Trading update
Braemar Group PLC
02 April 2007
2 April 2007
Braemar Group plc
('Braemar' or the 'Group')
Trading update
and
Notice of Results
Braemar Group plc, the provider of corporate finance, fund and property
management services, is pleased to make the following trading update prior to
the announcement of its annual results for the year ending 31 March 2007.
The Directors of Braemar are pleased to report that the business has made good
progress in the year to 31 March 2007, its first full trading year since joining
AIM.
The Group intends to report its preliminary results during the week commencing
11 June 2007 along the following divisional lines:
1. Property and Fund Administration - Braemar's core business which creates and
manages tax efficient residential property schemes for High Net Worth
Individuals. This division continues to develop, with sales significantly
ahead of last year, due to the successful closing of its latest fund,
Coronation IV, and the continued build up of recurring fee income.
2. Corporate Finance - Braemar Securities was established in the second half of
the year, primarily to expand the Group's margin from core activities.
However, in addition to this, the fee income arising from several external
mandates means that the division is already making a positive contribution
to the Group, and this is expected to continue into the first half of the
new financial year.
The Directors are delighted with the progress of both the divisions, which have
achieved growth in turnover. The Group expects to report a smaller operating
loss before goodwill for the second half of the year than that reported for the
six months to 30 September 2006.
Working Capital Adequacy
After a review of the working capital requirement of the Group for the next
twelve months, and, in accordance with the terms of the loan notes issued as
part of the consideration of the acquisition of The Braemar Group Limited, the
Directors have confirmed that the Group has sufficient working capital to enable
Marc Duschenes to give notice of his intention to redeem, on 10 April 2007, four
convertible loan notes at par paid to him and his wife as deferred
consideration. This will result in £202,782 being paid to each of Marc Duschenes
and his wife by the Group in cash, which will reduce the Group's borrowings and
interest burden accordingly.
The Directors are comfortable with the Group's overall financial controls and
working capital adequacy, and, currently, do not expect any significant
acquisition or capital expenditure that may require equity financing.
Marc Duschenes currently has 21,254,999 Ordinary shares which represents 18.68%
of the issued share capital of the Company.
With the exception of Marc Duschenes, the directors of Braemar have consulted
with Zeus Capital Limited and concluded that the terms of the transaction are
fair and reasonable insofar as its shareholders are concerned.
For further information contact:
Marc Duschenes, Chief Executive, Braemar Group plc 0161 929 4969
Martin Robinson, Chairman, Braemar Group plc 0161 929 4969
Julie Serrage, Investor Relations, Braemar Group plc 0161 929 4969
Alex Clarkson, Zeus Capital Limited 0161 831 1512
Notes to Editors:
Braemar Group plc creates and promotes a range of innovative and tax efficient
financial products aimed at the high net worth community including Private
Equity, Property and Collective Investment Schemes.
Braemar has two core divisions:
Property and Fund Administration
Braemar currently has four funds under management. Braemar receives an annual
management fee plus a carried interest or performance fee, which may be linked
to an index.
Braemar is also preparing for the launch of a new residential property fund that
will be suitable for SIPP investment and is also monitoring the developments in
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
This division also comprises property management and block management.
Whilst project driven fees typically generate a high margin up front, the longer
term management activity provides Braemar with a trail of recurring fee income.
Braemar's block management activity, a newly established business, takes a
pro-active interest in the properties it manages and ensures a cost effective
programme of maintenance is in place that, wherever possible, enhances the value
of the properties.
Braemar also trades reversionary residential property, acting as agent or
principal and from time to time is involved in property development on its own
account.
Corporate Finance
This division primarily acts as arranger and promoter to the various structured
investment products being launched by the Group, and offers specialist advisory
and fund raising services for both public and private companies, through a
network of high net worth individuals and financial intermediaries. This
division, Braemar Securities Limited, is authorised and regulated by the
Financial Services Authority.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange