ADVFN Logo ADVFN

We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.

Trending Now

Toplists

It looks like you aren't logged in.
Click the button below to log in and view your recent history.

Hot Features

Registration Strip Icon for alerts Register for real-time alerts, custom portfolio, and market movers

VP. Vp Plc

630.00
50.00 (8.62%)
23 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Vp Plc LSE:VP. London Ordinary Share GB0009286963 ORD 5P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  50.00 8.62% 630.00 600.00 625.00 610.00 590.00 590.00 14,035 16:35:06
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Heavy Constr Eq Rental,lease 371.52M 23.01M 0.5730 10.56 242.93M

Vp PLC Interim Results (0333X)

21/11/2017 7:00am

UK Regulatory


TIDMVP.

RNS Number : 0333X

Vp PLC

21 November 2017

 
 Press Release              21 November 2017 
 

Vp plc

('Vp' or the 'Group')

Interim Results

Vp plc, the equipment rental specialist, today announces its Interim Results for the six months ended 30 September 2017.

Highlights

 
 --   Profit before tax and amortisation increased 
       13% to GBP21.2 million (H1 2017: GBP18.7 
       million) 
 --   Revenues of GBP136.0 million, 12% ahead 
       (H1 2017: GBP121.7 million) 
 --   Return on average capital employed marginally 
       increased to 16.0% (H1 2017: 15.6%) 
 --   EBITDA increased to GBP41.1 million (H1 
       2017: GBP36.3million) 
 --   Capital investment in rental fleet up 9% 
       at GBP32.5 million (H1 2017: GBP29.9 million) 
 --   EPS, pre amortisation, increased 17% to 
       44.2 pence per share (H1 2017: 37.9 pence 
       per share) 
 --   Interim dividend increased by 13% to 6.80 
       pence per share (H1 2017: 6.00 pence per 
       share) 
 --   Statutory profit before tax of GBP20.3 million 
       (H1 2017: GBP17.7 million) and statutory 
       earnings per share of 42.5 pence (H1 2017: 
       35.9 pence) 
 

Post-period end

-- Acquired the entire issued shared capital of Brandon Hire Group Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries ('Brandon Hire') for a cash consideration of GBP41.6 million plus debt of GBP27.2 million, which will create a market leading offering in the UK specialist tool hire sector

-- Purchased First National, a specialist rough terrain forklift rental business for GBP0.9 million and debt of GBP0.8 million, being integrated into UK Forks

Jeremy Pilkington, Chairman of Vp plc, commented: "Vp has again delivered an excellent set of results for the half year. The UK market remains strong, and whilst there is some uncertainty around the implications that Brexit will have on the UK, the day-to-day demand continues to be highly positive. There is also an improving trend for our International Division in the second half of the year.

A significant post period highlight was the successful acquisition of Brandon Hire and this, coupled with the organic opportunities available elsewhere within the Group, encourages the Board to look forward to the second half of the year and beyond with every confidence."

- Ends -

For further information:

 
 Vp plc 
 Jeremy Pilkington, Chairman             Tel: +44 (0) 1423 
                                                   533 400 
 Neil Stothard, Chief Executive              www.vpplc.com 
 Allison Bainbridge, Group Finance 
  Director 
 
 Media enquiries: 
 Buchanan 
 Henry Harrison-Topham / Jamie             Tel: +44 (0) 20 
  Hooper / Maddie Seacombe                       7466 5000 
 Vp@buchanan.uk.com                    www.buchanan.uk.com 
 
 

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

I am very pleased to report on a period of further significant growth for the Group in the six month period to 30 September 2017.

Profit before tax and amortisation rose 13% to GBP21.2 million (H1 2017: GBP18.7 million) on revenues 12% higher at GBP136.0 million (H1 2017: GBP121.7 million). Earnings per share pre-amortisation increased 17% to 44.2 pence per share (H1 2017: 37.9 pence per share) positively impacted by a reduced corporation tax rate. Return on capital employed was maintained at 16.0% reflecting the high quality of our earnings.

Capital investment in fleet rose to GBP32.5 million (H1 2017: GBP29.9 million) plus a further GBP9.8 million (including assumed net debt) was invested in acquisitions. Borrowings at the period end stood at GBP115.4 million (H1 2017: GBP107.5 million). EBITDA increased to GBP41.1 million (H1 2017: GBP36.3 million) reflecting the strong cash flow qualities of the Group.

