3 June 2016
Begbies Traynor Group plc
Acquisition of Pugh Auction Group Limited
Begbies Traynor Group plc (the "Group") today announces the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Pugh Auction Group Limited ("Pugh & Co"). The 25 strong team, including
management, will be integrated with the Group's existing Eddisons property services division.
Pugh & Co was established in 2000 and is the largest firm of commercial property auctioneers
operating outside of London, with regular auctions held in Leeds and Manchester.
The combination of Pugh & Co with the Group's existing Eddisons auction business will become
the third largest firm of commercial property auctioneers nationally (based on the total value raised from commercial property
auctions in 2015. Source: Estates Gazette January 2016).
In the financial year ended 31 March 2016, Pugh & Co reported annual revenue of £2.0 million
and pre-tax profits of £0.8 million. It had gross assets of £0.1 million as at 31 March 2016.
Principal terms of the acquisition
The acquisition is for an initial consideration of £2.0 million, to be satisfied in cash from the
Group's existing resources. The acquisition is on a cash free, debt free basis.
Under the terms of the acquisition, additional contingent consideration of up to £2.625 million
will become payable subject to the achievement of stretching financial targets for the consolidated auctions business
(representing the existing Eddisons business and Pugh & Co) in the five year period directly following completion,
calculated according to an agreed formula.
Up to £0.25 million of the contingent consideration is payable based on meeting financial targets
in the first year post acquisition and may be satisfied through either the issuing of new ordinary shares at the prevailing
market value or cash at the Group's discretion. The remainder of the contingent consideration is payable in cash over the five
year period post acquisition.
The acquisition is expected to be earnings enhancing both initially, in the Group's current
financial year which commenced on 1 May 2016, and after any additional consideration is paid.
Richard Roe, Managing Director of Eddisons, commented:
"I am very pleased to welcome the Pugh & Co team into Eddisons. The acquisition will enhance
our auctions service offering by adding further depth and geographical coverage, complementing our existing
operations."
Ric Traynor, Executive Chairman of Begbies Traynor Group plc, commented:
"I am pleased to announce this acquisition which is in line with our strategy to develop our
property services division, to increase both the scope of its service offering and geographical coverage."
- ENDS -
Enquiries please contact:
Begbies Traynor Group PLC
0161 837 1700
Ric Traynor - Executive Chairman
Nick Taylor - Group Finance Director
Canaccord Genuity Limited
020 7523 8350
(Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker)
Bruce Garrow / Nilesh Patel
Shore Capital
020 7408 4090
(Joint Broker)
Mark Percy / Anita Ghanekar
MHP Communications
020 3128 8100
Reg Hoare / Katie Hunt / Giles
Robinson
begbies@mhpc.com
Notes:
Begbies Traynor Group plc operates nationally from a comprehensive network
of UK locations through two operating divisions.
Begbies Traynor is the UK's leading independent business recovery practice handling the largest
number of corporate appointments, principally serving the mid-market and smaller companies. We provide a range of specialist
professional services primarily to businesses, their professional advisors and the major banks covering insolvency, restructuring
and risk management activities.
Eddisons is a leading UK firm of chartered surveyors, offering a wide range of specialist services
to banks, insolvency practitioners, and owners and occupiers of commercial property. The core services offered are valuation and
disposal of property including fixed charge property receiverships; valuation and disposal of machinery and business assets;
auctions; insolvency insurance brokerage; property management; building consultancy and ratings valuations.
Information on Eddisons can be accessed via www.eddisons.com
Information on Begbies Traynor Group can be accessed via www.begbies-traynorgroup.com