Sanderson is a publicly owned, UK provider of software solutions and IT services. We supply innovative, market-focused solutions primarily to the multi-channel retail and manufacturing sectors.

Highly experienced in the markets we serve, we forge long-term relationships with our customers. This allows us to consistently deliver real business benefit and help our clients achieve rapid return on their investment in IT.

Established in 1983, Sanderson has a multi-million pound turnover and track record of profitable growth. We employ around 150 people nationwide and continually invest in developing technology skills and business know-how.

We strive to be the best in our chosen fields and achieve market leadership through the quality of our products, people and services.
Sanderson is an established and profitable software and IT services business specialising in the multi-channel retail and manufacturing markets. Operating primarily in the UK and Ireland, the Group delivers solutions to organisations with turnovers typically between £5m and £250m. Sanderson maintains a strong market position due to the quality of its products and services and its successful track record.

The Group has a strong revenue model, with approximately 50% of revenue arising from recurring licence, support and maintenance contracts. A further 40% is derived from the existing customer base, with the balance represented by revenue from new customers.

Sanderson is a resilient business. The strength of the Group's large, well established customer base is expected to enable Sanderson to trade robustly in the current financial year, subject to general market conditions prevailing within the UK economy. Our focus on all aspects of multi-channel retail, including the active and growing online sales sector, provides a level of protection from the uncertain market conditions currently affecting retail.

The Sanderson business was founded in 1983 and grew organically and by acquisition to over £119m revenue. In December 2003, the original Sanderson Group was demerged into three separate, independent entities with the present Group retaining the Sanderson name and brand. Sanderson is a name widely recognised as an established provider of software and IT services.

The Group's industry knowledge, proven revenue model, track record and acquisition experience, gives Sanderson the confidence that it is well placed to deliver both organic and acquisition-led growth in the future


http://www.sanderson.com/

ST of IC sees the rally extending to 80p and beyond.

2015 Interim Results
RNS
RNS Number : 5788P
Sanderson Group PLC
09 June 2015





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9 JUNE 2015



SANDERSON GROUP PLC

Interim Results for the six months to 31 March 2015

"Continued progress, improved sales order intake and a very strong order book; interim dividend up 12.5%

Appointment of Ian Newcombe as Chief Executive Officer"



Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'the Group'), the software and IT services business specialising in multi-channel retail and manufacturing markets in the UK and Ireland, announces its interim results for the six month period to 31 March 2015.

Commenting on the results, Chairman, Christopher Winn, said:

"The Group has made further progress during the period with revenue increasing to £9.09 million (2014: £7.94 million) and operating profit rising to £1.37 million (2014: £1.21 million). Pre-contracted licence and ongoing support services recurring revenue grew to £4.76 million (2014: £4.41 million) representing 52% of total revenue in the period. Gross margin has been maintained at a robust 85% (2014: 87%), reflecting our continuing emphasis on the supply of Sanderson 'owned' proprietary software and services. The Group's order book at the period end was very strong and stood at £2.84 million (2014: £2.47 million).

"I am also very pleased to announce that Ian Newcombe, who has made a major contribution to the formulation of the Group's strategy and who has personally driven the development of the multi-channel business has been appointed as Group Chief Executive with immediate effect".

Highlights - Financial

§
Revenue increased to £9.09 million (2014: £7.94 million).

§
Pre-contracted recurring revenues of £4.76 million (2014: £4.41 million), representing approximately 52% of total revenue.

§
Multi-channel retail division revenue and operating profits* increased to £5.96 million (2014: £4.71 million) and £1.01 million (2014: £0.85 million) respectively; increased levels of business from new customers and trend towards bigger orders from existing customers;

§
Manufacturing division revenue and operating profits* of £3.14 million (2014: £3.23 million) and £0.36 million (2014: £0.37 million) respectively.

§
Operating profit* increased 13% to £1.37 million (2014: £1.21 million).

§
Profit before tax of £0.91 million (2014: £0.78 million).

§
Basic earnings per share of 1.5 pence (2014: 1.4 pence).

§
Net cash at period-end of £3.95 million (2014: £5.07 million) after acquisition related cash consideration payments of £1.8 million.

§
Interim dividend up 12.5% to 0.9 pence per share (2014: 0.8 pence; 2013: 0.65 pence).


Highlights - Operational

§
Strong trading momentum maintained, complemented by increased levels of new business

§
Very strong order book of £2.84 million at period end (2014: £2.47 million)

§
Five new multi-channel retail customers during period, including Anzac Wines & Spirits; number of large orders from existing customers including Superdry; eight new customers added by manufacturing including Nutrifresh; several large projects with existing customers including Cook Trading.

§
Continued investment in proprietary solutions using mobile technologies.

§
Appointment today of Ian Newcombe as Group CEO.



