Unaudited Preliminary Results

Advanced Medical Solutions Grp PLC

13 March 2024

 

13 March 2024

Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc

("AMS" or the "Group" or the "Company")

Unaudited preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2023

~ AMS set for strong growth in 2024, underpinned by implementation of commercial initiatives, product launches, as well as a transformational surgical acquisition announced today ~

Winsford, UK: Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc (AIM: AMS), a world-leading specialist in tissue-healing technologies, today announces its unaudited preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2023.

 

Financial Summary:

	2023	2022	Reported change	Change at constant currency¹
Revenue (£ million)	126.2	124.3	+2%	+2%
Adjusted Measures
Adjusted² profit before tax (£ million)	25.9	28.5	-9%
Adjusted² profit before tax margin	20.5%	22.9%	-2.4pp
Adjusted² diluted earnings per share (p)	9.39p	10.47p	-10%
Reported Measures
Profit before tax (£ million)	21.2	25.9	-18%
Profit before tax margin	16.8%	20.8%	-4.0pp
Diluted earnings per share (p)	7.25p	9.30p	-22%
Net operating cash flow (£ million)	12.3	26.9	-54%
Net cash3 (£ million)	60.2	82.3	-27%
Proposed full year dividend per share (p)	2.36p	2.15p	+10%

Business Highlights (including post period end):

AMS is pleased to report results in line with updated guidance and significant commercial, regulatory and clinical progress as it continues to build its platform for growth and invest in its portfolio of next-generation products.

Operational

·    Successful implementation of new route to market strategy for US LiquiBand^® that is delivering accelerated growth expectations in Q1 2024 and gives the Board confidence in achieving record US LiquiBand^® sales in 2024

·      FDA approval for LIQUIFIX^TM, the first atraumatic hernia fixation device in the US with the full in-market launch with TELA Bio Inc ("TELA Bio") progressing very well and attracting significant market interest

·      Completion of the first SEAL-G^® and SEAL-G^® MIST human clinical trials with initial data showing promising improvement in comparison to reported leak rates

·      Acquisition of Peters Surgical SAS ("Peters Surgical") for a total maximum cash consideration of €141.4 million (£121 million) announced today - See separate announcement

·      Acquisition of Syntacoll GmbH ("Syntacoll") for €1 million on 1^st March 2024, a specialist manufacturer of drug-eluting collagens that strengthens the Group's existing Biosurgical business

·      Acquisition of Connexicon Ltd ("Connexicon") on 1^st February 2023, increasing the Group's ability to develop and commercialise innovative and differentiated adhesive and sealant technologies

Financial

·      Group revenue increased by 2% to £126.2 million (2022: £124.3 million) with strong organic growth partly offset by de-stocking of US LiquiBand^® and reduced royalties, as guided in September 2023

·      Adjusted profit before tax decreased by 9% to £25.9 million (2022: £28.5 million) whilst reported profit before tax decreased by 18% to 21.2 million (2022: £25.9 million) as margins were impacted by the temporary reduction in US LiquiBand^® revenue and lower royalty income

·      Net cash decreased to £60.2 million (2022: £82.3 million) following the acquisition of Connexicon, planned inventory build and the purchase of shares by the Employee Benefit Trust

·      Investment in R&D increased to £12.6 million (2022: £12.3 million), representing 10% of revenues (2022: 10%), as the Group maintains investment in new products and Medical Device Regulation ("MDR")

·      Surgical Business Unit revenues increased to £79.1 million (2022: £74.9 million), an increase of 6% at reported and constant currency

·      Woundcare Business Unit revenues decreased to £47.1 million (2022: £49.5 million), a decrease of 5% at reported and constant currency

·      Reflecting management's ongoing confidence in the Group's outlook, the Board proposes an increased final dividend of 1.66p per share (2022: 1.51p) bringing the total proposed dividend to 2.36p per share (2022: 2.15p)

Commenting on the results Chris Meredith, Chief Executive Officer of AMS, said: "I am very pleased with the progress we made in 2023 with a number of key initiatives setting a strong foundation for growth for the next five years. The recently signed US distribution agreements are already having a positive impact on the LiquiBand^® franchise. Also, market feedback through our new US partner for LIQUIFIX^TM validates the confidence we have in the commercial potential for this unique product. Outside the US, we continue to make excellent progress as we strengthen our position in established markets and drive growth through geographic expansion.

"The acquisition of Peters Surgical is a transformational step in the history of AMS. The expansion of our portfolio while leveraging the direct sales, distribution network, R&D capability and manufacturing base of both businesses will transform the Group into a major player in the field of tissue-healing. The Group has never been in such a strong position given the quality of our products and breadth of our portfolio. As a result, we are also increasing our dividend, demonstrating our commitment to drive shareholder value. I am extremely proud of the AMS employees who have worked so hard to get us to this point and I look forward to working closely with our new colleagues at Peters Surgical and Syntacoll and our other partners as we embark on this exciting new phase of the business."

Analyst briefing

A briefing for sell-side analysts will take place at 10am this morning. Please contact [e-mail] for further details.

Notes

1.     Constant currency removes the effect of currency movements by re-translating the current year's performance at the previous year's exchange rates

2.     Adjusted profit before tax is shown before amortisation of acquired intangible assets which was £4.9 million (2022: £3.4 million) and the movement in long-term liabilities recognised on acquisitions which was a credit £0.2 million (2022: £0.8 million credit)

3.     Net cash consists of cash and cash equivalents with nil debt (2022: £nil debt)

- End -

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

Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc	Tel: [phone]
Chris Meredith, Chief Executive Officer Eddie Johnson, Chief Financial Officer Michael King, Investor Relations
ICR Consilium Strategic Communications	Tel: [phone]
Mary-Jane Elliott / Matthew Neal / Lucy Featherstone
Investec Bank PLC (NOMAD & Broker)	Tel: [phone]
Gary Clarence / David Anderson
HSBC Bank PLC (Broker)	Tel: [phone]
Sam McLennan / Joe Weaving / Stephanie Cornish

About Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc

AMS is a world-leading independent developer and manufacturer of innovative tissue-healing technology, focused on quality outcomes for patients and value for payers. AMS has a wide range of surgical products including tissue adhesives, sutures, haemostats, internal fixation devices , bone substitutes and internal sealants, which it markets under its brands LiquiBand^®, RESORBA^®, LiquiBandFix8^®, LIQUIFIX^TM and SEAL-G^®. AMS also supplies wound care dressings such as silver alginates, alginates and foams through its ActivHeal^® brand as well as under white label. Since 2019, the Group has made five acquisitions: Sealantis, an Israeli developer of innovative internal sealants; Biomatlante, a French developer and manufacturer of surgical biomaterials, Raleigh, a leading UK coater and converter of woundcare and bio-diagnostics materials, AFS Medical an Austrian specialist surgical business and Connexicon an Irish tissue adhesives specialist.