In view of this excellent set of results, the Board is pleased to declare a 13% increase in the interim dividend to 6.8 pence per share (2016: 6.0 pence per share) payable on 5 January 2018 to shareholders on the register as at 1 December 2017.

Review of Operations

UK Division

The UK division continues to enjoy excellent trading and delivered a strong first half with operating profits before amortisation 14% ahead at GBP22.2 million (H1 2017: GBP19.5 million) on revenues up by 11% at GBP120.3 million (H1 2017: GBP108.1 million). Infrastructure investment, residential activity and general construction all remained supportive throughout the trading period.

In April 2017, we made two acquisitions. Jackson Mechanical Services which was acquired for a cash consideration of GBP3.6 million and provides mechanical and electrical equipment rental services. Zenith Survey Equipment was acquired for a cash consideration of GBP3.85 million plus assumed debt of GBP2.3 million. Zenith is engaged in the rental and sale of survey and safety equipment from seven locations across the UK. Both businesses have been integrated into the respective specialist activities within Hire Station and both have made a positive contribution to the results we are now reporting.

Post the period end, in November 2017, we made the largest acquisition in the history of the Group with the purchase of the entire issued share capital of Brandon Hire Group Holdings Limited ('Brandon Hire') and its subsidiaries for a cash consideration of GBP41.6 million plus debt of GBP27.2 million. Brandon Hire is a major national tool hire company with a service model and business culture very similar to that of Hire Station, our own specialist tool hire business. Brandon Hire serves predominantly local and regional SME's through a network of 143 branches across the UK. In the year ended 31 December 2016, Brandon Hire made profits before interest, tax, exceptionals and amortisation of GBP6.0 million on revenues of GBP79.8 million. Brandon Hire will operate alongside Hire Station and will create a new market leading offering in the UK specialist tool hire sector.

Also in November 2017, we acquired First National, a specialist rough terrain fork lift rental business based in the Midlands, for GBP0.9 million plus assumed debt of GBP0.8 million. First National will be integrated within our UK Forks business.

International Division

Operating profits before amortisation reduced to GBP0.3 million (H1 2017: GBP0.6 million) on revenues ahead by 15% at GBP15.7 million (H1 2017: GBP13.7 million). Despite strong results at TR and a first full six month contribution from Tech Rentals NZ, profits in the International division were held back by a trading loss at Airpac Bukom.

The first half of the financial year was challenging for Airpac Bukom, who were not helped by delays to secured contracts. However, new business inquiry and activity levels have improved into the second half, further helped by the recent rise in oil prices, which leads us to believe that progress will be made in the second half of the current financial year.

The performance of TR within its Asia Pacific region was encouraging, with trading improved on the prior year, particularly in the core instrumentation rental and communication divisions.

Outlook

There are conflicting views on the prospects for the UK, amplified by speculation on the impact of Brexit, but day-to-day demand on the ground continues to remain positive.

We conclude an excellent first half with the exciting prospect of delivering, over time, the value from the new Brandon Hire acquisition. This, combined with the organic opportunities available elsewhere within the Group, encourages the Board to look forward to the second half of the year and beyond with every confidence.

Jeremy Pilkington

Chairman

21 November 2017

Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

For the period ended 30 September 2017

 
                                  Note    Six months    Six months     Full year 
                                                  to            to            to 
                                              30 Sep        30 Sep        31 Mar 
                                                2017          2016          2017 
                                         (unaudited)   (unaudited)     (audited) 
 
                                              GBP000        GBP000        GBP000 
 
   Revenue                          3        135,992       121,733       248,740 
 
   Cost of sales                            (98,083)      (87,031)     (181,807) 
                                        ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
   Gross profit                               37,909        34,702        66,933 
 
   Administrative expenses                  (16,315)      (15,528)      (33,688) 
                                        ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 
   Operating profit                 3         21,594        19,174        33,245 
 
   Net financial expenses                    (1,284)       (1,452)       (2,906) 
                                        ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
  Profit before amortisation 
   and taxation                               21,155        18,682        34,851 
 
   Amortisation of intangibles                 (845)         (960)       (4,512) 
 
 
   Profit before taxation                     20,310        17,722        30,339 
 
   Income tax expense               4        (3,602)       (3,677)       (6,687) 
                                        ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
   Net profit for the period                  16,708        14,045        23,652 
                                        ============  ============  ============ 
 
 Basic earnings per share          7          42.49p        35.92p        60.31p 
 
 Diluted earnings per 
  share                            7          41.21p        34.70p        58.65p 
 