* Operating profit is stated before amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles, share-based payment charges and acquisition-related costs








On current trading and prospects, Mr Winn, added:

"Whilst the Group will continue to invest across all of its businesses, particular emphasis will be placed on further developing the range of solutions for mobile and ecommerce businesses, for the food and drink processing sector and for entry level systems in the manufacturing division. Mobile solutions continue to be developed across all of the Group's target markets. To augment organic growth, selective acquisition opportunities will continue to be considered. However, in the current year, management intends to focus on delivering another set of "on target" trading results.

The general economic environment continues to show signs of improvement, though sales cycles remain protracted. The Board remains cautious in its approach but a strong order book and healthy balance sheet together with a long list of sales prospects, provides the Board with a good level of confidence that the Group will continue to make further progress and deliver trading results in line with market expectations for the current year ending 30 September 2015."

Director Deals - Sanderson Group PLC (SND)
BFN
David Gutteridge, Non Executive Director, bought 45,000 shares in the company on the 15th July 2015 at a price of 66.00p. The Director now holds 545,000 shares.

Story provided by StockMarketWire.com
Director deals data provided by www.directorsholdings.com

ST of IC today - Shares in Sanderson

(SND:71p), the software and IT services business specialising in multi-channel retail and manufacturing markets in the UK and Ireland, have been trading in an incredibly tight range for 21 months now, repeatedly hitting resistance at 75p and receiving strong support at the 60p level. At some point a break-out will happen and I still side with a move to the upside

ST of IC today - I have no reason to alter my long-term positive stance and feel that fair value lies somewhere between 85p and 90p. Buy.

ST of IC today - 05 May 2016

The software and IT services firm is rated on a hefty valuation discount to peers, and unfairly so.

2016 Interim Results

RNS


RNS Number : 5166A

Sanderson Group PLC

08 June 2016












FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8 JUNE 2016



SANDERSON GROUP PLC

Interim Results for the six months ended 31 March 2016

"Continued profitable growth; Very strong order book; Interim dividend up 11%; Board Change"

Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'the Group'), the software and IT services business specialising in digital technology and enterprise software for businesses operating in the retail, manufacturing, wholesale distribution and logistics sectors, announces its interim results for the six month period ended 31 March 2016.

Commenting on the results, Chairman, Christopher Winn, said:

"The Group has made further progress during the period with revenue increasing to £9.86 million (2015: £9.09 million) and operating profit* rising to £1.47 million (2015: £1.37 million)."

"Gross margin has improved to 86% (2015: 85%), reflecting continuing emphasis on the supply of Sanderson 'owned' proprietary software and services. The recurring revenue from pre-contracted licence and ongoing support services grew to £5.19 million (2015: £4.76 million), representing 53% of total revenue in the period. The Group's order book at the period end was very strong and stood at £3.20 million (2015: £2.84 million) compared with £2.35 million at 30 September 2015."

"The Group has an established history of converting substantially all of its profit into cash and at 31 March 2016, after payment of £1.54 million deferred consideration in respect of acquired businesses, the Group's net cash balance was £3.39 million (2015: £ 3.95 million). The Board remains committed to maintaining a progressive dividend policy and is pleased to declare an increase of 11% in the level of the interim dividend to 1.0 pence per share (2015: 0.9 pence)."

Highlights - Financial

•Revenue increased by 8% to £9.86 million (2015: £9.09 million).


•Gross margin increased to 86% (2015: 85%).


•Operating profit* increased 7% to £1.47 million (2015: £1.37 million).


•Basic earnings per share of 1.7 pence (2015: 1.5 pence), an increase of 13%.


•Net cash at the half year end of £3.39 million (2015: £3.95 million) after acquisition related cash consideration payments of £1.54 million.


•Interim dividend up 11% to 1.0 pence per share (2015: 0.9 pence).


•Pre-contracted recurring revenues of £5.19 million (2015: £4.76 million), representing approximately 53% of total revenue.




* Operating profit is stated before amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles, share-based payment charges and acquisition-related and restructuring costs.

Highlights - Operational

•New reporting structure comprising two divisions: Digital Retail Division providing IT solutions to businesses operating in ecommerce, mobile commerce and retail sectors in the UK and Enterprise Division comprising two market focused businesses based on manufacturing (principally food and drink processing industries) and wholesale distribution and logistics.


•Significantly improved order intake during the period of £6.02 million (2015: £4.94 million).


•New customers contributed £2.08 million of orders during the period (2015: £1.03 million).


•Robust order book of £3.20 million at period-end (2015: £2.84 million).


•Digital Retail revenue increased to £2.95 million (2015: £2.80 million); strong demand from existing customers including Hotel Chocolat and Scotts of Stow; successful completion of Phase 2 European roll-out for Superdry.


