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GTLY Gateley (holdings) Plc

120.50
0.00 (0.00%)
23 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Gateley (holdings) Plc LSE:GTLY London Ordinary Share GB00BXB07J71 ORD 10P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 120.50 120.00 121.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Legal Services 162.73M 12.24M 0.0930 12.96 158.63M

Gateley (Holdings) PLC Half Year Results (4369M)

08/01/2019 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Gateley (holdings) (LSE:GTLY)
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RNS Number : 4369M

Gateley (Holdings) PLC

08 January 2019

8 January 2019

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ("MAR"). Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service ("RIS"), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

Gateley (Holdings) Plc

("Gateley" or the "Group")

AIM:GTLY

Half Year Results for the six months ended 31 October 2018

Strong results from an established, resilient and progressive business

Gateley, the law-led professional services group, is pleased to announce its unaudited results for the six months ended 31 October 2018 ("the Period").

Financial Highlights

 
 --   Revenue up 20.1% to GBP46.4m (H1 18: GBP38.6m), 10.2% from organic 
       growth 
 --   Adjusted EBITDA* up 24.8% to GBP6.6m (H1 18: GBP5.3m) 
 --   Profit before tax up 18.6% to GBP5.0m (H1 18: GBP4.2m) 
 --   Robust balance sheet with net assets up 40.8% to GBP23.1m (H1 
       18: GBP16.4m), with net debt increased to GBP8.2m (H1 18: GBP7.1m) 
 --   Strong cash generation** as cash conversion up 2.5ppts to 87.4% 
       (H1 18: 85.3%) 
 --   Basic EPS up 13.5% to 3.52p (H1 18: 3.10p) 
 --   Profit after tax up 18.0%, supporting increase in interim dividend 
       of 18.2% to 2.6p per ordinary share (H1 18: 2.2p) 
 

Operational Highlights

 
 --   Strong performance across the business demonstrating the success 
       of our strategy, the strength and sustainability of our business 
       model and further enhancing Gateley's reputation for delivering 
       growth from its established, resilient and progressive business 
 --   Double-digit growth across all financial indicators driven by 
       the Group's on-going investment in people and delivered across 
       its expanded client base, its broader service offering and its 
       wider geographical base 
 --   Successful acquisition and integration of GCL Solicitors and 
       Kiddy & Partners expands the Group to sixteen legal and five 
       non-legal business lines 
 --   Total headcount up by 17.3% from 30 April 2018 to 928 (FY 18: 
       791), including eight new lateral legal partner hires and seven 
       internal promotions to partner, proving the appeal of the Group's 
       offering to internal and external candidates 
 

* Adjusted EBITDA excludes income or expenses that relate to non-underlying items and non-cash charges relating to share-based payments

** Cash conversion (Operating cash flow / Adjusted EBITDA)

Michael Ward, CEO of Gateley, said:

"I am delighted with the performance of the business in the first half of the financial year. Our proven strong and resilient business model and our focused diversification strategy has continued to drive growth across our business: our core legal business has grown strongly; our acquired complementary businesses are all fully integrated and are performing very well; our acquisition pipeline is strong with regular approaches from companies who view Gateley as an ideal choice to help them grow their businesses successfully.

The Group now operates from ten offices with a team now comprising over 900 people, who support the mid-market with all of its legal and other professional service requirements. Since our admission to AIM three and a half years ago, our core legal team has grown by 47% from 384 to 565. We have also expanded our non-legal service lines such that our legal team now works alongside 38 other professionals including chartered surveyors, tax consultants, clinical psychologists and chartered accountants. We remain committed to our strategy of investing in the business and its people and expanding the Group's offering, whilst maintaining our focus on sustainable improving performance.

In the first three years post Admission to AIM, the Group has delivered turnover growth of 37%, adjusted EBITDA growth of 46% and, including the dividend from this set of results, has provided shareholders with dividend income of 21.84 pence per share. The Group is on track to deliver full year earnings in line with market forecasts, which were raised following the positive Trading Update announced on 23 November 2018, with revenues of not less than GBP102m and EBITDA margins in H2 19 not less than those achieved previously.

With our strong trading and investment for the future both continuing, the Board looks forward to the second half of the financial year with confidence."

Enquiries:

 
 Gateley (Holdings) Plc 
 Neil Smith, Finance Director                         Tel: +44 (0) 121 234 
                                                                      0196 
 Nick Smith, Acquisitions Director and                 Tel +44 (0) 20 7653 
  Head of Investor Relations                                          1665 
 Cara Zachariou, Head of Corporate Communications      Tel +44 (0) 121 234 
                                                                      0074 
                                                     Mob: +44 (0) 7703 684 
                                                                       946 
 
 finnCap - Nominated adviser and broker               Tel +44 20 7220 0575 
 Matt Goode / James Thompson (Corporate 
  Finance) 
 Andrew Burdis (ECM) 
 
 N+1 Singer - Joint broker                            Tel +44 20 7496 3000 
 Richard Lindley / Peter Steel (Corporate 
  Finance) 
 Rachel Hayes (Corporate Broking) 
 
 Belvedere Communications Limited - Financial 
  PR 
 Cat Valentine (cvalentine@belvederepr.com)          Mob: +44 (0) 7715 769 
                                                                       078 
 Llew Angus (langus@belvederepr.com)                 Mob: +44 (0) 7407 023 
                                                                       147 
 Keeley Clarke (kclarke@belvederepr.com)             Mob: +44 (0) 7967 816 
                                                                       525 
 

CEO OPERATIONAL REVIEW

Introduction

I am delighted with the performance of the business in the first half of the financial year and feel confident that our proven track record and focused diversification strategy will continue to enable us to deliver on our promises. The Group has undertaken an intense but highly productive journey, since the decision was made to IPO in 2015. During this time, we have navigated our way successfully through cultural change, whilst, at the same time delivering transformational revenue and profit growth, significantly increasing headcount, acquiring and integrating many new businesses and establishing new complementary service lines. Our people, our strategy and the solid platform of our established and well-invested business, together with our loyal client base, have enabled the Group to deliver another set of excellent results for the Period. As we enter the second half of the financial year, the Group's activity levels remain robust and we are generating greater opportunities to attract talent or act for clients, new and old, than ever before.

remove

Our strategy, laid out at IPO, created the opportunity and platform for both organic and acquisitive growth. We have made significant progress in the last three years and see only greater opportunity in the future (even acknowledging political and economic uncertainty) as our broad-based, national business continues to strengthen and grow. Our progress to-date can be summarised below:

 
 --   Revenue - FY 15 GBP60.9m = CAGR 11% or 37% increase to GBP83.4m 
       FY 18 
 --   Adjusted EBITDA - FY 15 GBP11.3m = CAGR of 13.4% or 46% increase 
       to GBP16.5m FY 18 
 --   Net Asset value - FY 15 GBPnil to GBP23m H1 19 
 --   Headcount - 52% growth from FY 15 610 to 928 H1 19 
 --   Service lines - FY 15: 15 to 21 H1 19 
 

Financial Results

Trading in the Period has been strong with increases in activity levels across the Group generating revenue up 20.1% to GBP46.4m and adjusted EBITDA up 24.8% to GBP6.6m. Organic (Legal) sales growth (excluding acquisitions) of 10.2% was supported by a similar level of growth from acquisitions. Strong cash generation continues to be generated from profit after tax which has grown by 18.0% enabling us to propose an 18.2% increase in our interim dividend of 2.6p per share (H1 18: 2.2p). We continue to seize growth opportunities as they arise and invest in the long-term future of the business via strategic recruitment and investment in new, complementary service lines.

