Andrews Sykes
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Company Information - AIM Rule 26 Compliance

Information

Andrews Sykes Group plc
Registered Office:
Unit 601
Axcess 10 Business Park
Bentley Road South
WEDNESBURY
WS10 8LQ

Registered Number in England: 00175912

Business Description

The principal activity of the Andrews Sykes group of companies is the hire, sale and installation of a range of equipment, including pumping, portable heating, air conditioning, drying and ventilation equipment. A review of the Group’s activities and an indication of likely future developments are set out in the Chairman’s Statement, the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report on pages 2 to 23 of the 2018 Annual Report and Financial Statements which can be found in the Corporate Publications section.

Country of incorporation and main country of operation

The Company is registered in England, number 175912, and the main base of operations is the United Kingdom. The Group also operates in Northern Europe, primarily The Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, France and the United Arab Emirates.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Details of the Company's corporate governance procedures and committees can be found in the Corporate Governance section.

AIM Securities in issue

There are currently 41,858,744 ordinary shares of 1p each with voting rights in issue. The Company does not hold any shares in Treasury.

The only significant shareholder of which the company is aware is EOI Sykes Sarl which has a beneficial interest in 36,377,213 ordinary shares of 1p each (86.90% of the issued ordinary shares). EOI Sykes Sarl is ultimately controlled in equal proportions by two trusts, the Ariane Trust and the Eden Trust.

For the purposes of AIM Rule 26, the number of shares not in public hands is 38,068,648 (90.95% of the issued ordinary shares). There are no restrictions on the transfer of Andrews Sykes securities. The Company is quoted on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol ASY.L. The Company is not listed on any other exchanges of trading platforms.

OTHER INFORMATION

Stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax are not chargeable on transactions in the Company’s shares. The Company is subject to the UK City Code on Takeovers and Mergers.

COMPANY REPORTS

Current and historic full year and half year financial statements and other corporate documentation can be found in the Corporate Publications section.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Notifications made through the RNS can be found in the Announcements section.

Last updated: 12 February 2024

Directors

Executive Chairman

Jean-Jacques Murray – Chairman

Age 58

Jean-Jacques Murray was appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director in December 1994, becoming Vice-Chairman in February 2007, Non-Executive Chairman in June 2023 and Executive Chairman in February 2024. Mr Murray leads the Board and is responsible for setting its agenda, defines its approach to corporate governance and ensures its effectiveness, he is also Chairman of the Boards remuneration committee.

Mr Murray graduated with a BA in Finance from Los Angeles Pepperdine University in 1988 and obtained his Masters Degree in 1990. He is non-executive vice chairman of London Security plc, Nu-Swift Ltd, and Ansul S.A.

Executive Director

Carl Webb - Group Managing Director

Age 57

Industry specialist, having managed the group’s UK hire and sales business for the last 15 years. Appointed Group Managing Director on 5 March 2021.

Non-Executive Directors

Marie-Claire Leon – Non-Executive Director

Age 61

Marie-Claire Leon was appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director in February 2007. She has served as an assistant to Jacques Gaston Murray since 1999 and is responsible for overseeing various projects around the world on his behalf.

Ms Leon graduated from California State University in 1988 with a Bachelor degree in Business Administration, with a particular focus on Marketing Management, New Venture and Small Business Management. Ms. Leon is also a non-executive director of London Security Plc.

Xavier Mignolet – Non-Executive Director

Age 60

Xavier Mignolet was appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director in February 2007.

Mr Mignolet graduated with a Masters Degree in Commercial and Financial Sciences at HEC In Liege Belgium in 1987. Having started his career in financial audit for PWC in Brussels, he then became Financial Director for the Ansul Group. Mr Mignolet is also managing director of London Security plc, and is a director of Ansul S.A. and Importex S.A.

Emmanuel David Olivier Adrien Sebag – Non-Executive Director

Age 56

Emmanuel Sebag was appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director in February 1997.