•Enterprise Division revenues of £6.92 million (2015: £6.29 million) and operating profit* of £1.15 million (2015: £0.89 million); strong order book of £2.42 million at period-end (2015: £1.81 million); new manufacturing customers gained during period, including Thistle Seafoods Limited and Dunkleys, with average order value significantly higher than in comparative period.


•Continued investment in product development, sales and marketing across the Group with particular emphasis on proprietary solutions using mobile technologies.


•Mr Philip Kelly, a Non-Executive Director since November 2004, will retire from the Board following the release of
the Interim Results announcement today, after over eleven years of valued service and support to the Group, to the Board and to the shareholders.






On current trading and prospects, Group Chief Executive, Ian Newcombe, added:

"The general economic environment has continued to improve and although sales cycles do remain protracted, the Group has achieved a very high level of business from new customers during the period. Whilst the Board continues to adopt a cautious approach, the very strong order book and healthy balance sheet, together with an extensive list of sales prospects, provide a good level of confidence that the Group will continue to make further progress and deliver trading results in line with market expectations for the current year ending 30 September 2016."

8 Jun Panmure Gordon 107.00 Buy

Pre-Close Trading Update
RNS
RNS Number : 8900M
Sanderson Group PLC
19 October 2016
 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                   19 OCTOBER 2016
SANDERSON GROUP PLC
Pre-close Trading Update
"In line trading with strong order intake and revenue ahead of expectations"
 
Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'the Group'), the software and IT services business specialising in digital retail technology and enterprise software for businesses operating in the manufacturing, wholesale distribution and logistics sectors, issues the following trading update ahead of the announcement of its preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2016, scheduled to be released on 30 November 2016.
 
The Group's trading results for the year ended 30 September 2016 ('year-end') are in line with market expectations in terms of profit whilst revenue is slightly ahead of expectations.  Revenue has grown by 10% to now exceed £21 million (2015: £19.18 million) and adjusted operating profit (stated before the amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles, share-based payment charges and acquisition-related costs) has also increased by over 10% to approximately £3.69 million (2015: £3.30 million). 
 
Sales order intake has grown to over £12 million (2015: £10.03 million) and has included over £3.8 million of business gained from new customers, nearly double the £2.0 million gained from new customers during the previous financial year ending 30 September 2015.  Reflecting this sales success, the Group order book at 30 September 2016 stood at £3.0 million (2015: £2.35 million).  Pre-contracted recurring revenues increased to £10.76 million (2015: £9.85 million) representing over 50% of total revenue. 
 
The Group's net cash balance at 30 September 2016 was £4.30 million (30 September 2015: £4.61 million) reflecting the Group's continuing strong cash generation.  This balance also included both the payment of deferred consideration of £1.6 million in respect of 2013 and 2014 acquisitions, as well as, total dividend payments in the year of £1.2 million.
 
Digital Retail Division
Digital Retail, which operates in very active and rapidly developing markets continued to make progress. Digital Retail's revenue, despite a slower first half year, finished the year strongly with revenues growing by approximately 8.5% to £6.40 million (2015: £5.86 million).  Digital Retail gained a large new retail customer towards the end of the financial year, with the solution being rolled-out during the coming financial year ending 30 September 2017.  The Group has made further investment in management, sales and delivery capacity in anticipation of continued rapid growth in the digital retail market with sales prospects remaining good.
 
Enterprise Division
As reported at the interim results stage, the Enterprise Division has benefited from increased investment in its sales and marketing capability over the last two years and has made further strong progress in the current financial year. 
 
The Manufacturing business, very much driven by the food and drink processing sector, has gained over a £1.0 million of orders from new customers.  The Group businesses which focus on the supply of solutions to the wholesale distribution and logistics sectors have also traded very well and have gained a record value of orders from new customers and overall divisional order intake was up by 50% over the prior year.  The Enterprise Division enters the new financial year with a strong order book and good sales prospects.  
 
The Board remains keen to enhance the strength of the Group by selective complementary acquisitions.  A number of opportunities are currently under consideration.  Management continue to adopt a careful and measured approach to acquisitions with the priority being focused on continuing to deliver shareholder value through achieving organic growth and 'on target' results, thereby ensuring higher earnings and dividend returns to shareholders.
 
Following the Brexit vote in June, the Group has not yet detected any loss of confidence from both existing customers and prospective customers, but is continuing to monitor the situation.  Sanderson has a strong order book and together with a healthy balance sheet, strong reputation and track record in its markets, the Board is confident at this early stage of a new financial year that the Group should continue to make further progress during the year ending 30 September 2017.
 