AMS's products, manufactured in the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Israel, are sold globally via a network of multinational or regional partners and distributors, as well as via AMS's own direct sales forces in the UK, Germany, the Czech Republic and Russia. The Group has R&D innovation hubs in the UK, Ireland, Germany, France and Israel. Established in 1991, the Group has more than 800 employees. For more information, please see www.admedsol.com.

Chief Executive's Review

In 2023, the Group has performed in line with updated guidance with a strong underlying performance from the surgical Business Unit. Importantly, AMS has now successfully optimised its commercial partnerships for US LiquiBand^®, achieved FDA approval for LIQUIFIX^TM and launched the product in the US with our specialist partner TELA Bio, and made significant clinical progress with SEAL-G^® and SEAL-G^® MIST. The Group is now positioned for strong revenue growth in 2024 and continues to maintain its investment in innovative products that will reinforce our position as a world-leading specialist in tissue-healing technologies.

Surgical Business Unit

The Surgical Business Unit includes tissue adhesives, sutures, biosurgical devices and internal fixation devices marketed under the AMS brands LiquiBand^®, RESORBA^®, LiquiBandFix8^®, LIQUIFIX^TM and Seal-G^®.

Growth in the Surgical Business was driven by strong performances from LiquiBand^® outside the US, Traditional Closure, Other Distributed and Internal fixation products. Revenue increased to £79.1 million (2022: £74.9 million) during the Period, an increase of 6% on a constant currency and reported basis.

Surgical Business Unit	2023 £ million	2022 £ million	Reported Growth	Change at constant currency
Advanced closure	34.6	36.0	-4%	-4%
Internal Fixation and Sealants	5.0	4.1	21%	21%
Other Distributed	5.0	2.9	72%	69%
Traditional Closure	18.1	16.0	13%	15%
Biosurgical Devices	16.4	15.8	4%	3%
TOTAL	79.1	74.9	6%	6%

Peters Surgical

The acquisition of Peters Surgical for a maximum consideration of €141.4 million, announced separately today, will transform our Surgical Business Unit, adding €84 million of revenue⁴ at healthy gross margins, a highly synergistic product range and commercial and operational structure.

4.     Based on unaudited financial information extracted from management information for the financial year to 31 Dec 2023

Advanced Closure

LiquiBand^® is a range of topical skin adhesives, incorporating medical grade cyanoacrylate in combination with purpose-built applicators. These products are used to close and protect a broad variety of surgical and traumatic wounds.

Advanced Closure	2023 £ million	2022 £ million	Reported Growth	Change at constant currency
Americas	18.2	23.4	-22%	-21%
UK/Germany	8.2	7.3	12%	11%
ROW	6.8	5.3	28%	28%
Connexicon	1.4	0.0
TOTAL	34.6	36.0	-4%	-4%

LiquiBand^® revenues decreased in the period by 4% as strong ex-US growth was offset by US de-stocking linked to the implementation of the new route to market strategy, with the Group renegotiating its three hospital distribution agreements.

The new agreements will enable more product and brand differentiation for each of the Group's partners including the first solely AMS branded product in the US, which represents a significant milestone for LiquiBand^®. Taking over direct marketing control for one of the distribution channels allows AMS to offer LiquiBand^® solutions in US Hospital sales channels where the Group's two Acute Strategic Partners' relationships are less robust. This has involved AMS setting up and maintaining its own locally based inventory in the US. The switching of inventory ownership is now complete, but the resulting de-stocking undertaken by its partner and additional inventory disruption during negotiations with other partners resulted in a £5m impact during 2023. Throughout this process end-user sales have been uninterrupted and there has been no impact on customer order fulfilment.

The Connexicon acquisition in February 2023 will support the enhanced LiquiBand^® partner agreements by providing the product exclusivity and differentiation that they need to significantly expand market penetration. The US approval process for these products is progressing well and remains on track for completion in H2 2024. Connexicon continues to perform well in Europe and ROW and is being positioned for approval in China, which would be AMS's first tissue adhesive approval in this very large market. The clinical trial is progressing well and Chinese approval is anticipated at around the end of 2025.

The new agreements also enable the promotion of LiquiBand^® XL in all three hospital distribution channels providing access to the fast growing $70 million long wound market and facilitating the conversion of new accounts and increase market share for the LiquiBand^® brand as a whole. The pipeline of evaluations and conversions for LiquiBand^® XL continues to increase rapidly and surgeon feedback on the efficacy and ease of use for the product remains very positive.

The Board has been very pleased with the impact of the new strategy on 2024 partner ordering and commitment and remain confident of achieving record US LiquiBand^® revenues for the year.  

Outside the US, the LiquiBand^® brand continued to perform very strongly during the Period, with underlying growth of 11% in UK/Germany and 28% in the Rest of the World markets as new territories continue to make a positive impact on financial performance. LiquiBand^® XL is being well received in these markets and early-stage traction is also contributing to growth. 

Internal Fixation and Sealants

LiquiBandFix8^®/LIQUIFIX^TM is used to fix hernia meshes placed inside the body with accurately delivered individual drops of cyanoacrylate adhesive, instead of traditional sutures, tacks and staples.

LiquiBandFix8^® continued to perform strongly in Europe and ROW with revenues increasing by 21% to £5.0 million (2022: £4.1 million) in the period due to deeper market penetration and, to a lesser extent, the annualised impact of the acquisition of AFS Medical ("AFS").