Operational Review

In line with our overall growth strategy, we continue to invest in strategic recruitment, in complementary service lines (both organic and via acquisition) and we maintain a strong focus on the delivery of excellent levels of client service. During the Period, we have invested in a broad range of service lines, most notably in our Residential Development practice which has grown from three to seven locations across the UK in the last six months, welcoming more than 100 additional members of staff to the team. Including the acquisition of GCL Solicitors, these appointments bring Gateley's National Residential Development team to nearly 200 people, making it the largest Residential Development team within any legal business in the UK.

We are proud to note that, in addition to being recognised by Experian as the most active mid-market legal advisor nationally, our success has also been recognised through a number of awards including Law Firm of the Year at Thames Valley Deal Awards 2018, Midlands Corporate Law Firm of the Year 2018, together with International Deal of the Year and SME Deal of the Year 2018. The depth, strength and quality of our business has been recognised not only by our clients but also by our industry as evidenced by our recent commendation in The Times 200 Best Law Firms 2019. In a survey conducted by international market research firm Statista, more than 20,000 solicitors in England & Wales were asked to recommend the UK's best law firms in a range of categories. Supporting our Experian No1 ranking, we were commended for 'Company & Commercial, Mergers & Acquisitions (Business Law)' in The Times' 200 Best Law Firms 2019.

We continue to invest in our people through the grant, and more recently, the vesting of share options and I am delighted that participation in the equity of the business remains strong across professional and support staff alike. We believe it is this differentiated model that enables us to attract the best talent from across the industry. We remain successful in securing exceptional professionals who are looking for a strong business with a defined and distinctive strategic plan, supported by a strong balance sheet and ongoing investment. Since 1 May 2018 we have welcomed a further eight new lateral legal partner hires to the Group. In addition, we have also promoted seven legal directors/senior associates to partner. The total number of partners is now 146. Our overall staff numbers are increasing, as our measured expansion across legal and complementary non-legal business services enhances our offering to new and existing clients. Since April 2018, total staff numbers have increased by 17.3% to 928.

Acquisitions

The Board remains focused in its search to acquire complementary professional and other specialist services businesses to expand and diversify our income streams further. We are pleased with how all four acquisitions have integrated with our existing legal business. As these acquisitions continue to bed-in we are encouraged by the numerous cross-selling opportunities which are feeding through into our pipeline of new work. Our acquisition pipeline is strong with regular approaches from companies seeing Gateley as an ideal choice to help them grow their businesses successfully.

Current trading and outlook

The Group's first half performance has been strong, with all key metrics increasing significantly, driven by broad-based organic growth, the continued enhancement of our delivery to clients through diversification, and our proven ability to attract and retain key talent.

Trading in the second half has started well with the business generating further strong growth. We are on track to deliver full year earnings in line with market forecasts, which were raised following the positive Trading Update announced on 23 November 2018 with revenues of not less than GBP102m and EBITDA margins in H2 19 not less than those achieved previously.

Given the quality of our people, our track record of delivery and the considerable new business opportunities the Group is creating, we are confident that Gateley is well positioned to deliver further growth and the Board looks to the future with confidence.

Michael Ward

CEO

8 January 2019

FINANCE DIRECTOR'S REVIEW

The ongoing strong financial performance of the Group, including our increased profitability and enhanced dividend returns, endorse our strategy of investing in people and diversifying our service offering for the benefit of all stakeholders. During the Period, the Group has generated strong organic and acquisitive sales growth, efficiently managed its cost base, whilst at the same time completing two strategic acquisitions and expanded revenue and profit by more than 20%.

Activity levels remain strong across the Group, enabling management to invest further and strengthen our already diversified professional services offering. Total Group revenue for the Period increased by 20.1% to GBP46.4m (H1 18: GBP38.6m). Organic revenue growth (excluding acquisitions) was 10.2%, which was supported by a similar level of growth from acquisitions during an active six months for our acquisitions and integration team. Whilst revenue mix remained similar to previous years, strong organic growth in the Group's Employment, Pensions and Benefits Group of 10% (FY 18: 5%) and Property Group of 10% (FY 18: 7%) were complemented by a number of excellent results for clients across our highly ranked litigation business. Our litigation offering, comprising litigators sitting across four of our five segmental reporting Groups, has generated over GBP10m of fees in H1 19 (representing 32% growth in the Period). Our strong track record, referral sources and strong balance sheet allow the Group to invest in long term (>1 year) projects: litigation fees now represent c25% of our total annual revenues.

Whilst transactional advisory activity levels across our Corporate Group led to a reduction in revenue of 6% (H1 18: increase of 24%), against a very strong comparable period in the first six months in H1 18, we remain the leading deal advisor in UK M&A and our private equity work remains particularly strong. We were extremely pleased with the 21% additional growth produced from acquisitions in our Property Group, driven by a notable contribution of GBP2.9m of fees in five months by GCL Solicitors, which was only acquired in May 2018. The Guildford office was a strategic acquisition for Gateley, which is enabling us to expand in the South East Housebuilding sector. Gateley is currently involved in a significant number of larger housing schemes with 1,000 units or more on each site. We expect these schemes, plus many others between 500-1000 units which we are involved in, to continue to move forward despite any external economic influences in the market which may arise as they are expected to straddle one, if not two, market cycles. We also remain pleased with overall revenue growth delivered by our complementary professional services businesses, Gateley Capitus and Gateley Hamer (acquired in April 16 and September 16), which have grown to GBP1.5m (H1 18: GBP1.3m).

Kiddy & Partners has also generated a pleasing return of GBP0.8m of revenue since its acquisition in July 2018, which represents 24% of the Employment, Pensions and Benefits Group's 34% growth during the period as revenue grew to GBP4.8m (H1 18 GBP3.6m).

Organic/acquisitive fees and H1 19 growth split

 
                          H1 18   H1 19           HY1   H2 18   FY 18 
                           GBPm    GBPm    YOY Growth    GBPm    GBPm 
----------------------- 
 Organic - Gateley plc     37.3    41.2         10.2%    45.5    82.8 
                         ------  ------  ------------  ------  ------ 
 Capitus                    0.5     0.5             -     0.9     1.4 
                         ------  ------  ------------  ------  ------ 
 Hamer                      0.8     1.0           25%     1.1     1.9 
                         ------  ------  ------------  ------  ------ 
 GCL                          0     2.9           n/a     0.0     0.0 
                         ------  ------  ------------  ------  ------ 
 Kiddy                        0     0.8           n/a     0.0     0.0 
-----------------------  ------  ------  ------------  ------  ------ 
 Acquisitive total          1.3     5.2          9.9%     2.0     3.3 
                         ------  ------  ------------  ------  ------ 
 Revenue total             38.6    46.4         20.1%    47.5    86.1 
                         ------  ------  ------------  ------  ------ 
 

As stated in our trading update announced on 23 November 2018, the Board expects annual revenues to exceed GBP100m for the first time in the Group's history in FY 19 and reach not less than GBP102m. Acquired businesses should contribute GBP13m towards this total.