2016 Final Results
RNS
RNS Number : 4864Q
Sanderson Group PLC
30 November 2016
 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          30 NOVEMBER 2016
 
SANDERSON GROUP PLC
Preliminary Results for the year ended 30 September 2016
Strong trading momentum; further profitable growth; final dividend up 16%
Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'the Group'), the software and IT services business specialising in digital retail technology and enterprise software for businesses operating in the manufacturing, wholesale distribution and logistics sectors, announces its preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2016.
Commenting on the results, Chairman, Christopher Winn, said:
"The Group's trading results for the year ended 30 September 2016 are in line with market expectations in terms of profit whilst revenue is slightly ahead of expectations.  Revenue has increased by 11% to £21.32 million (2015: £19.18 million), with adjusted operating profit* growing by almost 12% to £3.69 million (2015: £3.30 million).  Profit before tax increased by 37% to £2.78 million (2015: £2.03 million).
"Gross margin remains strong at 84% (2015: 85%), reflecting a continuing emphasis on the supply of Sanderson proprietary software and services.  Sales order intake grew by over 20% to £12.26 million (2015: £10.03 million) and this increase included over £3.83 million of business gained from new customers.
"Sanderson has a strong, cash-generative business model which has enabled the Board to maintain a progressive dividend policy whilst continuing to invest in the further development of the Group's businesses.  The Board is proposing an increase of 16% in the final dividend to 1.4 pence per share (2015: 1.2 pence)."
Highlights - Financial 
Revenue increased by 11% to £21.32 million (2015: £19.18 million).
Pre-contracted recurring revenue grew 10% to £10.75 million (2015: £9.77 million), representing approximately 50% of total revenue in the year (2015: 51%).
Operating profit* increased 12% to £3.69 million (2015: £3.30 million).
Profit before tax of £2.78 million (2015: £2.03 million), an increase of 37%.
Diluted earnings per share of 4.4 pence (2015: 3.4 pence), an increase of 29%.
Adjusted** diluted earnings per share of 5.5 pence (2015: 4.9 pence).
Cash balance at year-end of £4.34 million (2015: £4.61 million) after acquisition related cash consideration payments of £1.66 million and dividend payments during the year of £1.21 million.
Proposed final dividend up 16% to 1.4 pence per share (2015: 1.2 pence). 
 
* Operating profit is stated before amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles, share-based payment charges and acquisition-related and restructuring costs.
** Adjusted for amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles, share-based payment charges and acquisition related and restructuring costs.
 
Highlights - Operational
New reporting structure comprising two divisions:  Digital Retail and Enterprise Software.
Significantly improved order intake of £12.26 million (2015: £10.03 million).
Robust order book up by over 25% at year-end to £3.02 million (2015: £2.35 million).
Digital Retail revenue increased by 8.8% to £6.40 million (2015: £5.88 million); with strong demand from existing customers including Axminster Tools & Machinery and Thorntons.
Enterprise Division had a very successful year with revenues up 12% to £14.92 million (2015: £13.30 million); robust order book up by over 40% at year-end to £2.10 million (2015: £1.43 million); strong demand from both existing as well as new customers.
Mr Philip Kelly, a Non-Executive Director since November 2004, retired from the Board in June after over eleven years of valued service and support to the Group, to the Board and to the shareholders.
 
On current trading and outlook, Group Chief Executive, Ian Newcombe, added:
"Sanderson has maintained a strong balance sheet and a robust business model which is built upon long-term relationships with customers, generates strong recurring revenues and which the Board believe positions the Group well in its target markets.
"Together with a strong order book and good sales momentum, the Board has a good level of confidence that, at this relatively early stage of the new financial year, the Group will make further progress and deliver trading results which are again, at least, in line with market expectations for the year ending 30 September 2017."
 

2017 Interim Results
RNS
RNS Number : 0389G
Sanderson Group PLC
24 May 2017
 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                          24 MAY 2017
 
 
SANDERSON GROUP PLC
Interim Results for the six months ended 31 March 2017
"Continued organic growth with both revenue and interim dividend up 10%"
 
Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'the Group'), the software and IT services business specialising in digital retail technology and enterprise software for businesses operating in the manufacturing, wholesale distribution and logistics sectors, announces its interim results for the six month period ended 31 March 2017.
 
Commenting on the results, Chairman, Christopher Winn, said:
"The Group has made further progress in the first half of the current financial year with revenue and operating profits both increasing during the period. Sanderson has a strong, cash-generative business model and this has enabled the Board to maintain a progressive dividend policy whilst continuing to invest in the further development of the Group's businesses.  I am pleased to report that the Board is declaring an increase of 10% in the interim dividend to 1.1 pence per share (2016: 1.0 pence)."
 
Highlights - Financial 
Revenue increased by over 10% to £10.90 million (2016: £9.86 million).
Pre-contracted recurring revenues of £5.40 million (2016: £5.19 million), representing approximately 50% of total revenue.
Operating profit* increased by 5% to £1.55 million (2016: £1.47 million).
Basic earnings per share of 1.6 pence (2016: 1.7 pence).
**Adjusted, basic earnings per share of 2.4 pence (2016: 2.3 pence).
Net cash at the half year end of £4.51 million (March 2016: £3.39 million).
Interim dividend up 10% to 1.1 pence per share (2016: 1.0 pence). 
 