2023 was an important year for AMS's hernia mesh fixation device, with the completion of a 284-patient clinical study, US approval in June and an agreement secured in September with TELA Bio for the marketing and distribution of LiquiBandFix8^® across the high value United States market under the brand name LIQUIFIX^TM. The launch of LIQUIFIX^TM is progressing very well with TELA Bio having completed an extensive training programme among its specialist hernia sales force and good progress having been made across a number of significant GPO systems in the US. The initial response from surgeons and from AMS's partner has been very positive and US orders received to date are ahead of expectations.

SEAL-G^® MIST is a novel, internal, biological sealant used to seal tissue to reduce leakage of fluid during internal surgery. We are very pleased with the results from the first SEAL-G^® clinical study of 160 gastrointestinal (GI) surgery patients that was completed in 2023, although not a randomised controlled trial, initial data confirmed that reports of serious leakages with SEAL-G^® were significantly lower than those from published studies with standard of care treatments.

In 2024, we have chosen to move into a clinical study for pancreatic surgery, which is a high-risk procedure with higher leakage rates and thus lower patient population to demonstrate results. This study is underway and initial feedback is encouraging albeit very early.

Unfortunately, the discontinuation of a component required to connect the laparoscopic to an external gas supply is restricting commercialisation for the time being and limiting our activities to just critical clinical work and KOL surgeon evaluations. With no short-term solution, we are now trying to expedite the development of the next generation laparoscopic device that does not need a gas supply connection.

Traditional Closure

RESORBA^® branded Absorbable and Non-absorbable Suture ranges are used in general surgery and a wide range of surgical specialties including dental and ophthalmic surgery. Revenues grew strongly during the Period, increasing by 13% to £18.1 million and by 15% at constant currency (2022: £16.0 million) as the Group continues to have success with its strategy of delivering solid suture growth in its core German market with much higher growth outside of Germany with notable success in Eastern Europe and the US. This has resulted in ex-Germany suture sales exceeding German sales for the first time; in comparison to the suture business that was heavily German weighted at the time of the RESORBA^® acquisition.

Biosurgical Devices

Biosurgical Devices comprise antibiotic-loaded collagen sponges, collagen membranes and cones, oxidised cellulose, synthetic bone substitutes and bio-absorbable screws. Revenues increased to £16.4 million (2022: £15.8 million) with the reported increase deflated by a strong FY22 comparative period linked to MDR related ordering and uneven phasing of shipments but with much stronger growth expected again in 2024.

End-user demand for collagens in Europe remains and the RESORBA^® branded bone substitutes range is now established in over 20 countries creating a platform for accelerated growth and following the 2023 US independent rep pilot launch of bone substitutes, a dedicated US based manager has been recruited to drive this growth opportunity. Adding further US approvals for further Biosurgical devices remains a priority and the Group continues to work towards its first US 510(k) submission for collagen, initially in a dental application.

Acquisition of Syntacoll GmbH ("Syntacoll") post Period end

In looking to continually improve its collagen expertise and capabilities, the Group became aware of the opportunity to acquire certain assets of Syntacoll GmbH, a highly synergistic competitor in this space, from administration and the transaction was completed on 1^st March 2024 with a business combination for €1 million and the retention of a number of employees with expertise in Production, Quality and R&D. 

Syntacoll is a company based near Munich in Germany that specialises in collagen-based absorbable surgical implants that has a 4,800m², GMP compliant, state of the art collagen manufacturing facility with a class 1 licence for collagen-based drugs.

Syntacoll has significant in-house capability in drug-loaded collagens as well as analysis, profiling and quality control processes which will help to strengthen the Group's existing collagen business. The new manufacturing facility will also be set up as a second site of manufacture for some of AMS' existing key products which will help to address the risk of sole supply. 

A significant restructuring process of the business has already been completed prior to the acquisition and Syntacoll is expected to report a small profit in the first year under AMS' ownership and additional revenues from ongoing sales of Collatamp, a gentamicin-collagen implant.

The business also has manufacturing rights for XaraColl, a bupivacaine hydrochloride-collagen implant for the US market which could deliver substantial revenues in the coming years.

The Board expects to deliver strong growth in 2024 from the combined RESORBA^® and Syntacoll Biosurgical portfolio.

Other Distributed Products      

The Other Distributed category comprises bought-in minimally invasive access ports and laparoscopic instruments predominately sold by AFS. Revenues were significantly boosted by annualisation following the acquisition of AFS in H1 2022 and increased to £5.0 million during the Period (2022: £2.9 million), growth of 72% on a reported basis and 69% at constant currency.

Woundcare Business Unit

The Woundcare Business Unit is comprised of the Group's multi-product portfolio of advanced woundcare dressings sold under its partners' brands and the ActivHeal^® label, plus a portfolio of specialist medical bulk materials including multi-layer woundcare and bio diagnostics products.  

Revenues decreased by 5% to £47.1 million (2022: £49.5 million) on a reported and constant currency basis due to a steep decline in the Organogenesis royalty stream and ongoing challenging market conditions relating to pricing pressure, low-cost competition and reimbursement issues related to Infection Management products. A restructuring of the Business Unit was completed in Q1 2024 in order to focus on driving growth with prudent cost control measures now in place.

Woundcare Business Unit	2023 £ million	2022 £ million	Reported Growth	Change at constant currency
Infection and Exudate Management	39.5	38.9	+2%	+2%
Other Woundcare	7.6	10.6	-28%	-27%
TOTAL	47.1	49.5	-5%	-5%

Infection and Exudate Management

Infection and Exudate Management revenue increased by 2% to £39.5 million (2022: £38.9 million) with growth driven from AMS's own ActivHeal^® range and from the pipeline of specialist materials that came with the 2020 Raleigh acquisition.

Other Woundcare

Other Woundcare comprises royalties, fees and woundcare sealants. Revenue reduced by 28% at reported currency and by 27% at constant currency to £7.6 million (2022: £10.5 million) as a result of significantly reduced royalty from Organogenesis following US reimbursement reviews announced in 2023.

Royalties from Organogenesis has continued to fall sharply throughout the period. Given the current trajectory and expected near-term implementation of the reimbursement changes, AMS continues to guide towards minimal royalty in its expectations for the remainder of the patent life (2024 -2026).

Acquisition strategy

The Group's strategy is to seek acquisitions that deliver additional value for shareholders and meet the criteria of being accretive businesses with strong R&D and manufacturing capabilities, and/or that have products or customers that offer significant synergies particularly in the surgical sector.

