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.

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.

Buy tip Watshot.

For what reason? Trading bounce?

new successful management team, recovery stock,acquisitions, cash of 10m.

Managed Support Services plc (MSS), the building services and FM solutions
provider, will be exhibiting at this year's Master Investor Show, held at the
Business Design Centre in Islington on 24(th) April. MSS will join more than
100 quoted companies at the event, which attracts over 2,000 high net worth
private investors and industry professionals.

MSS will be showcasing an impressive heritage, providing investors with an
insight into more than 30 years experience developing and implementing tailored
building services and facilities management solutions. The company will
demonstrate how it has brought together the best-in-class across all aspects of
property lifecycle management to create a dynamic business that is dedicated to
challenging traditional boundaries and providing solutions that embrace fresh
and forward thinking.

Simon Beart, Chief Executive at MSS commented: "MSS possesses a long-term
strategy committed to creating a leading integrated FM and building services
business within the UK, which offers considerable opportunities for investors.
We are targeting robust expansion via organic growth and acquisitions that will
enhance our service capability and geographic reach, and ultimately deliver
shareholder value."

re my post no. 31. i'm still watching the chart and still a non holder.fortunately i didnt get drawn into buying into that jan spike.but i'm still watching .
good luck to all you that do hold.
for those that don't then theres plenty of time.dont be suckered in.
forget the buy low and sell high, thats how we get suckered. buy high, and sell higher, is much safer.but only, that is, AFTER the recovery has taken place and is PROVEN to have done so.
it's not easy to do for " buy lowers" and bottom pickers because were scared of missing the boat. so we get suckered and end up being also buy highers and head scratchers. how can that be? because we are all of us seducable to fine talk and can't wait for the Capital events to ACTUALLY happen
all just my opinion as always and please dyor.
sermon over.sorry. LoL
regards and good luck.
jkd

Harrycat, et al . . . . do I get the impression MSS is starting to spend tomorrow's money with today's cash...eh..?

Of course "now" is the Time to snap up well positioned faltering businesses and to make them into a single entity....waiting for the restoration of UK plc.
However, it still needs a regular cash to oil the wheels....

My previous impression is that MSS Execs are unlikely to act without thinking . . . . what do others think?