 
 
 
* Operating profit is stated before amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles, share-based payment charges and acquisition-related costs.
** Adjusted for amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles, share-based payment charges and acquisition-related costs
 
Highlights - Operational
Sales order intake remained strong during the period of £5.81 million (2016: £6.02 million).
Order book of £2.78 million at period-end (2016: £3.20 million) is well-balanced across the Group's businesses.
Sales order intake of the Digital Retail division grew by almost 50% and revenue by 20%.
Continued investment in product development, sales and marketing across the Group with particular emphasis on proprietary solutions using mobile technologies.
Board change: By mutual agreement, Mr Adrian Frost, who has been with the Group since 2000 and has served as Group Finance Director since 2005, will be leaving the Group, later in the year. 
 
On current trading and prospects, Group Chief Executive, Ian Newcombe, added:
"The Group's well-developed business model is to foster long-term customer relationships which result in a high proportion of sales arising from pre-contracted recurring revenue, complemented by incremental sales to its large, well established and growing customer base.
 
Sanderson continued to achieve a good level of business from both new as well as existing customers during the period.  The Board continues to be cautious in its future planning, but notwithstanding any potential uncertainty which may result from the forthcoming Brexit negotiations, the good order book, healthy balance sheet, strong reputation and track record provide a good level of confidence that the Group will continue to make further progress and deliver trading results in line with market expectations for the current year ending 30 September 2017."

Acquisition of Anisa Holdings valued at
RNS
RNS Number : 4449X
Sanderson Group PLC
24 November 2017
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                  24 NOVEMBER 2017
 
SANDERSON GROUP PLC
Acquisition of Anisa Consolidated Holdings Limited, valued at £12 million
 
Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'the Group'), the software and IT services business specialising in digital retail technology and enterprise software for businesses operating in the manufacturing, wholesale distribution and logistics sectors, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Anisa Consolidated Holdings Limited ('Anisa') for an enterprise value of £12.0 million.
 
Anisa specialises in the delivery of world-class integrated supply chain and enterprise resource planning ('ERP') solutions and has around 250 customers who are provided with twenty-four hour support on a worldwide basis throughout the year.  Anisa employs over 90 staff and operates from office locations in London, Runcorn, Liverpool and Solihull within the UK and from smaller support operations in Singapore and Australia.  Anisa complements the Enterprise division of Sanderson and the enlarged, merged business is expected to provide and develop incremental and synergistic market opportunities.  The managed services, hosting services and cloud delivery services which have been developed by Anisa represent an exciting and enhanced service delivery option for existing Sanderson customers. 
 
For the period ended 31 December 2016, Anisa had audited revenue of £10.04 million, including pre-contracted recurring revenues representing over 50% of total revenue and reported operating profit of £0.38 million.  Profit before taxation was £73,000.  At 31 December 2016, Anisa had net assets of £6.54 million. 
 
The Anisa executive team of Mr Ross Telford, Chairman, Mr David Renshaw, Chief Executive and Mr Lionel Moore, Finance Director will remain with Anisa and are committed to making the acquisition a success.  They have demonstrated their commitment to the enlarged Group by agreeing to a minimum 'lock-in' period of three years for their new Sanderson ordinary shares.
 
The purchase consideration for the acquisition comprises an initial £3.39 million, made up of approximately £2.06 million in cash which is being financed from existing Sanderson cash resources and by the issue of 1,894,217 new Sanderson 10p ordinary shares valued at 70p, which are subject to a lock-in period of three years.  Further consideration of £1.82 million is payable to Anisa share option holders to be satisfied by cash or new Sanderson shares (also subject to a lock-in period of three years) at a price of 70p by 31st December 2017, dependent on the choice of the option holder.  Sanderson is also taking over Anisa's utilised five-year repayable term debt facility (final quarterly repayment being due in 2020) of £4.12 million as well as a current account positive cash balance of just over £1 million.  Furthermore, loan notes with a coupon of 5% to the value of £1.05 million will be repaid by October 2018.  Deferred consideration, totalling £1.63 million is payable in three tranches.  The first payment of £563,000 is payable in April 2018 and the second payment for the same amount, payable in October 2018; both tranches are unconditional.  A third and final deferred payment of up to £500,000 is scheduled for April 2019, dependent upon some pre-agreed trading performance criteria.  Both Anisa and Sanderson are very cash generative businesses and it is expected that the combined Group will have total revenues of over £30 million, of which more than 50% is pre-contracted recurring revenue.  The combined Group will have no net bank debt thereby maintaining a good and strengthening balance sheet.  The Board believes that Anisa is a well-managed cash generative business which will be earnings enhancing from the outset.
 