Operating costs rose by GBP7.2m in the Period, including a GBP5.2m increase in personnel costs, the majority of which arose from recruitment of new staff (including acquired businesses), which contributed towards the delivery of growth in profit before tax for the Period of 18.6% to GBP5.0m (H1 18: GBP4.2m). Adjusted EBITDA increased by 24.8% from GBP5.3m to GBP6.6m for the Period. This has been achieved through tight control of Group operating expenses, as the business continues to expand, and our steadfast approach to growth organically and via acquisitions.

The financial bedrock of our business model and the resulting KPI's are as follows:

 
 -   Staff costs to remain within a range of 60-65% of revenue; 
 -   To maintain or enhance adjusted EBITDA margins at or above 19%; 
      and 
 -   Focus on cash flow whilst targeting cash generation between 
      85% and 95% of adjusted EBITDA. 
 

The Group strives to deliver value both to investors and clients alike, as we invest in the expansion of professional and support staff across the business that is critical to meeting client demands. Our average number of legal and professional staff numbers rose by 12.7% to 552 during the Period (H1 18: 7.2% to 490). Personnel costs rose by 21.3% to GBP29.5m (H1 18: GBP24.3m). The higher rise in costs as against staff numbers reflects our ability to attract senior partner and director level appointments. As these appointments generate higher fee levels, it is noteworthy that in the first six months of the financial year, personnel costs as a percentage of revenue rose just 0.6% from 62.9% to 63.5%. Pay rises averaging at 5% to existing staff also contributed significantly towards the H1 19 personnel cost increase. Share based payment charges also increased from GBP0.2m to GBP0.4m for the Period. The Group's share schemes remain popular with over 55% of all staff currently participating in one of our three equity schemes.

We expect the percentage of staff costs to revenue to fall back down closer to the lower end of our target KPI as new partners taken on over the last few years come fully up to speed with their own fee generation and second half fee weighting profile works through. Partner recruitment since IPO remains significantly ahead of pre-IPO levels, as demonstrated by the net partner numbers below:

 
                           Post-IPO                    Pre-IPO 
                      H1    FY    FY    FY    FY    FY    FY    FY    FY 
                      19    18    17    16    15    14    13    12    11 
                    ----                    ----  ----  ----  ----  ---- 
 Joiners               8     9     8    13     3     4     2     4     1 
                    ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ---- 
 Promotions            7     6     3     2     1     3     1     -     - 
                    ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ---- 
 Leavers               -   (5)   (1)   (4)   (8)   (4)   (9)   (2)   (4) 
------------------  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ---- 
 Net new Partners     15    10    10    11   (4)     3   (6)     2   (3) 
                    ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ---- 
 

The Group is adept at meeting the challenge common within legal service businesses, whereby performance is second half weighted and we remain on track to show a strong second half to the financial year, in keeping with previous years. Utilisation (actual hours vs budgeted hours) of fee generating staff remains within our target range of +80%. We expect utilisation to increase as a result of headcount investment in H2 19. As we attract and bed-in new staff to meet existing demand all business lines around the Group are reporting increasing opportunities from our well-balanced client base, especially in large specialist areas in which we have a proven track record of delivery.

An increased interim dividend slightly above Profit After Tax for the Period rewards both internal and external investors. When considering the increased investment in staff during the Period we are pleased to have delivered an increase in adjusted EPS at 3.52p (H1 18: 3.10p) at the half year end.

Balance sheet, cash flow and financing

The Group's net asset position is broadly unchanged from the closing FY 18 position at GBP23.1m (FY 18: GBP23.0m), as acquisitions have been financed via modest additional bank debt, and GBP1.9m of working capital resources have been used to support a strategy to finance the purchase, by our Employee Benefit Trust, of certain vesting SAR options.

Total net debt has increased to GBP8.2m since the FY18 year end (FY 18: GBP0.7m), as a result of the following movements:

 
 -   existing term loan facilities were restructured to accommodate 
      the borrowing of a further GBP3m in October 2018 to fund acquisitions 
      made during the Period; GBP1m of repayments to original term 
      loans were made prior to the additional borrowing; 
 -   loans from former partners of GCL Solicitors totalling GBP1.3m 
      were acquired on the acquisition of GCL Solicitors. GBP0.6m 
      of loans were repaid during H1 19; and 
 -   cash at bank reduced from GBP4.3m to (GBP0.3m), partly as a 
      result of funding given to the Employee Benefit Trust in order 
      for it to purchase some shares from vesting option holders and 
      partly due to FY 18 dividend funding of GBP5.3m. The strong 
      contribution generation from working capital net cash inflows 
      across the Group helped to partly settle these cash outgoings. 
 

By FY 19 net debt is expected to be GBP3m, comprising approximately GBP5.7m of remaining term bank debt and GBP0.4m of loans to former partners of GCL.

Working capital at H1 19 totalled GBP21.3m compared to GBP18.8m at FY 18. The growth of GBP2m in trade debtors was partially due to the expansion of services following acquisitions of GCL and Kiddy. However collection of debts remains a continued focus of management across the Group. The Group expects timing of collections in the second half of the year to enhance cash resources further. The Group is adept at benefiting from greater operating cash generation in the second half of the year with inflows of working capital following utilisation of unbilled time built at the half year.

Earnings per share and dividend

Basic earnings per share increased by 13.5% to 3.52p (H1 18: 3.10p). Diluted earnings per share increased by 16.6% to 3.44p (H1 18: 2.95p). The Board today declares an interim dividend of 2.6 pence per share which will be paid on 15 March 2019 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 15 February 2019. The shares will go ex-dividend on 14 February 2019.

Neil Smith

Finance Director

8 January 2019

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

for the six months ended 31 October 2018

 
                                          Note     Unaudited     Unaudited        Audited 
                                                    6 months      6 months      12 months 
                                                          to            to             to 
                                                  31 October    31 October       30 April 
                                                        2018          2017           2018 
                                                     GBP'000       GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
 Revenue                                     2        46,370        38,605         86,090 
 
 Other operating income                                  150           143            357 
 Personnel costs                             3      (29,454)      (24,276)       (52,621) 
 Depreciation and amortisation                       (1,193)         (751)        (1,517) 
 Other operating expenses                           (10,912)       (9,352)       (17,484) 
                                                ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 Operating profit                                      4,961         4,369         14,825 
 
  Adjusted EBITDA                                      6,594         5,282         16,517 
  Depreciation                                         (548)         (478)          (970) 
  Non-underlying items 
  Share based payment charges                          (379)         (162)          (719) 
  Amortisation                               6         (645)         (273)          (547) 
  Exceptional items 
  Release of lease incentive                               -             -            182 
  Release of contingent consideration                      -             -            362 
  Recruitment costs                                     (61)             -              - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 Net financing income/(expense)                           72         (125)          (179) 
                                                ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 Profit before tax                                     5,033         4,244         14,646 
 