 Dividend per share                8           6.80p         6.00p        22.00p 
 
 
 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the period ended 30 September 2017

 
                                    Six months    Six months        Full 
                                            to            to        year 
                                                                      to 
                                        30 Sep        30 Sep      31 Mar 
                                          2017          2016        2017 
                                   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (audited) 
                                        GBP000        GBP000      GBP000 
 Profit for the period                  16,708        14,045      23,652 
 Other comprehensive income: 
 Items that will not be 
  reclassified to profit 
  or loss 
 
  Actuarial gains on defined 
  benefit pension scheme                     -             -         366 
 Tax on items taken direct 
  to equity                                  -             -        (70) 
 Foreign exchange translation 
  difference                             (264)           922         783 
 Items that may be subsequently 
  reclassified to profit 
  or loss 
 Effective portion of changes 
  in fair value of cash flow 
  hedges                                   356         (249)         367 
 
 Other comprehensive income                 92           673       1,446 
 
 
   Total comprehensive income 
   for the period                       16,800        14,718      25,098 
                                  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the period ended 30 September 2017

 
                                  Six months    Six months   Full year 
                                          to            to          to 
                                      30 Sep        30 Sep      31 Mar 
                                        2017          2016        2017 
                                 (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (audited) 
                                      GBP000        GBP000      GBP000 
 
   Total comprehensive income 
   for the period                     16,800        14,718      25,098 
 
   Tax movements to equity               172           352         468 
 
   Impact of tax rate change            (20)             -           - 
 
   Share option charge in 
   the period                          1,158         1,081       2,525 
 
   Net movement relating to 
   shares held by Vp Employee 
   Trust                               (920)       (3,162)     (4,493) 
 
   Dividends to shareholders         (6,286)       (5,274)     (7,632) 
 Change in equity during 
  the period                          10,904         7,715      15,966 
 
   Equity at the start of 
   the period                        137,316       121,350     121,350 
 
   Equity at the end of the 
   period                            148,220       129,065     137,316 
                                ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 

There were no movements in issued share capital, the capital redemption reserve or share premium in the reported periods.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

At 30 September 2017

 
                                                30 Sep        31 Mar        30 Sep 
                                    Note          2017          2017          2016 
                                           (unaudited)     (audited)   (unaudited) 
                                                                         Restated* 
                                                GBP000        GBP000        GBP000 
 Non-current assets 
 
   Property, plant and 
   equipment                         5         211,805       195,569       188,352 
 Goodwill                                       41,380        38,937        40,381 
 Intangible assets                  6            8,689         8,575         9,949 
 Employee benefits                               1,928         1,928         1,534 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total non-current assets                      263,802       245,009       240,216 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
  Current assets 
 
   Inventories                                   6,328         5,166         5,355 
 Trade and other receivables                    57,040        49,723        51,438 
 Cash and cash equivalents                      17,129        15,070        12,627 
 Total current assets                           80,497        69,959        69,420 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
   Total assets                                344,299       314,968       309,636 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
   Current liabilities 
 
   Interest bearing loans 
   and borrowings                              (8,924)       (5,823)      (10,781) 
 Income tax payable                            (3,001)       (1,514)       (2,455) 
 Trade and other payables                     (53,892)      (55,270)      (52,000) 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total current liabilities                    (65,817)      (62,607)      (65,236) 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
   Non-current liabilities 
 
   Interest bearing loans 
   and borrowings                    9       (123,596)     (108,180)     (109,339) 
 Deferred tax liabilities                      (6,666)       (6,865)       (5,996) 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total non-current liabilities               (130,262)     (115,045)     (115,335) 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
   Total liabilities                         (196,079)     (177,652)     (180,571) 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Net assets                                    148,220       137,316       129,065 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Equity 
 
   Issued share capital                          2,008         2,008         2,008 
 Capital redemption reserve                        301           301           301 
 Share premium                                  16,192        16,192        16,192 
 Hedging reserve                                   203         (153)         (769) 
 Retained earnings                             129,489       118,941       111,306 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Total equity attributable 
  to equity 
  holders of parent                            148,193       137,289       129,038 
 
 Non-controlling interest                           27            27            27 
 Total equity                                  148,220       137,316       129,065 
                                          ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