Application has been made to the London Stock Exchange for the 1,894,217 new ordinary shares to be admitted to trading on AIM ('Admission') and it is expected that Admission will take place at 8.00 a.m. on 29 November 2017.  The new ordinary shares will, when issued, be credited as fully paid and will rank pari passu with the existing ordinary shares of 10 pence each in the capital of the Group including the right to receive all future dividends and distributions declared, made or paid by reference to a record date falling after their issue.
 
Following admission of the 1,894,217 new ordinary shares, the Group's issued share capital will comprise 56,964,885 ordinary shares of 10 pence each.  The above figure may be used by Shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine whether they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Group under the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.
 
Sanderson is scheduled to announce its preliminary trading results for the year ended 30 September 2017, on Tuesday, 28 November 2017.
 
Commenting on the acquisition, Group Chief Executive, Ian Newcombe, said:
"We are delighted to welcome the Anisa team, led by Ross Telford, David Renshaw, and Lionel Moore, together with their Anisa colleagues to Sanderson and we are excited by the prospect of combining our two strong, well-positioned businesses and by the opportunities that will arise from working closely together in the future."
 
Also, commenting on the acquisition, Chairman, Christopher Winn, said:
"Anisa and Sanderson have known each other for many years and though this transaction is a Sanderson acquisition, it feels more like a merger.  Whilst Anisa and Sanderson have rarely competed in their respective target markets, they are very complementary in terms of their ethos and business model - providing cost-effective solutions, supported by providing quality service to customers thereby building and developing long-term relationships.  The strategy of the combined business is to continue to develop the existing range of products and services delivered to existing customers; to further invest and develop the Anisa relationships with strategic partners and to provide additional investment in order to accelerate growth opportunities by attracting even more new customers. 
Our enlarged Group provides a great opportunity to further build shareholder returns and shareholder value and we value and appreciate the confidence shown by the Anisa team, in agreeing to hold their new Sanderson shares for at least a period of three years.  We believe that our enlarged Group provides a great opportunity to further increase returns and value for Sanderson shareholders."

AGM Statement
RNS
RNS Number : 9685E
Sanderson Group PLC
15 February 2018



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 15 FEBRUARY 2018

SANDERSON GROUP PLC

Annual General Meeting ('AGM') Statement

Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'the Group'), the software and IT services business specialising in digital retail technology and enterprise software for businesses operating in the manufacturing, wholesale distribution and logistics sectors, will hold its AGM in Coventry at 11.00 am, today. At the AGM, Chairman, Christopher Winn, will make the following statement to shareholders:

"The Sanderson Group was expanded by the acquisition of the Anisa Group ('Anisa') in November 2017, almost two months into the current financial year ending 30 September 2018. The expanded Group is expected to have revenue in excess of £30 million, a high gross margin in the region of 80% and around 800 customers who are supported by over 300 skilled and specialist staff. Anisa has made a good start as part of Sanderson and the overall trading performance of the Sanderson Group is in line with management's expectations. Up to the end of January, four months into the new financial year, total Group revenues are approximately one-third ahead of the comparative four-month period to the end of January in 2017. Excluding Anisa, like-for-like Sanderson revenues are around 5% ahead and operating profit is approximately 10% ahead of the comparative results for the four-month period to the end of January 2017. The order book at 31 January is also strong and partly reflecting the large order gained in June 2017 (over half of which is yet to be fulfilled), the `like-for-like` order book is over 20% ahead of the level as at the end of January 2017.

The Board is committed to maintain a strong balance sheet and notwithstanding the acquisition of Anisa for cash and shares, the Group continues to hold net cash 'at bank'. The acquisition resulted in the issue of 3,990,653 consideration shares which represent 6.73% of the Group's current issued share capital of 59,326,321 ordinary shares. The Anisa directors hold 2,828,384 of these consideration shares representing 4.77% of the issued share capital of Sanderson and in turn, Mr David Renshaw, the Chief Executive of Anisa, owns 2,068,545 of these shares, representing 3.48% of Sanderson share capital. All of these consideration shares are subject to a three year lock-in expiring on 23 November 2020.

The Group's Digital Retail businesses which operate in continuing active markets have made a good start to the new financial year with both revenue and operating profit continuing to grow at double-digit rates. Whilst sales cycles continue to be long, a number of new customer prospects and continued strong levels of activity provide a good level of confidence going into the remaining eight months of the financial year.

The Sanderson Enterprise businesses have made a solid start and sales prospects are well ahead of last year, though sales cycles remain protracted. A new, innovative digital platform for the wholesale distribution market was announced at the beginning of the financial year. This has been very well received by existing and prospective new customers with overall interest ahead of expectations. We are excited about the future prospects in the wholesale distribution sector of the market.

