FOXT Foxtons Group Plc

TIDMFOXT

RNS Number : 9230R

Foxtons Group PLC

06 March 2023

Foxtons Group plc

Acquisition of Atkinson McLeod Limited

6 March 2023

Delivering on acquisition strategy and reinforcing position as London's largest lettings agent

Foxtons Group plc ("the Group" or "Foxtons") today announces the acquisition of Atkinson McLeod Limited ("Atkinson McLeod") for a consideration of GBP7.4m, adjusted for current assets less total liabilities at completion, which will be funded through the Group's existing cash resources.

Atkinson McLeod is a high-quality estate agent, operating in Central East London across four branches, with a strong lettings business that generates c.90% of its revenues across c.1,100 tenancies.

Strategic rationale

The acquisition of Atkinson McLeod represents further progress against our strategy of acquiring lettings businesses that deliver an attractive return on invested capital, enhance earnings and improve the resilience of the Group's earnings, whilst also reinforcing Foxtons as London's largest lettings brand.

Since 2019, the Group has significantly increased the size of its lettings portfolio through acquisition, driving good levels of growth in lettings revenue and profitability. For the year ended 31 December 2022, non-cyclical and recurring revenues, primarily delivered by lettings, represented c.65% of Group revenue, significantly enhancing the earnings resilience of the Group.

Acquisition terms and financial impact

The acquisition constitutes a class 2 transaction pursuant to the UK Listing Rules. For the purposes of the LR 10.4.1 R (Notification of class 2 transactions), Atkinson McLeod's unaudited revenue and operating profit for the 12 months ended 31 March 2022 were GBP3.1m and GBP0.9m respectively. Gross assets as at 31 March 2022 were GBP2.5m.

The Directors believe the acquisition of Atkinson McLeod will be earnings accretive in 2023, and through the delivery of synergies, post-completion profitability will be enhanced from historical levels.

Total consideration for the acquisition is GBP7.4m, adjusted for current assets less total liabilities at completion, of which GBP0.7m is deferred for a period of 12 months.

The business is being bought from certain private individual shareholders.

Full year results 2022

The Group will present its full year results for the year ended 31 December 2022 on 7 March 2023.

Guy Gittins, Foxtons CEO, commented :

"The acquisition of Atkinson McLeod will grow our lettings portfolio, further build on our successful acquisition track record and reinforce our position as London's largest letting agent. The acquisition will add c.1,100 tenancies and annualised revenues of around GBP3 million, demonstrating further progress with our acquisition strategy. Since 2019, we have acquired 7 lettings portfolios, growing our own portfolio by 38%, which now stands at more than 27,500 tenancies. We greatly look forward to welcoming the Atkinson McLeod team to the Foxtons Group."

Giles Atkinson, Atkinson McLeod Co-founder, commented:

"With its strong service ethos and high-performance culture, Foxtons is a natural fit for our business, our colleagues and customers alike. After a straightforward and smooth sales process, it is exciting to be joining such a well-respected and admired group that is focused on delivering best in class service for customers."

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:

 
 Foxtons Group plc 
 Chris Hough, Chief Financial    investor@foxtonsgroup.co.uk 
  Officer                         +44 20 7893 6261 
  Muhammad Patel, Investor 
  Relations 
 
 
   TB Cardew                       Foxtons@tbcardew.com 
                                 +44 7789 998 020/ +44 7738 
 Tom Allison/Ed Orlebar           724 630 
 

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END

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March 06, 2023 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

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