We are the world's largest independent ground engineering specialist, renowned for providing technically advanced and cost effective foundation solutions. Our reputation is built on engineering excellence and a commitment to continual innovation.

Our services are used across the construction sector in infrastructure, industrial, commercial, residential and environmental projects. We have unrivalled coverage in Europe, North America, Australia, and South Africa and a growing presence in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

With an annual turnover of £1.5bn, we have around 9,000 staff world-wide with offices in more than 40 countries.

Our businesses
http://www.keller.co.uk/aboutkeller/businesses.aspx







Keller adds 7.3 percent after the engineering company reports first-half profits that more than trebled from a year ago.

"Keller's interim results show that the group is now back on the front foot after several difficult years of unprecedented volume declines in most of its key markets," Numis Securities says in a research note.

Numis maintains an "add" rating on Keller shares, while Investec keeps a "buy" rating, describing Keller's results as an "encouraging set of interims."

As of Apr 26, 2013, the consensus forecast amongst 8 polled investment analysts covering Keller Group plc advises that the company will outperform the market. This has been the consensus forecast since the sentiment of investment analysts improved on Oct 19, 2012. The previous consensus forecast advised investors to hold their position in Keller Group plc.


Keller Group PLC (KLR:LSE) set a new 52-week high during today's trading session when it reached 859.50. Over this period, the share price is up 88.90%.

Directorate Change
RNS
RNS Number : 7621D
Keller Group PLC
01 May 2013



For immediate release 1 May 2013




KELLER BOARD CHANGE




Keller Group plc ("Keller" or "the Company"), the international ground engineering specialist, announces that at its forthcoming Annual General Meeting, Mr Bob Rubright will be standing down as a Director of the Company.



Bob joined Keller with the Hayward Baker acquisition in 1984 and, after becoming Managing Director of Keller North America, he joined the Board in 2003.



He will be succeeded as Managing Director of Keller North America by Mr John Rubright, but will not be replaced on the Board. John has been with the Group since 1986. He is President of Hayward Baker, which now makes up over 50% of the Group's North American business, and is a member of the Group Executive Committee.



As part of Bob's planned retirement from Keller, he has agreed to remain involved in the Group's North American business on a part-time basis for a period of time after he stands down from the Board.



Accordingly, the resolution to re-elect Bob Rubright as a Director at the 2013 Annual General Meeting, as set out in the notice of that meeting, will be withdrawn.



Commenting today, Mr Roy Franklin, Chairman of Keller, said:



"We are indebted to Bob for his enormous contribution to the Group and I am delighted that we will have continued access to his wisdom and experience in the medium term."

Keller Group PLC (KLR:LSE) set a new 52-week high during today's trading session when it reached 864.50. Over this period, the share price is up 102.46%.

Keller Group PLC (KLR:LSE) set a new 52-week high during today's trading session when it reached 890.00. Over this period, the share price is up 108.68%.

Interim Management Statement

RNS


RNS Number : 7214E

Keller Group PLC

15 May 2013












For immediate release Date - 15 May 2013





Keller Group plc



Interim Management Statement







Keller Group plc ("Keller" or "the Group"), the international ground engineering specialist, issues its Interim Management Statement covering the period 1 January to 14 May 2013.



Overview



As anticipated in our full-year results announcement in March, economic conditions across our global construction markets continue to be varied. We remain optimistic about a progressive strengthening of the North American construction markets, assuming that the wider US fiscal position does not worsen. Whilst economic uncertainty in Europe continues to hold back a recovery in its construction markets, we have seen no further deterioration in market conditions since the start of the year. Elsewhere, the two-speed construction market in Australia continues, whilst in Asia we continue to see good opportunities.



Keller has had a strong start to the year, helped by the successful completion of a number of major projects, good contract performance overall and relatively benign winter weather in our markets in North America. This has resulted in both revenue and profit in the first four months being better than the Board expected at the time of announcing the Group's 2012 preliminary results.