 Taxation                                            (1,126)         (932)        (2,853) 
                                                ============  ============  ============= 
 
 Profit for the period after 
  tax attributable to equity 
  holders of the parent                                3,907         3,312         11,793 
                                                ============  ============  ============= 
 
 Other comprehensive income 
 Items that are or may be reclassified 
  subsequently to profit or 
  loss 
 Foreign exchange translation 
  differences 
 - Exchange differences on 
  foreign branch                                          59             -           (58) 
                                                ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Profit for the financial period 
  and total comprehensive income 
  all attributable to equity 
  holders of the parent                                3,966         3,312         11,735 
                                                ============  ============  ============= 
 

Statutory earnings per share (pence)

 
 Basic earnings per share      4   3.52   3.10   11.03 
 Diluted earnings per share    4   3.44   2.95   10.46 
 Proposed interim dividend 
  per share                    5   2.60   2.20       - 
 

The results for the periods presented above are derived from continuing operations. There were no other items of comprehensive income to report.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

at 31 October 2018

 
                                                      Unaudited at  Unaudited at  Audited at 
                                                        31 October    31 October    30 April 
                                                              2018          2017        2018 
                                                Note       GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000 
 
  Non-current assets 
  Property, plant and equipment                              2,277         2,125       1,935 
  Investment property                                          164           164         164 
  Intangible assets & goodwill                     6         9,438         3,568       3,295 
  Other intangible assets                                       35             -          39 
  Other investments                                             85            85          85 
                                                      ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
  Total non-current assets                                  11,999         5,942       5,518 
                                                      ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
  Current assets 
  Trade and other receivables                      7        43,529        38,429      41,417 
  Cash and cash equivalents                                      -             -       4,301 
                                                      ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
  Total current assets                                      43,529        38,429      45,718 
                                                      ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
  Total assets                                              55,528        44,371      51,236 
                                                      ============  ============  ========== 
 
  Non-current liabilities 
  Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings      8       (4,522)       (3,970)     (2,982) 
  Other payables                                   9         (964)         (126)       (121) 
  Deferred tax liability                                     (566)         (184)       (128) 
  Provisions                                                 (505)         (339)       (405) 
                                                      ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
  Total non-current liabilities                            (6,557)       (4,619)     (3,636) 
                                                      ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
  Current liabilities 
  Bank overdraft                                             (352)       (1,164)           - 
  Other interest-bearing loans 
   and borrowings                                  8       (3,280)       (1,975)     (1,977) 
  Trade and other payables                         9      (20,421)      (18,983)    (20,978) 
  Provisions                                                 (275)         (266)       (200) 
  Current tax liabilities                                  (1,560)         (964)     (1,457) 
                                                      ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
  Total current liabilities                               (25,888)      (23,352)    (24,612) 
                                                      ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
  Total liabilities                                       (32,445)      (27,971)    (28,248) 
                                                      ============  ============  ========== 
 
  NET ASSETS                                                23,083        16,400      22,988 
                                                      ============  ============  ========== 
 
  EQUITY 
 Share capital                                              11,086        10,688      10,688 
 Share premium                                               4,069         4,332       4,576 
 Merger reserve                                            (9,950)       (9,950)     (9,950) 
 Other reserves                                              4,296         1,547       1,547 
 Treasury reserve                                          (1,729)          (53)        (15) 
 Translation reserve                                            82            81          23 
 Retained earnings                                          15,229         9,755      16,119 
                                                      ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
  TOTAL EQUITY                                              23,083        16,400      22,988 
                                                      ============  ============  ========== 
 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

for the six months ended 31 October 2018

 
                                                                      Unaudited     Unaudited        Audited 
                                                                    6 months to   6 months to   12 months to 
                                                                     31 October    31 October       30 April 
                                                                           2018          2017           2018 
                                                                        GBP'000       GBP'000        GBP'000 
Cash flows from operating activities 
                                                             Note 
 Profit for the period after tax                                          3,907         3,312         11,793 
 Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation                                                               548           477            970 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                              6           645           274            547 
 Financial income                                                          (73)          (62)          (233) 
 Financial expense                                                            1           187            412 
 Release of contingent consideration                                          -             -          (362) 
 Exceptional items                                                           61             -              - 
 Equity settled share-based payments                                        379           162            719 
 Tax expense                                                              1,126           932          2,853 
                                                                   ------------  ------------  ------------- 
                                                                          6,594         5,282         16,699 
 Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables                          89           657        (2,330) 
 (Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables                        (1,095)       (1,449)            851 
 Increase in provisions                                                     175            14             14 
                                                                   ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Cash generated from operations                                           5,763         4,504         15,234 
 Tax paid                                                               (1,445)       (1,623)        (3,051) 
                                                                   ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Net cash flows from operating activities                                 4,318         2,881         12,183 
                                                                   ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 Investing activities 
 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment                             (601)         (442)          (745) 
 Acquisition of other intangible assets                                       -             -           (46) 
 Consideration paid on acquisition of subsidiary                        (2,698)         (125)          (179) 
 Contingent consideration payments                                        (235)             -              - 
 Cash received on acquisition of subsidiary                                 266             -              - 
                                                                                 ------------  ------------- 
 Net cash outflow from investing activities                             (3,268)         (567)          (970) 
                                                                   ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
Financing activities 
 Interest and other financial income received                                73            62            233 
 Interest and other financial income paid                                   (1)         (187)          (412) 
 Dividends paid                                                 5       (5,264)       (4,690)        (7,042) 
Receipt of new term bank loans                                            2,970             -              - 
 Repayment of term bank loans                                             (980)         (993)        (1,980) 
 Repayment of loans from former members of GCL Solicitors                 (574)             -              - 
 Repayment of loans from former members of Gateley 
  Heritage LLP                                                                -         (551)          (551) 
 Transactions in own shares - Gateley EBT Limited                       (1,866)           236          (144) 
 Exceptional items                                                         (61)             -              - 
 Other transactions with Gateley EBT Limited                                  -          (51)              - 
 Net cash outflow from financing activities                             (5,703)       (6,174)        (9,608) 
                                                                   ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                               (4,653)       (3,860)          1,605 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                         4,301         2,696          2,696 
                                                                   ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents/(bank overdraft) at end 
  of period                                                               (352)       (1,164)          4,301 
                                                                   ============  ============  ============= 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

for the six months ended 31 October 2018

 
                               Share     Share    Merger     Other  Treasury   Retained       Foreign    Total 
                             capital   premium   reserve   reserve   reserve   earnings      currency   equity 
                                                                                          translation 
                                                                                              reserve 
                             GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000  GBP'000 
 