Regulatory

Despite enforcement dates for the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) being delayed until 2027-2028, AMS has continued with its previously established schedule of work to meet the new standards. The Group continues to make good progress and the phasing of its capitalisation of R&D costs relating to MDR are broadly unchanged.

Environmental, Social & Governance

AMS continues to make positive progress on its ESG activities building on the foundations reported in its FY22 Annual Report, further developing its Net Zero Strategy and Pathway and agreeing key targets that will drive this activity, for example: to be Net Zero by 2045.

AMS has also strengthened its preparations for Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and in conjunction with its ESG consultants will continue to progress this area in advance of its FY23 reporting in April 2024.

In addition, numerous and wide ranging ESG activities continue to take place across the Group driven by employee suggestions and actions, as well as Board and ESG Committee initiatives.

Stakeholders

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank the Group's staff, partners and other stakeholders, without whose help and commitment, the achievements of this year, and the years prior, would not have been possible.

Outlook (before financial impact from acquisitions announced today)

Trading in Q1 2024 has started strongly with the Group's key drivers performing well. Management is particularly pleased with the orders already received and commitment demonstrated by its US LiquiBand^® partners since the new agreements were signed last year. This provides validation of the new route to market strategy and gives the Board confidence in achieving record US LiquiBand^® sales in 2024.

The US launch of LIQUIFIX^TM is now underway and very good progress has been made across a number of significant Group Purchasing Organizations (GPO) systems in the US. AMS's commercial partner TELA Bio has completed an extensive training programme among its specialist hernia sales force and initial orders received are ahead of expectations.

These promising US marketing initiatives, good progress in AMS's established non-US markets and ongoing geographical expansion means AMS is primed to generate double-digit revenue growth in 2024, in line with expectations, and is well placed for strong growth in the short, medium and long-term.  

Chris Meredith

Chief Executive Officer

Financial Review

Summary

IFRS reporting

To provide the clearest possible insight into our performance, the Group uses alternative performance measures. These measures are not defined in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and, therefore, are considered to be non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) measures. Accordingly, the relevant IFRS measures are also presented where appropriate. AMS uses such measures consistently at the half-year and full-year and reconciles them as appropriate. The measures used in this statement include constant currency revenue growth, adjusted operating margin, adjusted profit before tax and adjusted earnings per share, allowing the impacts of exchange rate volatility, exceptional items, amortisation, and the movement in long-term acquisition liabilities to be separately identified. Net cash is an additional non-GAAP measure used.

Overview

Revenue increased by 2% at both reported and constant currency to £126.2 million (2022: £124.3 million).

Gross margin decreased to 55.6% (2022: 59.0%) due to reduced sales of LiquiBand^® into the US as well as the reduced Organogenesis royalty. The annualised impact of AFS, whilst adding sales and profit to the Group, dilutes gross margin given its position as a distributor. The acquisition of Connexicon has had a further dilutive effect on gross margin due to its current low volumes which are at a lower margin than achieved elsewhere in the Group. We expect Connexicon gross margins to improve as volumes increase and manufacturing is in-sourced to our Plymouth factory. Inflationary increases continue to have an impact on gross margin percentage although inflationary pressures are not as substantial as those experienced in recent years.

Administration expenses increased to £50.7 million (2022: £47.4 million) due to the addition of Connexicon and the full year impact of AFS. Selling and marketing costs increased in the year as investment into growth areas has continued as well as launch activity for US LiquiBandFix8^®. Whilst the Group hedges significant foreign exchange exposure, a residual risk remains on the revaluation of foreign currency receivables into GBP which had an adverse impact on administration expenses in the year. However, this was offset by a lower bonus provision for employees attributable to the below expected financial performance of the Group. Acquisition costs relating to Connexicon amounted to approximately £0.2 million.

The Group incurred £12.6 million of gross R&D spend in the period (2022: £12.3 million), representing 10.0% of sales (2022: 9.9%), maintaining investment in innovation and in meeting the increasing regulatory standards. As shown in the table below, part of this cost is capitalised and amortised over the following 5 to 10 years.

	2023	2022
	£'000	£'000
Total investment in Research and Development, Regulatory and Clinical	12,621	12,301
Of which:
Charged to the profit and loss account	6,405	6,149
Capitalised, to be amortised over 5-10 years	6,216	6,152

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets increased to £4.9 million (2022: £3.4 million) due to the acquisition of Connexicon in February 2023.

Other Income which relates to R&D claims in the UK and Ireland grew to £0.9 million (2022: £0.5 million). The growth in the year is largely due to the addition of Connexicon which has invested heavily in R&D in relation to its US FDA approval.

In the period, finance income grew by £2.1 million to £3.8 million (2022: £1.7 million), largely due to a £1.7 million increase in interest income on our bank deposits. Finance costs increased to £1.5 million (2022: £0.7 million) due to the movement in long-term acquisition liability expense which is higher due to the unwind of contingent consideration arising on acquisition of Connexicon⁴. A net credit of £0.2 million (2022: £0.8 million credit) was recorded in relation to movements in the long-term liabilities relating to deferred consideration and earnout from the Sealantis, AFS and Connexicon acquisitions.

Adjusted profit before tax which excludes amortisation of acquired intangibles and movements in long term liabilities recognised on acquisition, decreased by 9% to £25.9 million (2022: £28.5 million) whilst the adjusted PBT margin decreased by 240 bps to 20.5% (2022: 22.9%) due to lower gross margin, higher administration expenses and adverse foreign exchange movements as discussed above.

Reported profit before tax decreased by 18% to £21.2 million (2022: £25.9 million) which includes additional amortisation of intangible assets following the acquisition of Connexicon in the year.

Reconciliation of profit before tax to adjusted profit before tax
			(Unaudited)		Audited
			2023		2022
			£'000		£'000
Profit before tax			21,157		25,910
Amortisation of acquired intangibles			4,887		3,414
Movement in long-term acquisition liabilities			(186)		(840)
Adjusted profit before tax			25,858		28,484

The Group's effective corporation tax rate, reflecting the blended tax rates in the countries where we operate and including UK patent box relief, increased to 24.9% (2022: 21.2%) due to the UK Government's enactment of a 25% tax rate from April 2023 and a higher effective tax rate in Germany due to the reduced Organogenesis royalty.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share decreased by 10% to 9.39p (2022: 10.47p) and diluted earnings per share decreased by 22% to 7.25p (2022: 9.30p), reflecting the Group's reduced earnings.

