Harvey Nash Group PLC Acquisition of eMenka NV (0343O)

TIDMHVN

RNS Number : 0343O

Harvey Nash Group PLC

15 May 2018

15 May 2018

Harvey Nash Group PLC

("Harvey Nash" or the "Company")

Acquisition of eMenka NV (the "Acquisition")

Harvey Nash, the global technology recruitment and outsourcing group, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Belgian IT solutions company, eMenka NV ("eMenka"), by its Belgian subsidiary, Harvey Nash NV. Based near Antwerp, eMenka focuses on placing Microsoft specialists in full-time employee and independent contractor roles.

The acquisition will enable the Group to take advantage of the strong software development market which is thriving across the world and particularly in Europe, where acute skills shortages in niche sectors drives demand and hiring activity. Businesses who specialise in IT skills and talent are reporting accelerating growth as the demand for these roles rises.

Under the terms of the Acquisition, Harvey Nash Group NV will acquire 100% of the shares in eMenka for an initial cash consideration of EUR1,000,000 ("Initial Consideration"). Deferred cash consideration of up to EUR1,000,000 ("Deferred Consideration") will be paid on the third anniversary of completion subject to average EBIT performance over a three-year period starting on 1 February 2018 and ending in 31 January 2021 (the "Earn-Out Period"). The Initial Consideration and, if applicable, the Deferred Consideration, will be satisfied from the Group's existing cash resources and facilities.

For the year ended 31 December 2017, eMenka reported gross profit of EUR0.82 million on turnover of EUR3.89 million and generated profit before tax of EUR0.21 million.

Strategic fit

The acquisition is part of the Group's strategy to grow its businesses in its core markets in Northern Europe. With more than 1500 technology consultants working at clients in Belgium, the Group continuous to strengthen its leading position in the Belgian IT market.

eMenka will collaborate with the Group's existing offering in Antwerp to strengthen our leading market position in Belgium in this specific skills niche. There is little client overlap and market coverage will be extended creating revenue synergies.

Albert Ellis, Chief Executive Officer of Harvey Nash, commented:

"We welcome eMenka into the Group and look forward to working with the well-established and respected team. This business will enhance our position as one of the market leaders and fast growing IT solutions businesses in Belgium, creating a larger pool of Microsoft specialists and employees to fulfil growing client demand. We expect the combined businesses to be recognised as one of the leading players in this niche market which will attract further talent and opportunity into the Group.

As we stated in the preliminary results announcement on 27 April 2018, we are encouraged by the strong trading momentum at the beginning of the current financial year. This acquisition significantly strengthens our position in Northern Europe and will further bolster our confidence of delivering success in the year."

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) no 596/2014.

For further information, please contact:

Harvey Nash Group plc

Albert Ellis, CEO

Mark Garratt, CFO

Tel: [phone]

Panmure Gordon (Nominated Adviser & Broker)

Ben Thorne

Erik Anderson

Andrew Potts

Tel: [phone]

Hudson Sandler

Michael Sandler

Hattie O'Reilly

Tel: [phone]

About Harvey Nash:

Harvey Nash is a leading executive, technology recruitment and IT outsourcing business focusing on leadership, specialist technical skills and digital talent. Our unique portfolio of services, from executive search, professional recruitment to IT outsourcing, provides opportunities to engage with clients at every stage of the business cycle. Our relationship-based model underpins the delivery of resilient financial returns and supports sustainable returns to shareholders.

With over 9000 professionals in 40 offices across the USA, Europe, and Asia Pacific, Harvey Nash has the reach and resources of a global organisation, while fostering a culture of innovation and autonomy that empowers its employees and associates to deliver client-centric solutions.

About eMenka:

Founded in 2007, eMenka is a Belgian niche IT solutions company that specialises in Microsoft skills, operating in Antwerp, Ghent and Kortrijk.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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May 15, 2018 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)