After adjusting for the exceptionally large Wheatstone project, which was awarded in January 2012 and on which we have only recently mobilised, order intake for the year to date has been at a similar level to the same period last year. Accordingly, the order book for work to be executed over the next 12 months is broadly in line with this time last year.

Looking ahead to the rest of the year, the Board expects to see a continuation of recent progress.

Divisional Review



North America



In the four months to the end of April, the Group's North American foundation contracting companies have performed ahead of budget and the same period last year, benefitting from positive momentum in the construction market in many parts of the US and a strong operational performance.



The integration of Geo-Foundations Contractors, Inc., the Toronto-based specialist geotechnical contractor acquired in January, is progressing well and management is confident that the developing co-operation between Geo-Foundations and Hayward Baker will deliver significant business benefits over time.



At Suncoast, the steady increase in production during 2012 has been maintained in the first four months of this year, as the business continues to take full advantage of growth in US residential construction. As a result, both revenue and profit in the year to date are well ahead of both last year and budget.



Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA)



Overall, despite the challenging market conditions, the performance of the EMEA division has improved in the year to date, benefitting from the self-help measures implemented during 2012.



Our large infrastructure projects in EMEA - most notably the Crossrail and Victoria Station Upgrade contracts in the UK and the Gdansk road tunnel project in Poland - are all progressing well.



We were recently awarded our largest contract to date in Russia, involving the preparation of a complete excavation pitfor a new residential complex located in central Moscow. In undertaking this contract, we will draw on our equipment and experienced workforce from neighbouring countries, in particular Poland.

In the Middle East, we are seeing some increase in activity and our operations in the region have generally performed better than in the same period last year.

Asia



Our Asian business has made a good start to the year, although market conditions in India remain somewhat challenging.



In Malaysia, where the foundation market is currently buoyant, we have now completed our major piling and ground improvement project for Vale at Lumur and have since been awarded another piling contract in Kuala Lumpur, which will further strengthen our credentials as a piling business in Malaysia. We have also commenced our first ground anchor contract in the country, with support from our businesses in India and Austria.



Work is underway on our first contract in Hong Kong for many years, where we now have four rigs on site. The project involves installing stone columns for the new Hong Kong Link Road project. We have also been awarded our first ground improvement contract in Indonesia, to install stone columns for a new fuel oil terminal on Karimun Island.





Australia



The two-speed construction market in Australia continues, with projects for the resources sector generating a significant part of the overall demand, whereas the building and infrastructure sectors remain very quiet.



Despite the market challenges, the performance of our Australian business in the year to date has been ahead of last year, with another excellent contribution from Waterway Constructions.



Work has now commenced on the Wheatstone contract, which is set to be the Group's largest contract to date.



Financial Position



The Group's financial position remains strong. Other than the normal seasonal increase in working capital, there has been no significant change to our financial position since the last year end.



Annual General Meeting and Interim Results



Keller will be holding its Annual General Meeting at 11.00 a.m. on 23 May 2013 at the offices of Investec, 2 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7QP.



The Company intends to announce its interim results on Monday, 29 July 2013.

Keller benefitting from recovery in US construction
By Benjamin Chiou

Wed 15 May


Keller benefitting from recovery in US construction LONDON (SHARECAST) - Keller, the world's largest independent ground engineering specialist, sparked a share-price surge on Wednesday morning after saying that results so far this year have beaten its expectations despite mixed conditions worldwide.

The company said that while economic conditions across global construction markets continue to be "varied", both revenue and profit in the first four months of 2013 was better than it expected at the time of announcing its full-year results in March.

The stock was up 9.52% at 949.5p by 08:30 on Wednesday.

One of the main reasons for the optimism has been the "progressive strengthening" of construction markets in North America, where Keller's foundation contracting companies have performed ahead of budget.

Over in Europe, economic uncertainty still persists though the group did say that it has not seen any further deterioration in market conditions.

The performance of the wider Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) division has improved this year and large infrastructure projects - Crossrail and Victoria station upgrades in the UK and the Gdansk road tunnel project in Poland - are said to be progressing well. Meanwhile, the firm secured its largest contract to date in Russia for work on a new residential complex.

