This is the fresh face of (Worthington Nichols), although the two are similar - there are striking differences - mostly in the reality of Management to their position.

The name-change was needed "...to avoid their earlier guise hampering business ..." ( my words) - although I am not so sure. . . . . however, the website and attitude of Mangement appears to make good sense . . . . . .
. . . . despite a small % fall in sp today - - - - 7.8 / 8.15 pence is about as low as should go! That's Hope!

Expect some "charges" to appear and then let's see what Management can do!

Website: www.managedsupportservicesplc.com

Good luck to
...all who sail in her.

Sp on the move again. Currently 10p. Hoping it can maintain a solid support level for the future.

Harry time to re-visit this one looking cheap at this level hoping for a hot summer.

I'm in. Have been for a long time, as I took the decision that the new management were looking efficient, backed by a good reputation for getting results. Have averaged down, but looking to make a substantial profit in the medium term, rather than short term quickie.

Harry we agree it is now looking to be a sound business managed by people with a good track record, results due in the next few weeks plenty of cash in he balance sheet.

I have a feeling that when the business is running smoothly & profitably, the management team will sell to one of the other bigger companies & then move on to another challenge. How far down the line that is, remains to be seen.

sp climbing steadily,company made a profit at the interim stage so should make a full year profit when final results are announced shortly. Can see the sp reaching 20p before long.

Time to tuck a few of these away at this price.

Did you mean chuck them away?? looking at the chart....:))

What's the matter with it? The only way is up..............;o)

You got a bucket load then harrycat? :(( lol

Yep, sure have. Might buy some more if they get back down to 8p, but am now trying to actively trade them just in case the whole thing goes down the pan.
My thoery is that if MSS can ride out the bad times successfully then they should be able to make money when things improve. Gonna be a slow grind though, imo. Another year from now, at least.

Approaching 8p time to buy Harry?

Back in Feb'09 these guys were on the acquisition trail. Wonder what happened to that plan?
Don't suppose their next set of figures are going to be too impressive either, so adding now might not be the best idea I have ever had!!
What's your stance h?

Harry relying on the past reputation of the guys that took on this business. Interim statement imminent should come good medium term.

"Managed Support Services plc ("MSS") is pleased to announce that it has acquired the Status Building Services group for a total consideration of 3.7 million in cash, of which 0.7 million is payable in mid 2010. The companies acquired are Status Building Services Ltd, Status Electrical Services Ltd and Status Fire Protection Ltd.

The latest management accounts for the nine months to 30 September 2009 indicate that Status had net assets of approximately 100,000, an annualised turnover of approximately 8 million and profit before tax of approximately 360,000.

Status provides a range of technical building services directly to building owners or to managing agents. Its customer base is primarily located in London and the South East where geographic density enables operational efficiencies. Some 50 per cent. of revenue is contracted maintenance revenues with the balance being additional works and small projects. The services provided by Status are similar to those already offered by the MSS Facilities division and we believe that this will allow the Group to generate efficiencies and improvements in customer service.

Status is being acquired from the current owner/managers who have developed and grown the business over the last 13 years. The vendors will leave the business after a short handover period"

7.25p harry your christmas present has arrived....load up

Business Financial Newswire
"Managed Support Services reported a near-halving of turnover from 16.3m to 7.8m for the six months to September. The company made a pre-tax loss of 2.59m, against a previous profit of 0.73m.

MSS, which maintains and installs heating and cooling equipment, said the fall partly reflected its lack of willingness to accept unprofitable business.

However gross margins fell to 22% from 26.7%, reflecting a rapid deterioration of market conditions, primarily in Project-related activities. A goodwill write-off of 1m related to closure of the Projects division.

Cash flow reflected the acquisition costs of Delrac earlier in the year for 0.6m and the need to fund prior-year provisions and restructuring costs of 0.4m. Net cash balances reduced from a peak of 12m to about 10m. "

i thought they also did air conditioning as well. i guess the smoking ban must have had a severe effect on that part of any business, both the install and in most particular the regularly required maintenance, not sure who got the better deal, a takover at circa 10x pe(before tax?)but from the company titles it seems there is no air conditioning involved,it takes time to turn around so whilst not a holder yet i shall continue to watch the chart.( it dont look too good at moment) and thats an understatement, as always just my opinion and please dyor.
regards
jkd

"MSS is pleased to announce that it has acquired certain assets and contracts from Workplace Engineering Limited ("Workplace Engineering"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson Service Group PLC. These assets and contracts have been acquired with effect from 30 November 2009.

Workplace Engineering provided a range of technical building services primarily to public sector customers across Southern England.

The total consideration payable is 300,000, subject to agreed working capital adjustments. The initial consideration of 200,000, was paid in cash at completion with additional consideration of 100,000 payable upon the confirmation of certain contractual negotiations with customers.

The historic turnover directly related to the assets and contracts the Company has acquired is approximately 2 million of which circa 1million is contracted maintenance."

At last, a bit of movement! 10.75p mid. Vol a bit thin though at 159k.