Group Restructuring
January 24 2007 - 8:58AM
RNS Non-Regulatory
Aquilo PLC
24 January 2007
Aquilo PLC ("Aquilo" or the "Group")
Group Restructuring
Introduction
Following the completion of the restructuring and refinancing of the Group,
which was approved by shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting held on
15th January 2006, Aquilo provides an update of developments.
The motor services division, which had not delivered the expected results, had
already been sold, as announced on 13th December 2006, thereby providing the
opportunity to concentrate all the Group's efforts on the sizeable domestic and
industrial claims-handling markets.
Use of funds raised
The proceeds of the new equity placing, together with the sales proceeds of the
motor services division and the issue of new loan stock, amounted to over #5.7
million. The funds were provided by both existing and new financial
institutions and underline the wide ranging support for the business model that
Aquilo is now implementing.
The head office function has been reduced and restructuring is leading to more
efficient operations allowing much of the current and future growth to be
accommodated without a proportionate increase in overheads.
The proceeds allow Aquilo to substantially strengthen its balance sheet, repay
debt and continue to invest in the rapidly growing property insurance claims
handling operation. This division, AIRS, which commenced trading in October 2006
has seen impressive growth and is performing ahead of expectations, this has
been further aided by the recent adverse weather conditions.
With the Group refinanced, the Board is now focused on driving the business
forward and believe that increased sales volumes can be achieved from both
existing and new customers.
Board changes
The Board has changed to reflect the refocused strategy. In the period until an
experienced City-facing chairman is found, Chris Langridge, who joined the Board
recently, has been appointed Chairman on an interim basis.
The Board would like to thank the Group's staff, advisers and institutional
shareholders - new and existing - for their continued support.
For further information please contact:
Clive Nicholls, Chief Executive Officer, Aquilo plc 020 3008 5514
Crispin Burdett, Company Secretary, Aquilo plc 020 3008 5515
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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