* Cash and cash equivalents and interest bearing loan and borrowings have been restated as at 30 September 2016 following the change in accounting policy in the prior year required by the updated interpretation of IAS 32 as described in note 1 of the 31 March 2017 financial statements. This change has had no impact on net assets.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the period ended 30 September 2017

 
                                   Note    Six months    Six months         Full 
                                                   to            to         year 
                                                                              to 
                                               30 Sep        30 Sep       31 Mar 
                                                 2017          2016         2017 
                                          (unaudited)   (unaudited)    (audited) 
                                               GBP000        GBP000       GBP000 
 Cash flows from operating 
  activities 
 
  Profit before taxation                       20,310        17,722       30,339 
 Adjustment for: 
 Share based payment charges                    1,158         1,081        2,525 
 Depreciation                       5          18,659        16,172       33,481 
 Amortisation of intangibles                      845           960        4,512 
 Net financial expense                          1,284         1,452        2,906 
 Profit on sale of property, 
  plant and equipment                         (3,229)       (3,280)      (5,809) 
                                         ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 Operating cash flow before 
  changes in working capital 
  and provisions                               39,027        34,107       67,954 
 (Increase)/decrease in 
  inventories                                   (177)             8          197 
 Increase in trade and 
  other receivables                           (5,483)       (4,955)      (3,125) 
 (Decrease)/increase in 
  trade and other payables                    (4,796)           288        4,860 
                                         ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 Cash generated from operations                28,571        29,448       69,886 
 Interest paid                                (1,192)       (1,294)      (2,738) 
 Interest element of finance 
  lease rental 
  payments                                       (90)         (156)        (183) 
 Interest received                                  6            14           14 
 Income tax paid                              (2,663)       (1,461)      (4,539) 
                                         ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 Net cash flows from operating 
  activities                                   24,632        26,551       62,440 
 
   Cash flows from investing 
   activities 
 Proceeds from sale of 
  property, plant and equipment                 8,694         8,108       16,686 
 Purchase of property, 
  plant and equipment                        (32,646)      (33,637)     (64,649) 
 Acquisition of businesses 
  and subsidiaries (net 
  of cash and overdrafts)                     (8,185)       (8,876)      (9,984) 
                                         ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 Net cash flows used in 
  investing activities                       (32,137)      (34,405)     (57,947) 
 
 
   Cash flows from financing 
   activities 
 Purchase of own shares 
  by Employee Trust                             (920)       (3,162)      (4,493) 
 Repayment of loans                              (77)         (110)      (3,897) 
 New loans                                     15,000        16,000       19,000 
 Payment of hire purchase 
  and finance lease liabilities                 (551)         (198)        (636) 
 Dividends paid                     8         (6,286)       (5,274)      (7,632) 
                                         ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 Net cash flows from in 
  financing activities                          7,166         7,256        2,342 
 
   Net (decrease)/increase 
   in cash and cash equivalents                 (339)         (598)        6,835 
 Effect of exchange rate 
  fluctuations on cash held                     (160)         (756)      (1,270) 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at beginning of period                       10,082         4,517        4,517 
                                         ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at end of period                  9           9,583         3,163       10,082 
                                         ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 

Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements

   1.            Basis of Preparation 

Vp plc (the "Company") is a company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements of the Company for the half year ended 30 September 2017 comprise the financial information of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the "Group").

This interim announcement has been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the UK Financial Services Authority and the requirements of IAS34 ("Interim Financial Reporting") as adopted by the EU. The accounting policies applied are consistent for all periods presented and are in line with those applied in the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017, which were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the EU. There are no new IFRSs or IFRICs that are effective for the first time in the current year which are expected to have a significant impact on the Group. In addition, the Group is in the process of reviewing IFRS 9 "Financial instruments" and IFRS 15 "Revenue from contracts with customers". Based on the work to date the Group is still of the opinion that these standards will not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2019.

The interim announcement was approved by the Board of Directors on 20 November 2017.

The Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements do not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.

The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 March 2017 are extracted from the Company's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported on by the Company's auditors 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 auditors 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.

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates. In preparing these condensed interim financial statements, the significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017.

The Group continues to be in a healthy financial position with total banking facilities at the period end of GBP135 million, including an overdraft facility. Since the year end net debt has increased by GBP16.5 million to GBP115.4 million. The Board has evaluated the banking facilities and the associated covenants on the basis of current forecasts, taking into account the current economic climate and an appropriate level of sensitivity analysis. Having reassessed the principal risks the Directors consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the interim financial information.

