fasteners and category 'C' components.

4. Taxation

 
                                           Six months     Six months       Year 
                                                ended          ended      ended 
                                         30 September   30 September   31 March 
                                                 2015           2014       2015 
                                               GBP000         GBP000     GBP000 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Current tax on income for the period 
UK tax                                            616           (69)        580 
Foreign tax                                     1,636          1,562      3,223 
Deferred tax expense                            (285)           (50)      (473) 
Adjustments in respect of prior years              17             10        125 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
                                                1,984          1,453      3,455 
--------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 

5. Dividend

The dividend payable of GBP1.7m represents the final dividend recommended for the year ended 31 March 2015, approved by shareholders at the AGM on 16 September 2015 and paid to shareholders on the Register on 13 October 2015.

6. Earnings per share

The calculation of earnings per 5 pence ordinary share is based on profit for the period after taxation and the weighted average number of shares in the period of 116,198,101 (HY2015: 113,495,406; FY2015: 113,540,187).

The calculation of the fully diluted earnings per 5 pence ordinary share is based on profit for the period after taxation. In accordance with IAS 33 the weighted average number of shares in the period has been adjusted to take account of the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. The number of shares used in the calculation amount to 119,967,521 (HY2015: 117,436,525; FY2015: 118,768,522).

The underlying diluted earnings per share, which in the Directors' opinion best reflects the underlying performance of the Group, is detailed below:

 
                                                                 Six months     Six months       Year 
                                                                      ended          ended      ended 
                                                               30 September   30 September   31 March 
                                                                       2015           2014       2015 
                                                                     GBP000         GBP000     GBP000 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Profit after tax for the period                                       5,125          3,486      8,394 
Net acquisition costs                                                   252          1,200        750 
Intangible amortisation                                                 302            238        551 
Costs on exercise of executive share options                              -            228        511 
Release of closure provision for TR Formac (Suzhou) Co. Ltd               -              -       (94) 
IFRS 2 share based payment charge                                       608             22        741 
Tax adjustment                                                        (232)          (354)      (541) 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Underlying profit after tax                                           6,055          4,820     10,312 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Basic EPS                                                             4.41p          3.10p      7.39p 
Diluted EPS                                                           4.27p          2.97p      7.07p 
Underlying diluted EPS                                                5.05p          4.10p      8.68p 
 

7. Analysis of net debt

 
                                           At             At         At 
                                 30 September   30 September   31 March 
                                         2015           2014       2015 
                                       GBP000         GBP000     GBP000 
------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Cash and cash equivalents              20,889         13,596     15,453 
Bank overdraft                            (1)           (47)      (439) 
------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Net cash and cash equivalents          20,888         13,549     15,014 
------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Debt due within one year             (20,268)       (11,691)   (11,906) 
Debt due after one year              (16,882)       (19,389)   (16,523) 
Gross debt                           (37,150)       (31,080)   (28,429) 
------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Net debt                             (16,262)       (17,531)   (13,415) 
------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 

8. Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt

 
                                                          Six months     Six months       Year 
                                                               ended          ended      ended 
                                                        30 September   30 September   31 March 
                                                                2015           2014       2015 
                                                              GBP000         GBP000     GBP000 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents           6,536        (1,861)      (521) 
Net increase in borrowings                                   (8,354)       (18,420)   (17,021) 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
                                                             (1,818)       (20,281)   (17,542) 
Exchange rate differences                                    (1,029)            720      2,097 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Movement in net debt                                         (2,847)       (19,561)   (15,445) 
Opening net (debt)/cash                                     (13,415)          2,030      2,030 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
Closing net debt                                            (16,262)       (17,531)   (13,415) 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 

9. Subsequent event - Acquisition of Kuhlmann Befestigungselemente GmbH & Co. KG ('Kuhlmann')

On 1 October 2015, Trifast acquired Kuhlmann for a total consideration of EUR8.5m (GBP6.2m). The initial amount of EUR6.8m (GBP4.9m) was paid on completion in cash and EUR0.04m (GBP0.03m) was satisfied by the allotment of 29,350 ordinary shares in the Company. Consideration of EUR1.7m (GBP1.2m) will be deferred for 12 months and is to serve as a retention against which any potential warranty and indemnity claims will be offset. The cash consideration will be met from the Company's existing bank facilities.

Trifast will be investing into Kuhlmann to further develop the opportunities in the German market and expect the acquisition of Kuhlmann to be earnings enhancing in the first full year of ownership.

Based in Verl, close to Bielefeld, Germany, Kuhlmann was founded in 1996 and employs 18 staff. It is a well-respected highly efficient distributor of industrial fastenings within the domestic German market. Its emphasis is on delivering high quality products and services to its well-established longstanding customer base in the principal sectors of machinery and plant engineering, sheet metal processing and industrial. Kuhlmann's management team and previous owners, Frank Niggebru gge, Eric Hu tter and Peter Henning, will continue to run the business with the support of the operational management team and staff who will remain within the business.

For the year ended 31 December 2014, Kuhlmann reported revenue of EUR6.7m (GBP5.4m) and profit before tax of EUR1.7m (GBP1.4m). Gross assets at the same date were EUR1.4m (GBP1.1m).

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