Reflecting its confidence in the Group's prospects, the Board is proposing an increased final dividend of 1.66p per share (2022 final dividend: 1.51p), to be paid on 21 June 2024 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 31 May 2024. This follows the interim dividend of 0.70p per share (2022 interim dividend: 0.64p) paid on 24 October 2023 and would, if approved, make a total dividend for the year of 2.36p per share (2022: 2.15p), an increase of 10%.

^{Note 4: Note 7 of the financial information contains further information regarding the acquisition accounting for Connexicon.}

Operating result by business segment
Year ended 31 December 2023	Surgical	Woundcare
	£'000	£'000
Revenue	79,093	47,117
Segment operating profit	16,041	4,374
Amortisation of acquired intangibles	3,944	943
Adjusted segment operating profit5	19,985	5,317
Adjusted operating margin5	25.3%	11.3%
Year ended 31 December 2022
Revenue	74,861	49,469
Segment operating profit	19,333	6,687
Amortisation of acquired intangibles	2,469	945
Adjusted segment operating profit5	21,802	7,632
Adjusted operating margin5	29.1%	15.4%

^{Note 5: Adjusted for amortisation of acquired intangible assets.}

^{Table is reconciled to statutory information in note 3 of the financial information.}

Surgical

Surgical revenues increased by 6% to £79.1 million (2022: £74.9 million) at reported currency and by 6% at constant currency. Adjusted operating margin decreased by 380 bps to 25.3% (2022: 29.1%) due to the impact of temporary LiquiBand^® destocking at US partners, the addition of Connexicon and full year of AFS at lower operating margin and the adverse margin impact of inflation. 

Woundcare

Woundcare revenues decreased by 5% to £47.1 million (2022: £49.5 million) at reported currency and 5% at constant currency. Adjusted operating margin decreased by 410 bps to 11.3% (2022: 15.4%) due to reduced Organogenesis royalty stream and ongoing challenging market conditions relating to pricing pressure, low-cost competition and reimbursement issues.

Currency

The Group hedges significant currency transaction exposure by using forward contracts and aims to hedge approximately 80% of its estimated transactional exposure for the next 18 months. In the financial year, approximately one third of sales were invoiced in Euros and approximately one quarter were invoiced in US Dollar.

The Group estimates that a 10% movement in the £:US$ or £:€ exchange rate will impact Sterling revenues by approximately 2.6% and 3.6% respectively and, in the absence of any hedging, this would have an impact on the Group operating margin of 1.9% and 0.4% percentage points respectively.

Cash flow

Net cash inflow from operating activities in the period was £12.3 million, which was lower than prior year (2022: £26.9 million) due to decreased operating profit and increased investment in inventory to mitigate supply chain issues and enhance our commercial capabilities. In particular we have seen an improvement in our OTIF (On-time in full) performance metric as we have available Inventory to immediately fulfil a higher proportion of orders.

Net cash used in investing activities in the period was £20.3 million, which has increased from prior year (2022: £11.9 million) due to the acquisition of Connexicon, which is inclusive of the initial consideration and a further £7.0 million contingent consideration paid during the year following delivery of several research & development, regulatory and commercial milestones. £0.4 million of contingent consideration was also paid in the year as AFS achieved its 2022 EBITDA milestone. These items were partially offset by higher interest received on our cash balance.

Net cash used in financing activities in the period was £13.6 million, which has increased from prior year (2022: £6.3 million) due to shares purchased by the Employee benefit trust "EBT", and a 10% increase in dividends paid.

At the end of the period, as a result of the above movements, the Group had net cash of £60.2 million (31 December 2022: £82.3 million) a decrease of £22.1 million in the period.

Working capital increased during the year. Inventory cover increased to 7.1 months of supply (2022: 6.2 months) due to planned increases in stock levels to fulfil anticipated commercial demand and to continue to build supply chain resilience. Receivables increased by £3.8 million (2022: £1.4 million increase) due to the impact of favourable hedging contracts and the addition of Connexicon. Debtor days has remained broadly consistent with prior period at 45 days (2022: 44 days).  Creditor days reduced to 35 days (2022: 37 days) due to timing of payments. Total payables increased as a result of the addition of Connexicon and the associated contingent consideration and increased by £0.5 million (2022: £5.7 million increase).

Capital investment in equipment, R&D and regulatory costs of £9.8 million (2022: £9.9 million) has continued at a similar level as the Group continues to invest in growth.

Cash outflow relating to taxation increased to £4.4 million (2022: £3.3 million) due to the timing of payments on account.

The Group paid its final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2022 of £3.3 million in June 2023 (for the year ending December 2021, £3.0 million in June 2022), and its interim dividend for the six months ended 30 June 2023 of £1.5 million in October 2023 (for the 6 months ended 30 June 2022: £1.4 million in October 2022).

The proposed acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Peters Surgical will be funded by a new debt facility which includes a £60 million term loan facility and £30 million revolving credit facility, together (the "New Debt Facility") with the balance of the consideration to be funded by the Company's cash. See separate announcement for further information.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
		(Unaudited)		(Audited)
Year ended 31 December		2023		2022
	Note	£'000		£'000
Revenue from continuing operations	3	126,210		124,330
Cost of sales		(56,070)		(50,914)
Gross profit		70,140		73,416
Distribution costs		(1,520)		(1,626)
Administration costs		(50,669)		(47,378)
Other income		931		478
Operating profit	4	18,882		24,890
Finance income		3,786		1,691
Finance costs		(1,511)		(671)
Profit before taxation		21,157		25,910
Income tax	5	(5,268)		(5,504)
Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent		15,889		20,406
Earnings per share
Basic	6	7.36p		9.42p
Diluted	6	7.25p		9.30p
Adjusted diluted6	6	9.39p		10.47p

^{Note 6: Adjusted for amortisation of acquired intangible assets and movement in long-term acquisition liabilities.}