   2.            Risks and Uncertainties 

The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group and the ways in which they are mitigated are described on page 18 and 19 of the 31 March 2017 Annual Report and Accounts. The principal risks and uncertainties are market risk, competition, investment / product management, people, safety, financial risks and contractual risk. These risks and uncertainties remain the same for this interim financial report.

   3.            Summarised Segmental Analysis 
 
                       Revenue           Operating Profit 
                     Sept      Sept   Sept 2017   Sept 2016 
                     2017      2016 
 
                   GBP000    GBP000      GBP000      GBP000 
 
 UK               120,299   108,071      22,178      19,485 
 
 International     15,693    13,662         261         649 
 
                  135,992   121,733      22,439      20,134 
                 --------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Amortisation                             (845)       (960) 
 
 Operating 
  Profit                                 21,594      19,174 
                                     ----------  ---------- 
 

Net Assets

 
                             Assets                Liabilities             Net Assets 
                             Restated                Restated 
                            Sep         Sep         Sep         Sep         Sep         Sep 
                             17          16          17          16          17          16 
 
 UK                     284,237     251,324      60,132      51,988     224,105     199,336 
 
 International           43,474      42,675       3,722      10,734      39,752      31,941 
 
 Group/unallocated       16,588      15,637     132,225     117,849   (115,637)   (102,212) 
 
 
                        344,299     309,636     196,079     180,571     148,220     129,065 
                     ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

The net liability in Group primarily reflects the balance on the revolving credit facility which is controlled centrally by the Group.

   4.            Income Tax 

The effective tax rate is 17.7% in the period to 30 September 2017 (H1 2017: 20.7%). The effective rate for the period reflects the current standard tax rate of 19% (H1 2017: 20%), as adjusted for estimated permanent differences for tax purposes offset by gains covered by exemptions. In addition the tax rate also reflects the effect, on an annualised basis, of reduction in the net deferred tax liability of the Group as a result of the expected reduction in the UK corporation tax rate from 19% to 17% for the year ended 31 March 2021. The effect is to reduce the tax rate by 1.8% (H1 2017: nil effect). This is the best estimate of the weighted average annual income tax rate expected for the full financial year.

   5.            Property, Plant and Equipment 
 
                            Sept 2017       Sept        Mar 
                                            2016       2017 
                               GBP000     GBP000     GBP000 
 Opening carrying amount      195,569    167,201    167,201 
 Additions                     34,929     31,608     61,805 
 Acquisitions                   5,549      8,512      8,850 
 Depreciation                (18,659)   (16,172)   (33,481) 
 Disposals                    (5,465)    (4,828)   (10,877) 
 Effect of movements in 
  exchange rates                (118)      2,031      2,071 
                           ----------  ---------  --------- 
 Closing carrying amount      211,805    188,352    195,569 
                           ----------  ---------  --------- 
 

The value of capital commitments at 30 September 2017 was GBP12,421,000 (31 March 2017 GBP9,561,000).

   6.            Acquisitions 

On 1 April 2017 the Group acquired the business and assets of Jackson Mechanical Services (UK) Limited, for cash consideration of GBP3.6m plus assumed net debt of GBP0.1m and on 20 April 2017 the Group acquired Zenith Equipment Limited for cash consideration of GBP3.85m plus assumed net debt of GBP2.3m. The fair value of net assets acquired for both acquisitions, including provisional estimates of intangibles for the trade name and customers relationships, was GBP5.0m.

   7.            Earnings Per Share 

Earnings per share have been calculated on 39,319,346 shares (H1 2017: 39,098,567 shares) being the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period. Diluted earnings per share have been calculated on 40,546,052 shares (H1 2017: 40,473,236 shares) adjusted to reflect conversion of all potentially dilutive ordinary shares. Basic earnings per share before the amortisation of intangibles was 44.23 pence (H1 2017: 37.89 pence) and was based on an after tax add back of GBP684,000 (H1 2017: GBP768,000) in respect of the amortisation of intangibles. Diluted earnings per share before amortisation of intangibles was 42.90 pence (H1 2017: 36.60 pence).

   8.            Dividends 

The Directors have declared an interim dividend of 6.80 pence (H1 2017: 6.00 pence) per share payable on 5 January 2018 to shareholders on the register at 1 December 2017. The dividend declared will absorb an estimated GBP2,693,000 (H1 2017: GBP2,358,000) of shareholders funds. The dividend proposed at the year-end was subsequently approved at the AGM in August 2017 and GBP6,286,000 was paid in the period (H1 2017: GBP5,274,000 was paid). The cost of dividends in the Statement of Changes in Equity is after adjustments for the interim and final dividends waived by the Vp Employee Trust in relation to the shares it holds for the Group's share option schemes.

   9.            Analysis of Net Debt 
 
                                      As at    Acquired         Cash         As at 
                                      1 Apr    Net Debt         Flow        30 Sep 
                                         17                                     17 
                                     GBP000      GBP000       GBP000        GBP000 
 
   Cash and cash equivalents         15,070         183        1,876        17,129 
 
   Bank overdraft                   (4,988)       (955)      (1,603)       (7,546) 
 
   Revolving credit 
   facilities / loans             (107,000)     (1,075)     (14,923)     (122,998) 
 
   Finance leases and 
   hire purchases                   (2,015)       (512)          551       (1,976) 
                               ------------  ----------  -----------  ------------ 
 
                                   (98,933)     (2,359)     (14,099)     (115,391) 
                               ------------  ----------  -----------  ------------ 
 

In August 2017 the Group took out an additional revolving credit facility of GBP10 million by making use of an uncommitted step up facility. The Group's committed revolving credit bank facilities therefore comprise a GBP65 million facility which expires in May 2020 and a GBP65 million facility which expires in December 2021, together with an uncommitted step up facility of GBP10 million and overdraft facilities totalling GBP5 million.

   10.          Related Party Transactions 

Transactions between Group Companies, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and therefore do not require disclosure. The Group has not entered into any other related party transactions in the period which require disclosure in this interim statement.

   11.          Post Balance Sheet Events 

On 7 November 2017 the Group acquired the entire issued share capital of Brandon Hire Group Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries ('Brandon') for a cash consideration of GBP41.6 million payable on completion and assumed net debt of approximately GBP27.2 million. The acquisition has been funded from new banking facilities of GBP70 million with the Group's lenders.

In addition, on 9 November 2017 the Group also acquired the entire issued share capital of FNPR Holdings Limited ('First National') for GBP0.9 million payable on completion and assumed net debt of GBP0.8 million.

   12.          Contingent Liabilities 

In an international group a variety of claims arise from time to time in the normal course of business. Such claims may arise due to actions being taken against group companies as a result of investigations by fiscal authorities or under regulatory requirements. Provision has been made in these consolidated financial statements against any claims which the directors consider are likely to result in significant liabilities.

   13.          Forward Looking Statements 

The Chairman's Statement includes statements that are forward looking in nature. Forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Group to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Except as required by the Listing Rules and applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update, review or change any forward looking statements to reflect events or developments occurring after the date of this report.

Responsibility statement of the directors in respect of the half-yearly financial report

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

-- the condensed consolidated set of interim 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.

By order of the Board

21 November 2017

The Board

The Directors who served during the six months to 30 September 2017 were:

Jeremy Pilkington (Chairman)

Neil Stothard (Chief Executive)

Allison Bainbridge (Group Finance Director)

Steve Rogers (Non Executive Director)

Phil White (Non Executive Director)

Independent review report to Vp plc

Report on the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

Our conclusion

We have reviewed Vp plc's Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (the "interim financial statements") in the interim report 2017/18 of Vp plc for the 6 month period ended 30 September 2017. Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the interim financial statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

What we have reviewed

The interim financial statements comprise:

   --   the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 30 September 2017; 
   --   the Condensed Consolidated Income Statement for the period then ended; 
   --   the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period then ended; 
   --   the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the period then ended; 
   --   the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the period then ended; and 
   --   the explanatory notes to the interim financial statements. 

The interim financial statements included in the interim report 2017/18 have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

As disclosed in note 1 to the interim financial statements, the financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the full annual financial statements of the Group is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

Responsibilities for the interim financial statements and the review

Our responsibilities and those of the directors

The interim report 2017/18, including the interim financial statements, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the interim report 2017/18 in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim financial statements in the interim report 2017/18 based on our review. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the company for the purpose of complying with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

What a review of interim financial statements involves

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures.

A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and, consequently, does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

We have read the other information contained in the interim report 2017/18 and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the interim financial statements.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Accountants

Leeds

21 November 2017

- Ends -

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

IR URUWRBNAAUAA

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 21, 2017 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

1 Year Vp Chart

1 Year Vp Chart

1 Month Vp Chart

1 Month Vp Chart

Your Recent History

Delayed Upgrade Clock