At 1 May 2017                 10,688     4,332   (9,950)     1,547     (132)     10,864            81   17,430 
Comprehensive income: 
Profit for the year                -         -         -         -         -     11,793             -   11,793 
Exchange rate differences          -         -         -         -         -          -          (58)     (58) 
                            --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ------------  ------- 
Total comprehensive 
 income                            -         -         -         -         -     11,793          (58)   11,735 
Transaction with 
 owners recognised 
 directly in equity 
Purchase of treasury 
 shares                            -         -         -         -      (38)          -             -     (38) 
EBT reserve adjustment             -         -         -         -         -         29             -       29 
Reclassification 
 of gain on own shares             -       244         -         -         -      (244)             -        - 
Sale of treasury 
 shares                            -         -         -         -       155          -             -      155 
Dividend paid                      -         -         -         -         -    (7,042)             -  (7,042) 
Share based payment 
 transactions                      -         -         -         -         -        719             -      719 
Total equity at 30 
 April 2018                   10,688     4,576   (9,950)     1,547      (15)     16,119            23   22,988 
                            ========  ========  ========  ========  ========  =========  ============  ======= 
 
At 1 May 2017 (unaudited)     10,688     4,332   (9,950)     1,547     (132)     10,864            81   17,430 
Comprehensive income: 
Profit for the period              -         -         -         -         -      3,312             -    3,312 
                            --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ------------  ------- 
Total comprehensive 
 income                            -         -         -         -         -      3,312             -    3,312 
Transaction with 
 owners recognised 
 directly in equity 
Sale of treasury 
 shares                            -         -         -         -        79        107             -      186 
Dividend paid                      -         -         -         -         -    (4,690)             -  (4,690) 
Share based payment 
 transactions                      -         -         -         -         -        162             -      162 
                            --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ------------  ------- 
Total equity at 31 
 October 2017                 10,688     4,332   (9,950)     1,547      (53)      9,755            81   16,400 
                            ========  ========  ========  ========  ========  =========  ============  ======= 
 
At 1 May 2018 (unaudited) 
Comprehensive income:         10,688     4,576   (9,950)     1,547      (15)     16,119            23   22,988 
Profit for the period              -         -         -         -         -      3,907             -    3,907 
Exchange rate differences          -         -         -         -         -          -            59       59 
                            --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ------------  ------- 
Total comprehensive 
 income                            -         -         -         -         -      3,907            59    3,966 
Transaction with 
 owners recognised 
 directly in equity 
Sale of treasury 
 shares                            -         -         -         -   (1,714)         88             -  (1,626) 
Issue of shares                  398         -         -     2,374         -          -             -    2,772 
Reclassification 
 of loss on own shares             -     (507)         -         -         -          -             -    (507) 
Dividend paid                      -         -         -         -         -    (5,264)             -  (5,264) 
Share based payment 
 transactions                      -         -         -       375         -        379             -      754 
                            --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------  ------------  ------- 
Total equity at 31 
 October 2018                 11,086     4,069   (9,950)     4,296   (1,729)     15,229            82   23,083 
                            ========  ========  ========  ========  ========  =========  ============  ======= 
 

The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within equity:

Share premium - Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value together with gains and losses on sale of own shares.

Merger reserve - Represents the difference between the nominal value of shares acquired by the company in the share for share exchange with the former Gateley Heritage LLP members and the nominal value of shares issued to acquire them.

Other reserve - Represents the difference between the actual and nominal value of shares issued by the company in the acquisition of subsidiaries.

Treasury reserve - Represents the repurchase of shares for future distribution by the Group's Employee Benefit Trust.

Retained earnings - All other net gains and losses and transactions with owners not recognised anywhere else.

Foreign currency translation reserve - Represents the movement in exchange rates back to the Group's functional currency of profits and losses generated in foreign currencies.

NOTES

for the year ended 30 April 2018

1. Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies

These interim unaudited financial statements for the six months ended 31 October 2018 have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the Annual Report and Financial statements of the Group for the year ended 30 April 2018, with the additional application of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers and IFRS 9 Financial Instruments.

The application of IFRS 15 has not had a material impact on the interim results or the comparative values presented in these accounts due to the nature of the Group's existing billing and income recognition practices. Fees relating to contingent contracts are billed only when the contingent event has been satisfied. On non-contingent contracts work in progress is billed over time in line with the provision of services to the client. As this billing approach is compliant with the requirements of IFRS 15 no significant changes in revenue recognition have been necessary.

IFRS 9 introduces the new expected credit loss that is to be recognised for each applicable financial asset. These losses, applied to trade receivables and WIP balances, have been modelled based on historically observed loss rates across each operating segment, adjusted for any relevant forward-looking information available. The Group has rebutted the presumption that debts being more than 30 days past due are an indicator of a significant increase in credit risk. This is on the basis that historic observations support that the losses on debts 30 days or more past due are not significantly greater than those less than 30 days past due. As a result of the model applied the overall doubtful debt balance recognised is marginally higher than in comparative periods. An election has been made not to restate the prior period comparatives in the interim statements as the impact is not considered to be material.

The recognition and measurement requirements of all International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRSs'), International Accounting Standards ('IAS') and interpretations currently endorsed by the International Accounting Standards Board ('IASB') and its committees as adopted by the EU and as required to be adopted by AIM listed companies have been applied. AIM-listed companies are not required to comply with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and accordingly the Company has taken advantage of this exemption.

The condensed unaudited financial statements for the six months to 31 October 2018 have not been audited or reviewed by auditors pursuant to the Auditing Practices Board guidance on Review of Interim Financial Information. The financial information contained in this interim report does not constitute statutory accounts for the six months ended 31 October 2018 or 31 October 2017 and should be read in conjunction with the statutory accounts for the years ended 30 April 2018 and 30 April 2017. The auditors have reported on those accounts.

Going concern

These interim accounts are prepared on a going concern basis as the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Group remains cash generative, with a strong on-going trading performance. On 1 June 2015 the Group acquired two unsecured term loans for GBP5m each repayable quarterly over five years. The facilities were extended by a total of GBP3m in October 2018. These term loan facilities contain financial covenants which the Group is forecast to comply with for the foreseeable future. Additional overdraft facilities of up to GBP8m in total are also available to the Group.

Statement of Directors' responsibilities

The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, this condensed set of consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the AIM Rules.

Cautionary statement

This document contains certain forward-looking statements in respect of the financial condition, results, operations and business of the Group. Whilst these statements are made in good faith based on information available at the time of approval, these statements and forecasts inherently involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause the actual results of developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forecasts. Nothing in this document should be construed as a profit forecast.

2. Operating segments

The Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") is the Strategic Board. The Group has the following five strategic divisions, which are its reportable segments. These divisions offer different products and services and are managed separately because they report different specialisms from the legal teams in those divisions.

The following summary describes the operations of each reportable segment:

 
 Reportable segment      Operations 
 Banking and Financial   Provision of legal advice in respect of asset 
  Services                finance, banking and restructuring services. 
 Corporate               Provision of legal advice in respect of corporate, 
                          family, private client and taxation services. 
 Business Services       Provision of legal advice in respect of commercial, 
                          commercial dispute resolution, litigation, regulatory, 
                          shipping, transport and insurance services. 
 Employees, Pensions     Provision of legal advice in respect of employment 
  and Benefits            and pension services, including Entrust Pension 
                          Limited's trustee services and global mobility 
                          consultancy. Also includes Kiddy & Partners 
                          Human Capital consultancy, providing assessment, 
                          talent management and leadership development. 
 Property                Provision of legal advice in respect of construction, 
                          planning, real estate and residential development 
                          services. Also includes Gateley Capitus Limited's 
                          tax incentives services together with Gateley 
                          Hamer Limited's easement and wayleave and compulsory 
                          purchase order services. 
 