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
					(Unaudited)	(Audited)
					2023	2022
					£'000	£'000
Profit for the year					15,889	20,406
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations					(3,126)	6,940
Gain/(loss) arising on cash flow hedges					3,984	(1,297)
Deferred tax charge arising on cash flow hedges					(465)	(201)
Total other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year					393	5,442
Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to equity holders of the parent					16,282	25,848

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

	(Unaudited)	(Audited)
	31 December 2023	31 December 2022
	£'000	£'000
Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible assets	55,864	48,373
Goodwill	80,435	70,859
Property, plant and equipment	29,601	29,015
Deferred tax assets	356	-
Trade and other receivables	593	937
	166,849	149,184
Current assets
Inventories	36,046	27,911
Trade and other receivables	25,728	21,553
Current tax assets	388	184
Cash and cash equivalents	60,160	82,262
	122,322	131,910
Total assets	289,171	281,094
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	19,254	20,671
Current tax liabilities	1,165	948
Lease liabilities	1,164	1,059
	21,583	22,678
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables	4,400	3,510
Deferred tax liabilities	11,013	9,593
Lease liabilities	7,973	8,691
	23,386	21,794
Total liabilities	44,969	44,472
Net assets	244,202	236,622
Equity
Share capital	10,865	10,843
Share premium	37,473	37,269
Share-based payments reserve	18,649	15,711
Investment in own shares	(6,877)	(167)
Share-based payments deferred tax reserve	150	531
Other reserve	1,531	1,531
Hedging reserve	2,000	(1,519)
Translation reserve	1,878	5,004
Retained earnings	178,533	167,419
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent	244,202	236,622

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Attributable to equity holders of the Group

			Share-	Investment	Share-based
	Share	Share	based	in own	payments	Other	Hedging	Translation	Retained
	capital	premium	payments	shares	deferred tax	reserve	reserve	reserve	earnings	Total
	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
At 1 January 2022 (Audited)	10,804	36,996	13,180	(164)	933	1,531	(21)	(1,936)	151,354	212,677
Consolidated profit for the year to 31 December 2022	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	20,406	20,406
Other comprehensive (expense)/income	-	-	-	-	-	-	(1,498)	6,940	-	5,442
Total comprehensive (expense)/income	-	-	-	-	-	-	(1,498)	6,940	20,406	25,848
Share-based payments	-	-	2,439	-	(402)	-	-	-	-	2,037
Share options exercised	39	273	92	-	-	-	-	-	-	404
Own shares purchased	-	-	-	(392)	-	-	-	-	-	(392)
Own shares sold	-	-	-	389	-	-	-	-	-	389
Dividends paid	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	(4,341)	(4,341)
At 31 December 2022 (Audited)	10,843	37,269	15,711	(167)	531	1,531	(1,519)	5,004	167,419	236,622
Consolidated profit for the year to 31 December 2023	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	15,889	15,889
Other comprehensive (expense)/income	-	-	-	-	-	-	3,519	(3,126)	-	393
Total comprehensive (expense)/income	-	-	-	-	-	-	3,519	(3,126)	15,889	16,282
Share-based payments	-	-	2,916	-	(381)	-	-	-	-	2,535
Share options exercised	22	204	22	-	-	-	-	-	-	248
Own shares purchased	-	-	-	(6,710)	-	-	-	-	-	(6,710)
Dividends paid	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	(4,775)	(4,775)
At 31 December 2023 (Unaudited)	10,865	37,473	18,649	(6,877)	150	1,531	2,000	1,878	178,533	244,202

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

		(Unaudited)	(Audited)
		Year ended	Year ended
		31 December 2023	31 December 2022
	Note	£'000	£'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Operating profit		18,882	24,890
Adjustments for:
Depreciation		4,375	4,049
Amortisation - acquired intangible assets		4,887	3,414
- software intangibles		522	502
- development costs		1,004	879
Increase in inventories		(8,064)	(7,087)
Increase in trade and other receivables		(2,515)	(596)
(Decrease)/Increase in trade and other payables		(5,249)	1,711
Share-based payments expense		2,916	2,439
Taxation paid		(4,413)	(3,324)
Net cash inflow from operating activities		12,345	26,877
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of software		(89)	(73)
Capitalised research and development		(6,216)	(6,152)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		(3,544)	(3,739)
Disposal of property, plant and equipment		42	46
Interest received		2,470	820
Acquisition of subsidiaries net of cash	7	(5,529)	(2,781)
Payment of contingent consideration	7	(7,399)	-
Net cash used in investing activities		(20,265)	(11,879)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid		(4,775)	(4,341)
Repayment of principal under lease liabilities		(1,472)	(1,295)
Repayment of loan	7	(480)	(331)
Issue of equity shares		181	266
Own shares purchased		(6,710)	(392)
Own shares sold		-	389
Interest paid		(362)	(617)
Net cash used in financing activities		(13,618)	(6,321)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents		(21,537)	8,677
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year		82,262	72,965
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes		(564)	620
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year		60,160	82,262

Notes Forming Part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

1.   Reporting entity

Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc ("the Company") is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales (registration number 02867684). The Company's registered address is Premier Park, 33 Road One, Winsford Industrial Estate, Cheshire, CW7 3RT.

The Company's ordinary shares are traded on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange plc. The consolidated financial statements of the Company for the twelve months ended 31 December 2023 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the "Group").

The Group is primarily involved in the design, development and manufacture of innovative tissue healing technology, focused on quality outcomes for patients and value for payers. The Group has a wide range of surgical products including tissue adhesives, sutures, haemostats, internal fixation devices and internal sealants, which it markets under its brands LiquiBand^®, RESORBA^®, LiquiBandFix8^®, Liquifix^TM and Seal-G^®. The Group also supplies wound care dressings such as silver alginates, alginates and foams through its ActivHeal^® brand as well as under white label. 

2.   Basis of preparation

These condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the annual report for the year ended 31 December 2022 except for new standards adopted for the year.

In the current year the Group has applied a number of amendments to IFRSs issued by the IASB. Their adoption has not had a material impact on the disclosures or on the amounts reported in the Annual Financial Statements. The following amendments were applied:

·      Interest Rate Benchmark Reform (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS7, IFRS4 and IFRS16)

·      Onerous Contracts - Cost of Fulfilling a Contract (Amendments to IAS37)

·      Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Use (Amendments to IAS 16)

·      Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020 (Amendments to IFRS1, IFRS9, IFRS16 and IAS 41); and

·      References to Conceptual Framework (Amendments to IFRS3)

While the financial information included in this preliminary announcement has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement criteria of international accounting standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the UK, this announcement does not itself contain sufficient information to comply with IFRSs. The Group expects to publish full financial statements that comply with IFRSs in April 2024.

The unaudited financial information set out in the announcement does not constitute the Group's statutory accounts for the years ended 31 December 2023 or 31 December 2022. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2022 is derived from the statutory accounts for that year, which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor reported on those accounts; their report was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and did not contain a statement under s498 (2) or (3) Companies Act 2006. The audit of the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 is not yet complete. These accounts will be finalised on the basis of the financial information presented by the Directors in this preliminary announcement and will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Group's annual general meeting.

The unaudited financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis of accounting except as disclosed in the accounting policies set out in the annual report for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Going concern

With regards to the Group's financial position, it had cash and cash equivalents at the 31 December 2023 of £60.2 million and continues to be profitable with positive operational cash flow.

The proposed acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Peters Surgical will be funded by a new debt facility which includes a £60 million term loan facility and £30 million revolving credit facility, together (the "New Debt Facility") with the balance of the consideration to be funded by the Group's cash.

Both the term loan and the revolving credit facility mature in March 2027 and thereafter can be extended by two consecutive twelve months periods. Interest on drawn funds will be charged at the SONIA interest rate plus an initial bank margin of 1.75%, with this margin expected to reduce in 2025 in line with forecasted leverage reductions. 

The Directors expect the initial proforma net debt to EBITDA ratio of the Enlarged Group to be approximately 1.5x and to reduce materially thereafter.

In carrying out their duties in respect of going concern, the Directors have carried out a review of the Group's financial position and cash flow forecasts for a period of 12 months from the date of this preliminary announcement. These have been based on a comprehensive review of revenue, expenditure and cash flows, taking into account specific business risks and the current economic environment. Sensitivity analysis has been prepared to stress test forecasts and the Directors are confident the business is a going concern given the significant headroom available. The Directors also considered whether any factors exist that might reasonably impact the Group's ability to continue as going concern beyond the period of 12 months from the date of signing the accounts, with no factors considered reasonably possible.

The Group operates in markets whose demographics are favourable, underpinned by an increasing need for products to treat chronic and acute wounds. Consequently, market growth is predicted. The Group has a large number of contracts with customers across different geographic regions and also with substantial financial resources, ranging from government agencies through to global healthcare companies. The proposed acquisition of Peters Surgical will further expand AMS's product portfolio, add additional direct sales capability in key territories, improve manufacturing efficiency and further expand the Group's specialist development and commercialisation function.

Having taken the above into consideration, the Directors have reached a conclusion that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks in the current economic environment. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing this preliminary announcement.

New accounting standards not yet applied

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for 31 December 2023 reporting periods and have not been early adopted by the Group. These standards are not expected to have a material impact on the entity in the current or future reporting periods or on foreseeable future transactions.

3.   Segment information

As referred to in the Chief Executive's Statement, the Group is organised into two Business Units: Surgical and Woundcare. These Business Units are the basis on which the Group reports its segment information.

Segment results, assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Unallocated items comprise mainly investments and related revenue, corporate assets, head office expenses and income tax assets. These are the measures reported to the Group's Chief Executive for the purposes of resource allocation and assessment of segment performance.

Business segments

Segment information about these businesses is presented below.

	Year ended 31 December 2023	Surgical		Woundcare	Consolidated
	(unaudited)
		£'000		£'000	£'000
	Revenue
	External sales	79,093		47,117	126,210
	Result
	Adjusted segment operating profit	19,985		5,317	25,302
	Amortisation of acquired intangibles	(3,944)		(943)	(4,887)
	Segment operating profit	16,041		4,374	20,415
	Unallocated expenses				(1,533)
	Operating profit				18,882
	Finance income				3,786
	Finance costs				(1,511)
	Profit before tax				21,157
	Tax				(5,268)
	Profit for the year				15,889
	Year ended 31 December 2023	Surgical		Woundcare	Consolidated
	(Unaudited)
	Other information	£'000		£'000	£'000
	Capital additions:
	Software intangibles	47		42	89
	Development costs	5,222		994	6,216
	Property, plant and equipment	2,337		1,207	3,544
	Depreciation and amortisation	(7,504)		(3,284)	(10,788)
	At 31 December 2023
	Statement of Financial Position
	Assets
	Segment assets	207,647		81,524	289,171
	Liabilities
	Segment liabilities	34,810		10,159	44,969
	Year ended 31 December 2022		Surgical	Woundcare	Consolidated
	(audited)
			£'000	£'000	£'000
	Revenue
	External sales		74,861	49,469	124,330
	Result
	Adjusted segment operating profit		21,802	7,632	29,434
	Amortisation of acquired intangibles		(2,469)	(945)	(3,414)
	Segment operating profit		19,333	6,687	26,020
	Unallocated expenses				(1,130)
	Operating profit				24,890
	Finance income				1,691
	Finance costs				(671)
	Profit before tax				25,910
	Tax				(5,504)
	Profit for the year				20,406
	Year ended 31 December 2022		Surgical	Woundcare	Consolidated
	(audited)
	Other information		£'000	£'000	£'000
	Capital additions:
	Software intangibles		34	39	73
	Development costs		4,617	1,535	6,152
	Property, plant and equipment		2,258	1,481	3,739
	Depreciation and amortisation		(5,759)	(3,085)	(8,844)
	At 31 December 2022 Statement of Financial Position Segment assets		190,456	90,638	281,094
	Liabilities
	Segment liabilities		29,786	14,686	44,472

Geographic segments

The Group operates in the UK, The Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, France, Ireland and Israel, with a sales office located in Russia, distributor in Austria, and a sales presence in the USA. In presenting information on the basis of geographical segments, segment revenue is based on the geographical location of customers. Segment assets are based on the geographical location of the assets.

