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EBO
21/02/2012 15:51
HALFYR
REL: 1551 HRS Ebos Group Limited
HALFYR: EBO: POSITIVE PROGRESS FOR EBOS
21 February 2012
POSITIVE PROGRESS FOR EBOS
EBOS Group has achieved another excellent half year result, particularly
against a background of ongoing reform and tight budgets in public healthcare
and a difficult economic environment.
Reported numbers are just above last year with a net profit after tax from
continuing operations of $11.574 million, against $11.457 million last year.
On a comparable basis our trading result is approximately 10% ahead of the
previous half year, given that, the first half included over $1.0m legal, due
diligence and acquisition expenses.
Healthcare
The NZ trading operations had ongoing efficiency gains following the merger
of Health Support back office and information systems into PRNZ, leading to
an overall net increase in results.
In Australia our business continues to be influenced by the two speed
Australian economy where the non resources, "real" economy, is finding the
going tough. Capital spending also remains constrained. Against this
background we still produced a credible result and continue to make solid
progress with our "greenfields" new Perth based sales and distribution
centre.
Masterpet Acquisition
The major news to conclude our first half year was the successful acquisition
of the trans-tasman Masterpet group. The transaction was concluded in
December.
Total consideration was $105m in cash plus existing Masterpet debt. This
exciting move into the Animal Health and Pet Care sector is a logical
extension of the EBOS Group core competencies in sales, marketing and
distribution. This market segment is growing internationally.
Outlook
The Masterpet acquisition will be a significant profit driver going forward.
In healthcare we expect to see ongoing health sector reforms, however this
macro driver will create opportunities for our group. We also see growth
opportunities within the broader animal health and veterinary sector.
Whilst EBOS has just completed its largest acquisition to date, we continue
to investigate a range of new acquisition possibilities in both the Human and
Animal Health sectors.
Dividend
Directors have declared a fully imputed interim dividend on 13.5 cents per
share, payable on 20 April 2012 to shareholders on the register at close of
business 6 April 2012.
The dividend reinvestment plan will not be operative for this dividend.
Mark Waller Rick Christie
Managing Director/CEO Chairman of Directors
EBOS Group
Phone : (03) 338 0999
Mobile : 021 368 746
End CA:00219808 For:EBO Type:HALFYR Time:2012-02-21 15:51:04
