Trading Statement

Croma Security Solutions Group PLC

29 January 2024

 

29 January 2024

Croma Security Solutions Group Plc

                                                     ("CSSG", "Croma", "the "Company" or the "Group")

Trading Statement and NHS Trust Contract Renewal

Croma Security Solutions Group plc (AIM:CSSG) is pleased to announce the following positive update on trading for the six months to 31 December 2023, as well as a three year NHS Trust contract renewal.

The Company has delivered a solid first half performance and is expecting to report in line with management expectations with revenue of £4.28 million (HY22: £3.77 million excludes non-continuing businesses) an increase of 13.5% on the equivalent period last year.

Following a competitive tender process, Croma was re-awarded a three-year maintenance contract by an NHS Trust to cover the security needs of their hospitals. This is one of a number of health sector clients for Croma where we have achieved a high level of service and client specific understanding making Croma a very competitive provider of security services in this sector.

As announced on 8 January, 2024 began positively with the acquisitions of two profitable locksmith businesses, for a combined cash consideration of £438,000 which includes a freehold property valued at £0.35 million. The two locksmith businesses have a combined annual turnover of £0.5 million and operate from Peterborough and Worthing, extending the number and geography of the Group's existing network. The two business are integrating well into the Group, bringing the total number of Croma stores to 16.

The acquisitions are part of the Group's ambitions to roll out its security centre network nationwide utilising the Group existing cash resources and future receipts from the sale of Vigilant. There are further acquisition opportunities under consideration by the management team with the potential to transform more traditional locksmiths into modern security centres with stronger in-store product ranges and much greater profit potential.

The Company expects to report its interim results for the six months ended to 31 December 2023 in March 2024.

Roberto Fiorentino, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "The Croma Group continues to progress well, delivering a good sales performance in the first six month of our financial year despite the turbulent economic landscape and downturn experienced by so many business sectors. It is also encouraging to have already secured two additional locksmith stores in the second half of the year. Furthermore, the retention of the NHS contract reflects well on our business and the services we have delivered to date, and I am looking forward to continuing our relationship with the hospitals. Our strategy continues to deliver, and I am confident that our interim results will bring further proof of this."

For further information visit www.cssgplc.com or contact:

Croma Security Solutions Group Plc                                                           ​Tel: [phone]

Roberto Fiorentino, CEO

Teo Andreeva, CFO

WH Ireland Limited                                                                                      ​Tel: [phone]

(Nominated Adviser and Broker)

Mike Coe

Sarah Mather

Novella                                                                                                             Tel: [phone]

Tim Robertson

Claire de Groot

Safia Colebrook

 

END