The following table provides an analysis of the Group's revenue by geographical market, irrespective of the origin of the goods/services, based upon location of the Group's customers:

			(Unaudited)	(Restated)
Year ended 31 December			2023	2022
			£'000	£'000
United Kingdom			17,385	15,321
Germany			26,365	23,025
Rest of Europe			38,933	32,333
United States of America			31,875	43,387
Rest of World			11,652	10,264
			126,210	124,330
Several international distributors with material sales have changed their shipping location during the year. To ensure a like for like comparison, the prior year sales by geographical market has been restated to categorise these specific customers as if they had always been based in the amended shipping location. The following table provides an analysis of the Group's total assets by geographical location:
			(Unaudited)	(Audited)
As at 31 December			2023	2022
			£'000	£'000
United Kingdom			140,039	151,817
Germany			80,942	78,877
France			11,761	11,934
Rest of Europe			37,782	16,670
United States of America			1,256	451
Israel			19,231	21,345
			291,011	281,094

4.   Operating profit

		(Unaudited)	(Audited)
Year ended 31 December		2023	2022
		£'000	£'000
Operating profit is arrived at after charging:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		4,375	4,049
Amortisation of:
-  acquired intangible assets		4,887	3,414
-  software intangibles		522	502
-  development costs		1,004	879
Research and development costs expensed excluding regulatory costs		5,597	4,323
Cost of inventories recognised as expense		55,733	50,663
Write down of inventories expensed		337	251
Staff costs		49,024	46,065
Net foreign exchange loss		1,955	1,683

5.   Taxation

			(Unaudited)	(Audited)
Year ended 31 December			2023	2022
			£'000	£'000
a) Analysis of charge for the year
Current tax:
Tax on ordinary activities - current year			5,516	5,655
Tax on ordinary activities - prior year			(540)	6
			4,976	5,661
Deferred tax:
Tax on ordinary activities - current year			(183)	(84)
Tax on ordinary activities - prior year			475	(73)
			292	(157)
Tax charge for the year			5,268	5,504
The Group has chosen to use a weighted average country tax rate rather than the UK tax rate for the reconciliation of the charge for the year to the profit per the income statement. The Group operates in several jurisdictions, some of which have a tax rate in excess of the UK tax rate. As such, a weighted average country tax rate is believed to provide the most meaningful information to the users of the financial statements.
		(Unaudited)		(Audited)
Year ended 31 December		2023		2022
		£'000		£'000
b) Factors affecting tax charge for the year
Profit before taxation		21,157		25,910
Profit multiplied by the weighted average Group tax rate of 28.0% (2022: 22.8%)		5,918		5,911
Effects of:
Net expenses not deductible for tax purposes and other timing differences		605		243
Patent Box Relief		(817)		(554)
Utilisation of trading losses		(526)		(269)
Net impact of deferred tax on capitalised development costs and R&D relief		(245)		32
Share-based payments		398		208
Adjustments in respect of prior year - current tax		(540)		6
Adjustments in respect of prior year and rate changes - deferred tax		475		(73)
Taxation		5,268		5,504

6.   Earnings per share

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

	(Unaudited)	(Audited)
Year ended 31 December	2023	2022
Number of shares	'000	'000
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue	217,093	216,512
Shares held in EBT	(1,195)	-
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of basic earnings per share	215,898	216,512
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares: share options, deferred share bonus, LTIPs	3,391	2,969
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of diluted earnings per share	219,289	219,481
	(Unaudited)	(Audited)
	2023	2022
	£'000	£'000
Profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the parent	15,889	20,406
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets	4,887	3,414
Movement in long-term acquisition liabilities	(186)	(840)
Adjusted profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the parent	20,590	22,980
	(Unaudited)	(Audited)
	2023	2022
	pence	pence
Basic EPS	7.36	9.42
Diluted EPS	7.25	9.30
Adjusted basic EPS	9.54	10.61
Adjusted diluted EPS	9.39	10.47

7.   Acquisition of Connexicon

On 1 February 2023, the Group acquired 99% of the Share Capital of Connexicon Medical Limited ("Connexicon"), a tissue adhesive technology specialist based in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, for an initial up-front payment of € 7 million, with options in place to acquire the remaining 1% of Share Capital. The remaining 1% of Share Capital not acquired by AMS have no-voting rights and the options are linked to future contingent considerations up to a potential €18 million, dependent on the delivery of certain research & development, regulatory and commercial milestones between 2023 and 2027.

In the eleven-month period from acquisition to 31^st December 2023, Connexicon contributed £1.4 million of revenue to the Group and £0.4 million of operating profit. In addition, amortisation of intangible assets of £1.3 million, plus movement in long-term acquisition liability expense of £1.1 million was recorded within the Group as a result of the acquisition. A number of the commercial milestones set out in the Option Agreements were fulfilled, and therefore exercised, resulting in contingent consideration payments of €8 million (£7.0 million) in the period. The results, assets and liabilities of Connexicon have been included in the Surgical Business Unit segment.

	£'000
Identifiable net assets acquired
Customer related intangible assets	587
Technology based intangible assets	7,951
Property, plant and equipment	800
Trade and other receivables	754
Inventory	466
Cash and cash equivalents	846
Trade and other payables	(1,204)
Lease liabilities	(8)
Borrowings	(487)
Deferred tax on intangible asset	(674)
Arising on acquisition
Goodwill	11,040
Total net assets	20,071

Satisfied by	£'000
Cash consideration	6,375
Contingent consideration (fair value)	13,696
	20,071

Net cash flow on acquisition	£'000
Cash consideration	6,375
Cash acquired	(846)
	5,529

Contingent consideration arose on the acquisition in respect of up to €18 million which is payable subject to delivery of certain research & development, regulatory and commercial milestones between 2023 and 2027. £13.7 million was the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration at the acquisition date and £7.6 million is the fair value at 31 December 2023.

None of the goodwill on the acquisition is expected to be deductible for income tax.

In addition to the contingent consideration payment in relation to Connexicon, €0.5 million (£0.4 million) was paid in the year relating to AFS.

8.   Events after reporting period

With the exception of the acquisition of Peters Surgical for a maximum consideration of €141.4 million and the acquisition of certain assets of Syntacoll GmbH for €1 million as discussed above, there have been no material events subsequent to 31 December 2023.

 

END