"Elsewhere, the two-speed construction market in Australia continues, whilst in Asia we continue to see good opportunities," the company said.

Following the statement, analysts at Jefferies raised their target price for the stock from 820p to 1,050p and reiterated a 'buy' rating, saying that Keller remains an "attractive way to play [the] recovery" in the North American residential markets.

"In our view we are at the early stages of a recovery cycle in global construction markets, the recovery is not uniform by any means and many of Keller's markets remain fragile, representing risk, but in general, the light at the end of the tunnel is starting to burn a little brighter," said analyst Anthony Codling.

Including Wednesday's surge, the stock has now jumped around 123% over the past 12 months, recovering to levels not seen since late 2007.

Conditions remain mixed for Keller but Jefferies reckons that the engineering company remains well-positioned for a recovery in the US residential markets.

The broker has raised its target price for the FTSE 250 stock from 820p to 1,050p after upgrading its 2013 and 2014 profit forecasts by 17% and 11%, respectively. A 'buy' rating was maintained for the stock

Jefferies International reiterates buy on Keller Group, target raised from 820p to 1050p

Investec retains buy on Keller Group, target raised from 850p to 1000p.


Numis reiterates add on Keller Group, target raised from 825p to 1000p.

Keller Group PLC (KLR:LSE) set a new 52-week high during today's trading session when it reached 956.50. Over this period, the share price is up 124.79%.

Keller: Panmure Gordon raises target price from 570p to 900p, while keeping a hold rating.

Trading statement 23 May

Keller Group PLC (KLR:LSE) set a new 52-week high during today's trading session when it reached 979.50. Over this period, the share price is up 140.44%.

20 May Liberum Capital 955.00 Hold

Keller announces Placing of new ordinary shares

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4611417

Proposed Acquisition of North American Piling

RNS


RNS Number : 7422G

Keller Group PLC

11 June 2013






THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN IT IS NOT FOR PUBLICATION, RELEASE OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND, THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE SAME WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.



For immediate release 11 June 2013





Keller Group plc ("Keller" or "the Group")



Proposed Acquisition of North American Piling





Keller (LSE: KLR), the international ground engineering specialist, today announces the proposed acquisition of North American Piling from North American Energy Partners Inc. ("North American Energy Partners"), subject to shareholder approval.



Key Highlights



· North American Piling is a substantial Canadian foundations business, headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, and has over 25 years' experience providing piling services, with a focus on piling in construction markets across Canada, including the Alberta oil sands region.



· North American Piling employs approximately 400 staff and, in the year ended 31 March 2013, the business reported revenue of CDN $236.5 million (£149.7 million) and operating profit of CDN $38.5 million (£24.4 million).



· The Acquisition is consistent with Keller's stated strategy and the Directors believe it will enhance the Group's offering by:

- bringing into the Group a market-leading business, positioned in growth markets offering attractive margins;

- increasing its exposure to the North American energy and resources sector;

- providing the opportunity to develop broader customer relationships and secure new customers;

- expanding its presence in the relatively under-developed Canadian geotechnical segment; and

- delivering attractive financial metrics, including an immediate and significant enhancement in earnings per share.



· The consideration will comprise an initial CDN$227.5 million (£144.0 million) on a cash and debt free basis, payable in cash on Completion and up to a further CDN$92.5 million (£58.5 million) of deferred contingent consideration payable in cash depending upon North American Piling's financial performance in the three years following Completion, giving a maximum aggregate consideration of CDN$320 million (£202.5 million).



· Keller is proposing to finance the Acquisition through the net proceeds of the Placing announced today, together with the drawdown of some of the available funds under the New Bank Facility and existing bank facilities.



Commenting on the Acquisition, Justin Atkinson, Chief Executive of Keller, said:



"The Board has identified Canada as a key target market and this acquisition of a complementary piling business represents an excellent opportunity to build substantially on Keller's existing presence in that market. North American Piling is a market-leading business with attractive margins positioned in growth markets, including the resource-rich regions of Western Canada. The business has a strong record of growth delivered by an experienced management team who are transferring to Keller. Importantly, the acquisition will be significantly earnings enhancing*."