Sanderson has a robust business model and with the acquisition of Anisa, the Group's pre-contracted recurring revenues now represent around 55% of total revenue. This recurring revenue stream results in more predictable cash generation which, in turn, supports the Board's progressive dividend policy. A recommended final dividend of 1.55 pence per share, for approval at today's AGM, will make a total dividend for last year's results of 2.65 pence per share, representing an increase of over 10% from the previous year (and an increase of 50% over the last three years, from the 1.8 pence paid for the year ending 30 September 2014). The Board remains cautious and conservative in its approach, but the good start made by Anisa, the strengthening and robust business model of Sanderson, the cash-backed balance sheet and the positive business momentum provide the Board with a good level of confidence that the Group will make continued progress in the current financial year ending 30 September 2018."

Pre-Close Trading Update
RNS
RNS Number : 4870M
Sanderson Group PLC
30 April 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 30 APRIL 2018

SANDERSON GROUP PLC
Pre-close Trading Update
"Results slightly ahead of management's expectations; positive trading momentum maintained with strong balance sheet; November acquisition makes a good start; current order book now standing at £8 million."

Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'the Group'), the software and IT services business specialising in digital retail technology and enterprise software for businesses operating in the manufacturing, wholesale distribution and logistics sectors, issues the following trading update ahead of the announcement of its interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2018, which are scheduled to be released on 23 May 2018.

Sanderson Group was expanded and enhanced by the acquisition of the Anisa Group ('Anisa') on 23 November 2017, for an enterprise value of £12 million. Anisa specialises in the delivery and support of world-class integrated supply chain and enterprise resource planning ('ERP') solutions on a global basis. The size and strength of the Sanderson Enterprise division has been significantly enhanced and Anisa has made a good start as part of Sanderson.

The Group's trading results for the six months ended 31 March 2018 are slightly ahead of management's expectations with revenue and profit growing by over 30%. Group revenue was just above £14.5 million (H1 2017: £10.9 million) and operating profit (stated before the amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles, share-based payment charges, acquisition-related and restructuring costs) increased to over £2 million (H1 2017: £1.55 million). On a 'like-for-like' basis, excluding the acquisition, revenues have risen to just over £11 million (H1 2017: £10.9 million) and operating profit, reflecting a more efficient and lower cost of the delivery of Group solutions, at over £1.7 million (H1 2017; £1.55 million) is more than 10% ahead. Gross margins continue to run at a high level of over 80% and growing pre-contracted recurring revenues increased to above £8 million ('like-for-like' excluding Anisa, H1 2018: £5.9 million compares with H1 2017: £5.40 million). The Group continues to focus on building recurring revenues including growing subscription, cloud and managed services revenues.

Sales order intake continues to be good and the value of the Group order book measured on a 'like-for-like' basis at the end of March 2018, was over 15% ahead of the comparable order book value at the end of March 2017. The order book is much better balanced and is now at a more manageable level across the Group's businesses. The total order book, which now includes the acquisition and reflects the remaining element of the large order gained in June 2017, is now valued above £8 million.

The Board is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and Sanderson continues to generate cash in line with operating profit. Following the acquisition in November 2017 which was satisfied from the Group's own cash resources, by the assumption of Anisa's utilised five-year repayable term debt facility of £4.12 million and by the issue of 3,990,653 Sanderson shares (which are effectively 'locked-in' until November 2020), the net cash balance at 31 March 2018 stood at over £1.3 million (31 March 2017: £4.51 million).

Digital Retail Division
Digital Retail, which operates in very active and rapidly developing markets, continues to make strong progress. In the six-month period to 31 March 2018, revenue grew by over 20% compared with the comparable period in the prior year, profits almost doubled and the order book at 31 March was up by over 50% compared with the order book at 31 March 2017. Following a successful pilot scheme, a Phase One order has been secured with a well-known global iconic fashion brand. Sales prospects remain strong with pilot schemes for a number of prospective customers being planned for initial deployment in the current financial year.

Enterprise Division
The Group's Enterprise businesses, which have benefited from increased investment in sales and marketing capability, have continued to make progress. The Manufacturing business is increasingly driven by the food and drink processing sector where the Group has a strong presence and the profit achieved was higher than for the comparable prior year period. The Group businesses which focus on the supply of solutions to the wholesale distribution sector remained very profitable with revenue and profit being sustained at levels close to the comparable prior year period. We expect this part of the business to deliver an improved result for the second half year, which has started well. Anisa has made a good start as part of Sanderson with a number of exciting sales prospects being developed. The managed service product offerings provide an opportunity to exploit and to accelerate expected market trends towards subscription and cloud options for product delivery and for access at customer sites. Anisa considerably enhances the proven range of products, services and solutions which Sanderson now offers to prospective and existing customers in the target market sectors. The Enterprise division enters the second half of the financial year with a strong recurring revenue base, a good order book and a good list of sales prospects.

