Operational Update

RNS Number : 4060X

SigmaRoc PLC

21 February 2017

 

21 February 2017

SigmaRoc plc

("SigmaRoc" or the "Company")

Operational Update

Agreement of Debt Facility

Following a strong start to 2017, SigmaRoc plc, the AIM listed construction materials business (AIM: SRC), is pleased to provide the following updates on its Channel Islands based acquisition, Ronez Limited, and the wider business:

Ronez Operations

-     Trading and operational performance has been strong with January sales volumes above  budget and a healthy order book for the first quarter of 2017;

-     The development of the required back-office systems is proceeding at a much lower cost and a much faster pace than initially expected, with the business currently on track to complete the systems implementation by end-April 2017;

-     Consequently, a ca. 50% reduction in the back-office systems budget is expected to be achievable for this calendar year;

-     Operational Excellence programmes are being implemented which will generate further EBITDA improvement across the Ronez business throughout this year;

SigmaRoc Debt Financing

-     SigmaRoc has agreed terms with Santander UK plc ("Santander") on a £2 million Revolving Credit Facility;

-     Additionally, SigmaRoc is in advanced discussions on a further £18 million Term facility;

-     Both facilities ("Santander Facilities") are on standard commercial terms maturing in 2021 and  will see the business sufficiently capitalised to progress with its initial project pipeline; and

-     Holders of the unsecured Convertible Loan Notes issued on Admission will be required to enter into a subordination deed with Santander, as set out in the Loan Note Instrument dated 5 January 2017.

The Company will continue to update the market as it reaches operational and strategic objectives.

David Barrett, Executive Chairman of SigmaRoc, commented:

"Ronez, our first acquisition, is a high quality business and these first weeks of trading have confirmed this. We are working hard with all stakeholders to ensure SigmaRoc is well positioned to implement its ambitious growth strategy and I am delighted that we have reached agreement with Santander to provide additional finance to enable us to capitalise on further opportunities efficiently."

 Max Vermorken, Chief Executive Officer of SigmaRoc, commented:

"I am pleased with the support received from Ronez staff and the local communities on the Channel Islands. Bedding in the Ronez business was our first priority and progress to date has been faster than I expected, enabling us to work towards optimising operational and financial performance."

Capitalised terms in this announcement carry the same meaning as those ascribed to them in the Company's AIM Admission Document dated 15 December 2016 unless otherwise defined or the context requires otherwise.

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. Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

 **ENDS**

For further information, please visit www.sigmaroc.com or contact:

SigmaRoc plc		[phone]
Max Vermorken
Strand Hanson Limited (Nominated and Financial Adviser)		[phone]
James Spinney
James Dance
Zeus Capital Limited (Broker)		[phone]
Rob Collins Alex Wood
Tavistock (Public Relations Adviser)		[phone]
Jos Simson
Edward Lee
Orchard PR (Guernsey Public Relations Adviser) Emma Anderson		[phone]

 

END

 

 

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