* This should not be construed as a profit forecast. In particular, it should not be taken to mean that the earnings per share of Keller for the year ending 31 December 2013 will necessarily be higher than for the year ended 31 December 2012.

Broker snap: Panmure upbeat about Canadian purchase at Keller
By Benjamin Chiou

Tue 11 Jun 2013


Broker snap: Panmure upbeat about Canadian purchase at Keller LONDON (SHARECAST) - Panmure Gordon has hailed Keller's acquisition of North American Piling, but has kept its 'hold' rating for the FTSE 250-listed ground engineering specialist following a decent run this year.

The company announced on Tuesday that it has acquired North American Piling, a Canadian foundations business headquartered in Alberta, for an initial £144 plus a maximum deferred £58.5m. The move adds annual revenue of £150m and £24.4m in operating profit.

The acquisition is being part-funded by a placing to raise £58.7m with the balance being from debt.

Panmure analyst Andy Brown said: "The business being acquired has a strong recent record and appears to be well placed in the Alberta/oil sands/energy segment. Margin sustainability will be a key question but historical group North American margins have hit double digits."

He said that his initial estimates see the purchase being 10% enhancing to earnings this year and 12-15% next year. This suggests earnings per share of around 68p in 2013, rising to 80p in 2014.

Brown said: "A large Canadian piling acquisition that enhances presence in the region and increases group exposure to the energy sector looks to be a good move.

"[…] Fundamentally we are positive on the group's service offering and market positioning but with a full valuation and share price trading at two-year price/relative highs we thought the price had moved far enough. This explains our current 'neutral' stance."

A 900p target price for the shares has been maintained.

The stock was up 2.21% at 926p by 11:16, having risen over a third by the start of 2013.

Keller Group: Investec moves target price from 1000p to 1115p reiterating a buy recommendation.

You' v had a good run here DC well done.

Keller announces proposed acquisition of North American Piling
Tue 11 Jun 2013


Keller announces proposed acquisition of North American Piling LONDON (SHARECAST) - FTSE 250-listed international ground engineering specialist Keller has proposed the acquisition of North American Piling from North American Energy Partners, subject to shareholder approval.

North American Piling is a Canadian foundations business with headquarters in Edmonton, Alberta. In the year ended March 2013, the business reported revenue of CDN $236.5m (£149.7m) and operating profit of CDN $38.5m (£24.4m).

The group said that the acquisition would be consistent with Keller’s stated strategy and would enhance the group’s offering by bringing into the group a market-leading business, positioned in growth markets offering attractive margins. It said that the deal would also enable it to expand its presence in the relatively under-developed Canadian geotechnical segment.

The consideration would comprise an initial CDN$227.5m (£144m) on a cash and debt free basis, payable in cash on completion and up to a further CDN$92.5m (£58.5m) of deferred contingent consideration payable in cash depending upon North American Piling’s financial performance in the three years following completion, giving a maximum aggregate consideration of CDN $320m (£202.5m.

The group said that it would be proposing to finance the acquisition through the net proceeds of a placing of 6.6m new ordinary shares at 890p per share to raise £58.7m before expenses together with drawdown of some of the available funds under the new bank facility and existing bank facilities.

Justin Atkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Keller, commented: "The board has identified Canada as a key target market and this acquisition of a complementary piling business represents an excellent opportunity to build substantially on Keller's existing presence in that market."

He added: "North American Piling is a market-leading business with attractive margins positioned in growth markets, including the resource-rich regions of Western Canada. The business has a strong record of growth delivered by an experienced management team who are transferring to Keller. Importantly, the acquisition will be significantly earnings enhancing."

Keller’s share price was up 3.20% to 935p at 08:39 on Tuesday.

Keller Group: Citi raises target price from 755p to 960p, while reiterating a neutral rating.