Strategy and Outlook
The Board continues to be cautious in its approach, sensitive to market conditions and endeavours to monitor the general economic environment carefully. Notwithstanding any potential uncertainty surrounding the ongoing Brexit negotiations, Sanderson, now strengthened by the acquisition, has a large order book, robust recurring revenues and a healthy balance sheet. The Group has a good reputation, a strong track record and with continuing sales momentum in its target markets, the Board has a good level of confidence that Sanderson will make significant further progress during the current financial year ending 30 September 2018.

2018 Interim Results
RNS
RNS Number : 9353O
Sanderson Group PLC
23 May 2018



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 23 MAY 2018


SANDERSON GROUP PLC
Interim Results for the six months ended 31 March 2018
"Strong performance across the Group with EPS increasing by 44%; November acquisition has made a good start; Dividend up 14%; further significant progress anticipated."

Sanderson Group plc ('Sanderson' or 'the Group'), the software and IT services business specialising in digital retail technology and enterprise software for businesses operating in the manufacturing, wholesale distribution and logistics sectors, announces Interim Results for the six month period ended 31 March 2018.

Commenting on the results, Chairman, Christopher Winn, said:
"The Group trading results for the six month period ended 31 March 2018, are slightly ahead of management's expectations; revenue increased by 34% to £14.61 million (2017: £10.90 million) and operating profit* rose by 34% to £2.08 million (2017: £1.55 million). Sanderson continues to generate cash in line with operating profit and is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet. To supplement organic growth, selective acquisitions are under continued consideration. The Board remains focused on continuing to deliver both organic and acquisitive growth, achieving 'on target' results, increased earnings, good cash generation and a robust balance sheet, thereby further increasing shareholder value and growing dividend returns."
Highlights - Financial
· Revenue increased by 34% to £14.61 million (2017: £10.90 million); 'like-for-like' revenue (excluding Anisa) rose to £11.08 million (2017: £10.90 million).
· Pre-contracted recurring revenue increased to £8.25 million (2017: £5.40 million), representing 56% of total revenue in the period (2017: 50%); 'like-for-like' recurring revenue grew by 11% to £5.99 million (2017: £5.40 million).
· Operating profit* rose by 34% to £2.08 million (2017: £1.55 million); 'like-for-like' operating profit (excluding Anisa) grew by over 12% to £1.74 million reflecting a more efficient, lower cost delivery of the Group's solutions.
· Continued cash generation in line with operating profit with net cash balance at 31 March 2018 of £1.39 million. The cash balance, excluding the Anisa loan (term debt facility of £4.12 million) remains strong at £5.06 million (2017: £4.51 million).
· Increased Interim Dividend declared, up 14% to 1.25 pence per share (2017: 1.10 pence).
· Basic earnings per share* increased 44% to 2.3 pence (2017: 1.6 pence).

* Operating profit and basic earnings per share are stated before amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles, share-based payment charges, acquisition-related and restructuring costs.


Highlights - Operational
· Strong performances from both Digital Retail and Enterprise divisions with order books of £3.42 million (2017: £0.84 million) and £5.19 million (2017: £1.93 million) respectively.
· Digital Retail revenue grew 20% to £4.25 million (2017: £3.54 million) whilst operating profit* more than doubled to £0.70 million (2017: £0.34 million); sales orders gained during period included Richer Sounds plc, Thorntons Limited, Beaverbrooks The Jewellers Limited and Scotts of Stow;
· Enterprise division, comprising manufacturing, wholesale distribution and logistics and supply chains, significantly enhanced and strengthened by acquisition of Anisa during the period; revenue and operating profit* (including Anisa) increased to £10.36 million (2017: £7.36 million) and £1.38 million (2017: £1.21 million) respectively. Anisa's global customer base, active during the period, with orders from Culina Group and DHL Supply Chain.
· Total Group order book at period-end (including Anisa) of £8.61 million (2017: £2.78 million); like-for-like order book rose 16% to £3.22 million (2017: £2.78 million).

On current trading and outlook, Group Chief Executive, Ian Newcombe, added:
"We continue to be measured in our business approach, sensitive to the general economic environment and we monitor customer confidence and market conditions carefully. Whilst the Group has not detected any major loss of confidence amongst its customers and that the value of prospects is increasing, sales cycles can still be protracted, especially where major projects are under consideration. Notwithstanding any potential uncertainty surrounding the ongoing Brexit negotiations, Sanderson, now strengthened by the November acquisition, has a large order book, robust recurring revenue and a healthy balance sheet. Combined with the Group's proven reputation, well-established track record and continuing sales momentum, the Board has a good level of confidence that Sanderson will make significant further progress during the current financial year ending 30 September 2018."