31 October 2018

 
                            Banking and  Corporate   Business   Employee  Property      Total  Other expense     Total 
                              Financial              Services   Pensions             segments   and movement 
                               Services                              and                         in unbilled 
                                                                Benefits                             revenue 
                                GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Segment revenue                  8,427      7,300      6,046      4,834    19,502     46,109            261    46,370 
                            -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  -------------  -------- 
 Segment contribution 
  (as reported internally)        3,385      1,729      2,580      2,125     9,970     19,789            261    20,050 
 Costs not allocated to 
 segments: 
 Other operating income                                                                                            150 
 Personnel costs                                                                                               (3,499) 
 Depreciation and 
  amortisation                                                                                                 (1,193) 
 Other operating expenses                                                                                     (10,486) 
 Net financial income                                                                                               72 
 Exceptional costs                                                                                                (61) 
                                                                                                              -------- 
 Profit for the financial 
  period before 
  taxation and 
  non-underlying items                                                                                           5,033 
                                                                                                              ======== 
 

31 October 2017

 
                            Banking and  Corporate   Business   Employee  Property      Total  Other expenses    Total 
                              Financial              Services   Pensions             segments    and movement 
                               Services                              and                          in unbilled 
                                                                Benefits                              revenue 
                                GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000         GBP'000  GBP'000 
 Segment revenue                  6,408      7,731      5,283      3,602    14,899     37,923             682   38,605 
                            -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  --------------  ------- 
 Pro-forma segment 
  contribution 
  (as reported internally)        2,015      2,380      2,278      1,233     7,368     15,274             682   15,956 
 Costs not allocated to 
 segments: 
 Other operating income                                                                                            143 
 Personnel costs                                                                                               (3,263) 
 Depreciation and 
  amortisation                                                                                                   (750) 
 Other operating expenses                                                                                      (7,717) 
 Net financial expense                                                                                           (125) 
                                                                                                               ------- 
 Profit for the financial 
 period before 
 taxation and 
  non-underlying items                                                                                           4,244 
                                                                                                               ======= 
 

30 April 2018

 
                            Banking and  Corporate   Business   Employee  Property      Total          Other     Total 
                              Financial              Services   Pensions             segments       expenses 
                               Services                              and                        and movement 
                                                                Benefits                         in unbilled 
                                                                                                     revenue 
                                GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000        GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Segment revenue                 15,489     16,019     12,225      7,516    33,694     84,943          1,147    86,090 
                            -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  -------------  -------- 
 Pro-forma segment 
  contribution 
  (as reported internally)        5,755      4,338      5,062      2,819    15,769     33,743          1,147    34,890 
 Costs not allocated to 
 segments: 
 Other operating income                                                                                            719 
 Personnel costs                                                                                               (5,209) 
 Depreciation and 
  amortisation                                                                                                 (1,517) 
 Other operating expenses                                                                                     (14,058) 
 Net financial expense                                                                                           (179) 
                                                                                                              -------- 
 Profit for the financial 
 year before 
 taxation and 
  non-underlying items                                                                                          14,646 
                                                                                                              ======== 
 
 

No other financial information has been disclosed as it is not provided to the CODM on a regular basis.

3. Employees

The average number of persons employed by the Group during the period, analysed by category, was as follows:

 
                                                                                      Number of employees 
                                                                       6 months to       6 months to    12 months to 
                                                                   31 October 2018   31 October 2017   30 April 2018 
 
Legal and professional staff                                                   552               490             509 
Administrative staff                                                           314               244             248 
                                                                  ----------------  ----------------  -------------- 
                                                                               866               734             757 
                                                                  ================  ================  ============== 
 
                                                                       6 months to       6 months to    12 months to 
  The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:    31 October 2018   31 October 2017   30 April 2018 
                                                                           GBP'000           GBP'000         GBP'000 
 
Wages and salaries                                                          25,685            21,242          45,825 
Social security costs                                                        2,878             2,487           5,283 
Pension costs                                                                  512               385             794 
Share based payments expenses                                                  379               162             719 
                                                                  ----------------  ----------------  -------------- 
                                                                            29,454            24,276          52,621 
                                                                  ================  ================  ============== 
 

4. Earnings per share

 
                                                                      6 months to       6 months to          12 months 
                                                                  31 October 2018   31 October 2017   to 30 April 2018 
                                                                           Number            Number             Number 
 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue, being 
 weighted 
 average number of shares for calculating basic earnings per 
 share                                                                110,864,180       106,881,953        106,881,953 
Shares deemed to be issued for no consideration in respect of 
 share 
 based payments                                                         2,816,317         5,248,775          3,948,441 
                                                                 ----------------  ----------------  ----------------- 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for calculating 
 diluted 
 earnings per share                                                   113,680,497       112,130,728        110,830,394 
                                                                 ================  ================  ================= 
 
                                                                          GBP'000           GBP'000            GBP'000 
Profit for the period and basic earnings attributable to 
 ordinary 
 equity shareholders                                                        3,907             3,312             11,793 
Exceptional items 
Operating expenses and finance costs                                           61                 -              (544) 
Tax on non-underlying items                                                  (12)                 -                103 
                                                                 ----------------  ----------------  ----------------- 
Underlying earnings before non-underlying items                             3,956             3,312             11,352 
                                                                 ================  ================  ================= 
 
  Earnings per share is calculated as follows:                              Pence             Pence              Pence 
 
Basic earnings per ordinary share                                            3.52              3.10              11.03 
Diluted earnings per ordinary share                                          3.44              2.95              10.64 
 
Adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share                                   3.57              3.10              10.62 
Adjusted diluted earnings per ordinary share                                 3.48              2.95              10.24 
 

Underlying earnings per share have been shown because the Directors consider that this provides valuable additional information about the underlying performance of the Group.

5. Dividends

 
                                             6 months     6 months  12 Months 
                                                   to           to   30 April 
                                           31 October   31 October       2018 
                                                 2018         2017 
                                              GBP'000      GBP'000    GBP'000 
Equity shares 
Final dividend in respect of 2017 (4.4p 
 per share) - Paid 4 October 2017                   -        4,690      4,691 
Interim dividend in respect of 2018 
 (2.2p per share) - Paid 16 March 2018              -            -      2,351 
Final dividend in respect of 2018 (4.8p 
 per share) - Paid 5 October 2018               5,264            -          - 
                                          -----------  -----------  --------- 
Dividends paid                                  5,264        4,690      7,042 
                                          ===========  ===========  ========= 
 
 

The Board has approved an interim dividend of 2.6p (2017: 2.2p) per share. This dividend will be paid on 15 March 2018 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 15 February 2018. The shares will go ex-dividend on 14 February 2018. This dividend has not been recognised as a liability in these final statements.

6. Intangible assets

 
                                         Goodwill  Customer list    Total 
                                                       and brand 
                                                           names 
                                          GBP'000        GBP'000  GBP'000 
Deemed cost 
At 1 May 2017                               1,515          1,000    2,515 
Acquired through business combination       1,161            638    1,799 
                                         --------  -------------  ------- 
At 31 October 2017                          2,676          1,638    4,314 
                                         ========  =============  ======= 
 
At 1 May 2017                               2,676          1,638    4,314 
Acquired through business combination           -              -        - 
                                         --------  -------------  ------- 
At 30 April 2018                            2,676          1,638    4,314 
                                         ========  =============  ======= 
 
At 1 May 2018                               2,676          1,638    4,314 
Acquired through business combination       3,958          2,830    6,788 
                                         --------  -------------  ------- 
At 31 October 2018                          6,634          4,468   11,102 
                                         ======== 
 
Accumulated amortisation 
At 1 May 2017                                   -            472      472 
Charge for the period                           -            274      274 
                                         --------  -------------  ------- 
At 31 October 2017                              -            746      746 
                                         ========  =============  ======= 
 
At 1 May 2017                                   -            472      472 
Charge for the year                             -            547      547 
                                         --------  -------------  ------- 
At 30 April 2018                                -          1,019    1,019 
                                         ========  =============  ======= 
 
At 1 May 2018                                   -          1,019    1,019 
Charge for the period                           -            645      645 
                                         -------- 
At 31 October 2018                              -          1,664    1,664 
                                         ========  =============  ======= 
 
Net Book Value 
At 31 October 2017                          2,676            892    3,568 
                                         ========  =============  ======= 
 
At 30 April 2018                            2,676            619    3,295 
                                         ========  =============  ======= 
 
At 31 October 2018                          6,634          2,804    9,438 
                                         ========  =============  ======= 
 

Goodwill

Goodwill is allocated to the following cash generating units

 
                                                       31 October  31 October  30 April 
                                                             2018        2017      2018 
                                                          GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
Gateley Capitus Limited                                     1,515       1,515     1,515 
Gateley Hamer Limited                                       1,161       1,161     1,161 
Kiddy & Partners Limited                                    1,491           -         - 
GCL Solicitors LLP (acquisition of trade and assets)        2,467           -         - 
                                                       ----------  ----------  -------- 
                                                            6,634       2,676     2,676 
                                                       ==========  ==========  ======== 
 

7. Trade and other receivables

 
                                 31 October  31 October  30 April 
                                       2018        2017      2018 
                                    GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
Trade receivables                    30,447      25,486    28,512 
Unbilled revenue                     11,458      10,892    10,672 
Prepayments and accrued income        1,624       2,051     2,233 
                                 ----------  ----------  -------- 
                                     43,529      38,429    41,417 
                                 ==========  ==========  ======== 
 

8. Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings

The contractual terms of the Group's interest-bearing loans and borrowings, which are measured at amortised cost, are described below.

 
                                     31 October 2018    31 October 2017      30 April 2018 
                                      Fair  Carrying     Fair  Carrying     Fair  Carrying 
                                     value    amount    value    amount    value    amount 
                                   GBP'000   GBP'000  GBP'000   GBP'000  GBP'000   GBP'000 
Non-Current liabilities 
Unsecured bank loan                  4,352     4,352    3,970     3,970    2,982     2,982 
Loans from former members of GCL       170       170        -         -        -         - 
                                   -------  --------  -------  --------  -------  -------- 
                                     4,522     4,522        -         -        -         - 
                                   =======  ========  =======  ========  =======  ======== 
 
Current liabilities 
Unsecured bank loan                  2,600     2,600    1,975     1,975    1,977     1,977 
Loans from former members of GCL       680       680        -         -        -         - 
                                   -------  --------  -------  --------  -------  -------- 
                                     3,280     3,280    1,975     1,975    1,977     1,977 
                                   =======  ========  =======  ========  =======  ======== 
 

The unsecured overdraft facilities totalling GBP8m (31 October 2017 GBP8m, 30 April 2018 GBP8m) are repayable on demand.

The unsecured term loans are repayable quarterly over five years commencing on 8 November 2015. Interest is chargeable at 2.25% over LIBOR.

On the acquisition of the trade and assets of GCL Solicitors LLP the amounts due to members of GBP1.28m were converted into loans from former members repayable quarterly over up to two years from acquisition.

9. Trade and other payables

 
                                             31 October  31 October  30 April 
                                                   2018        2017      2018 
                                                GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
Current 
Trade payables                                    4,912       5,013     5,204 
Other taxation and social security payable        6,088       6,591     6,355 
Other payables                                      703       1,182       658 
Accruals and deferred income                      8,718       6,197     8,761 
                                             ----------  ----------  -------- 
                                                 20,421      18,983    20,978 
                                             ==========  ==========  ======== 
 
                                                GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
Non-current 
Other payables                                      964         126       121 
                                             ==========  ==========  ======== 
 

Other payables

GBP1.2m of contingent consideration represents the earn-out sums payable to the sellers of Kiddy & Partners. It has been calculated based on the Groups expectation of what it will pay in relation to the earn-out clause of the sale and purchase agreement. The earn-out targets are based on the annual results of the acquired business. The fair value of the earn-out consideration is calculated based on the forecasted results to give an estimate of the final obligation. In accordance with the terms of the sale and purchase agreement the total earn-out cannot exceed GBP2.15m.

10. Share based payments

Group

At the period end the Group has three share-based payment schemes in operation.

Stock Appreciation Rights Scheme (SARS)

This SARS is a discretionary executive reward plan which allows the Group to grant conditional share awards or nil cost options to selected executives at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee.

The awards vest after a three-year performance period. On exercise, participants will receive the growth in value of the share options between the date of grant and the date of exercise in excess of the hurdle rate. The hurdle rate is currently set at 115.765% of the market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant.

Save As You Earn Scheme (SAYE)

The Group operates a HMRC approved SAYE scheme for all staff. Options under this scheme will vest if the participant remains employed for the agreed vesting period of three years. Upon vesting, each option allows the holder to purchase the allocated ordinary shares at a discount of 20% of the market price determined at the grant date.

Company Share Option Plan (CSOP)

The Group operates a HMRC approved CSOP scheme for associates, senior associates, legal directors, equivalent positions in Gateley Group subsidiary companies and senior management positions in our support teams. Options under this scheme will vest if the participant remains employed for the agreed vesting period of three years. Upon vesting, each option allows the holder to purchase the allocated ordinary shares at the price on the date of the grant.

The annual awards granted under the schemes are summarised below:

 
                                   Weighted average remaining    Weighted    At 1 May      Granted  At 31 October 2018 
                                             contractual life     average        2018       during 
                                                                 exercise               the period 
                                                                    price 
                                                                               Number       Number              Number 
SARS 
SARS 16/17 - 7 October 2016                         0.9 years     GBP1.39  10,425,000            -          10,425,000 
SARS 17/18 - 3 October 2017                         1.9 years     GBP1.83   6,875,000            -           6,875,000 
                                                                           ----------  -----------  ------------------ 
                                                                           17,300,000            -          17,300,000 
                                                                           ----------  -----------  ------------------ 
SAYE 
SAYE 16/17- 1 September 2016                        0.9 years     GBP0.95     949,832            -             949,822 
SAYE 17/18- 15 September 2017                       1.9 years     GBP1.33     531,935            -             537,935 
SAYE 18/19 - 21 September 2018                      2.9 years     GBP1.35           -      620,335             620,335 
                                                                           ----------  -----------  ------------------ 
                                                                            1,481,767      620,335           2,102,092 
                                                                           ----------  -----------  ------------------ 
 
CSOPS 
CSOPS 16/17 - 20 December 2016                      1.5 years     GBP1.31     788,948            -             788,948 
CSOPS 17/18 - 3 October 2017                        2.9 years     GBP1.65     541,772            -             541,772 
CSOPS 18/19 - 24 October 2018                       3.0 years     GBP1.44           -      812,131             812,131 
                                                                           ----------  -----------  ------------------ 
                                                                            1,330,720      812,131           2,142,851 
                                                                           ----------  -----------  ------------------ 
 

During the period 6,650,000 of the brought forward 6,700,000 as at 1 May 2018 SARS 15/16 vested resulting in the issue of 2,425,024 new 10p shares with a nominal value of GBP242,502. The accrued IFRS2 charge of GBP375,000 has been released against other reserves.

Fair value calculations

The award is accounted for as equity-settled under IFRS 2. The fair value of awards which are subject to non-market-based performance conditions is calculated using the Black Scholes option pricing model. The inputs to this model for awards granted during the financial period are detailed below:

 
                                               CSOP 18/19         SAYE 18/19 
Grant date                                24 October 2018  21 September 2018 
 
Share price at date of grant                      GBP1.44            GBP1.69 
Exercise price                                    GBP1.44            GBP1.35 
Volatility                                            18%                18% 
Expected life                                   3.3 years          3.3 years 
Risk free rate                                         1%                 1% 
Dividend yield                                         5%                 4% 
 
Fair value per share 
Market based performance condition                GBP0.16            GBP0.27 
Non-market-based performance condition                  -                  - 
                                          ---------------  ----------------- 
 

As the Group had only limited share price history at the date of grant, expected volatility was based on a proxy volatility determined from the median volatility of a Group of appropriate comparator companies. For the same reason, a similar approach was followed to derive the dividend yield. Expected life has been taken to be between the minimum and maximum exercise period of 3 and 3.5 years, respectively.

11. Business combinations

Acquisition of GCL Solicitors LLP

On 23 May 2018 Gateley Plc acquired the business and assets of GCL Solicitors LLP, a specialist in legal advice on residential developments and works with some of the UK's top housebuilders as well as promotors and land owners. GCL is also one of the leading law firms who act for overseas private investors buying new build residential properties in the UK, primarily in and around London:

 
                                                 Pre-acquisition 
                                                 carrying amount  Policy alignment and fair value adjustments    Total 
                                                         GBP'000                                      GBP'000   GBP000 
 
Property, plant and equipment                                278                                            -      278 
Work in progress                                             522                                            -      522 
Intangible asset relating to customer list and 
 brand                                                         -                                        2,164    2,164 
Cash and short term deposits                                 266                                            -      266 
Trade receivables                                            981                                            -      981 
Prepayments and accrued income                               284                                            -      284 
Total assets                                               2,331                                        2,164    4,495 
                                                ----------------  -------------------------------------------  ------- 
 
Loans from former Partners - Partners current 
 and tax liabilities                                     (1,280)                                            -  (1,280) 
Trade payables                                             (534)                                            -    (534) 
Accruals and other payables                                (517)                                            -    (517) 
Deferred tax                                                   -                                        (433)    (433) 
                                                ----------------  -------------------------------------------  ------- 
Total liabilities                                        (2,331)                                        (433)  (2,764) 
                                                ----------------  -------------------------------------------  ------- 
 
Total identifiable net assets at fair value                    -                                        1,731    1,731 
Goodwill arising on acquisition                                                                                  2,467 
                                                                                                               ------- 
Total acquisition cost                                                                                           4,198 
                                                                                                               ------- 
 
Analysed as follows: 
Initial cash consideration paid                                                                                  2,272 
Issue of new 10p ordinary shares in Gateley 
 (Holdings) Plc                                                                                                  1,926 
                                                                                                                 4,198 
                                                                                                               ------- 
 
Cash outflow on acquisition 
Cash paid                                                                                                      (2,272) 
Acquisition costs                                                                                                    - 
Net cash acquired with subsidiary (Included in 
 cash flows from investing activities)                                                                             266 
                                                                                                               ------- 
Net cash outflow                                                                                               (2,006) 
                                                                                                               ------- 
 

From the date of acquisition GCL, has contributed GBP2.9m to revenue and GBP0.7m to Group profit for the period.

Acquisition of Kiddy & Partners Limited ("Kiddy")

On 9 July 2018 the Company acquired the business and assets of Kiddy, a leader in its field delivering a comprehensive set of Human Capital consultancy services to businesses looking to improve the performance of their leaders and senior managers:

 
                                                  Pre-acquisition 
                                                  carrying amount  Policy alignment and fair value adjustments   Total 
                                                          GBP'000                                      GBP'000  GBP000 
 
Property, plant and equipment                                  15                                          (8)       7 
Other assets                                                   21                                         (21)       - 
Intangible asset relating to customer list and 
 brand                                                          -                                          666     666 
Cash and short term deposits                                  409                                        (409)       - 
Trade receivables                                             421                                         (81)     340 
Prepayments and accrued income                                181                                        (107)      74 
Total assets                                                1,047                                           40   1,087 
                                                 ----------------  -------------------------------------------  ------ 
 
Trade payables                                              (104)                                           38    (66) 
Other taxation & social security payable                     (22)                                            -    (22) 
Accruals and other payables                                 (431)                                           67   (364) 
Deferred tax                                                    -                                        (126)   (126) 
                                                 ----------------  -------------------------------------------  ------ 
Total liabilities                                           (557)                                         (21)   (578) 
                                                 ----------------  -------------------------------------------  ------ 
 
Total identifiable net assets at fair value                   490                                           19     509 
Goodwill arising on acquisition                                                                                  1,491 
                                                                                                                ------ 
Total acquisition cost                                                                                           2,000 
                                                                                                                ------ 
 
Analysed as follows: 
Initial cash consideration paid                                                                                    426 
Issue of new 10p ordinary shares in Gateley 
 (Holdings) Plc                                                                                                    424 
Deferred share consideration payable                                                                               575 
Deferred cash consideration payable                                                                                575 
                                                                                                                ------ 
                                                                                                                 2,000 
                                                                                                                ------ 
 
Cash outflow on acquisition 
Cash paid                                                                                                        (426) 
Acquisition costs                                                                                                    - 
Net cash acquired with subsidiary (Included in                                                                       - 
cash flows from investing activities) 
                                                                                                                ------ 
Net cash outflow                                                                                                 (426) 
                                                                                                                ------ 
 

From the date of acquisition Kiddy, has contributed GBP0.8m to revenue and GBP0.2m to Group profit for the period.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

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