Mr Sebag graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University in 1991 with a Masters in Industrial Administration. Mr Sebag is an executive director of London Security plc.

Jean-Pierre Murray – Non-Executive Vice-Chairman

Age 56

Jean-Pierre Murray was appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director in August 2008 and appointed as Non-Executive Vice-Chairman in February 2024. He is also a non-executive director of London Security plc.

Mr Murray graduated from Los Angeles Pepperdine University in 1990 with a BA in Finance, and gained his Masters degree in Business in 1993.

Independent Non-Executive Director

Andrew James Kitchingman – Independent Non-Executive Director

Age 60

Andrew Kitchingman was appointed to the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director in July 2018. He is chairman of the audit committee and a member remuneration committee of the Board.

Mr Kitchingman is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (FCA) and graduated in 1985 with a BSc in Mathematics from Kings College, University of London. He is a director of a number of companies, including the non-executive chairman of Mpac Group plc and the non-executive chairman of HC Slingsby plc, both companies with its shares admitted to trading on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange. Mr Kitchingman was previously a non-executive director of MORhomes PLC, Lonpro Holdings PLC, Incommunities Group Limited and a director of the Cathedral Choir School Ripon Limited.

COMPANY SECRETARY

Ian Poole

Ian Poole was appointed Company Secretary in June 2021.

Mr Poole has over 10 years experience in various senior financial positions.

Advisors

Registrar

Equiniti
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN99 6DA
Tel No: 0371 384 2030

Nominated Advisor

Houlihan Lokey UK Limited
1 Curzon Street
London
W1J 5HD

Broker

Zeus Capital Ltd
82 King Street
Manchester
M2 4WQ

Auditor

Crowe UK LLP
Black Country House
Rounds Green Road
Oldbury
West Midlands
B69 2DG

Bankers

HSBC UK Bank Plc
1 Centenary Square
Birmingham
B1 1HQ

Announcements

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Announcements

Notifications made through the RNS can be found in the Announcements section.

2024

01-10-2024: Nomad Name Change

25-09-2024: Interim Report 2024

18-06-2024: Results of AGM

13-05-2024: Announcement

13-05-2024: Annual Report 2023

08-05-2024: Preliminary Results

04-03-2024: Nomad Name Change

12-02-24: Board Changes

2023

27-09-23: Transaction in Own Shares

25-09-23: Interim Report 2023

15-08-23: Transaction in Own Shares

10-08-23: Transaction in Own Shares

08-08-23: Transaction in Own Shares

03-08-23: Transaction in Own Shares

29-06-23: Transaction in Own Shares

26-06-23: Transaction in Own Shares

23-06-23: Transaction in Own Shares

22-06-23: Transaction in Own Shares

14-06-23: Result of AGM

07-06-23: Transaction in Own Shares

07-06-23: Jacques-Gaston Murray

30-05-23: Transaction in Own Shares

24-05-23: Transaction in Own Shares

18-05-23: Transaction in Own Shares

18-05-23: Announcement

18-05-23: Annual Report 2022

12-05-23: Transaction in Own Shares

03-05-23: Preliminary Results 2022

17-03-23: Transaction in Own Shares

14-03-23: Transaction in Own Shares

08-03-23: Transaction in Own Shares

21-02-23: Transaction in Own Shares

20-02-23: Transaction in Own Shares

19-01-23: Change of Broker

2022

01-12-22: Transaction In Own Shares

27-09-22: Interim Report 2022

14-06-22: Result of AGM

17-05-22: Announcement

17-05-22: Annual Report 2021

04-05-22: Preliminary Results 2021

2021

27-09-21: Interim Report 2021

16-06-21: Announcement

18-05-21: Announcement

18-05-21: Annual Report 2020

05-05-21: Preliminary Result 2020

05-03-21: Board Appointment

29-01-21: Paul Wood

18-01-21: Director leave of absence

2011

30.06.11: Voting Rights & Capital

27.06.11: Director Shareholding

10.06.11: Director Shareholding

09.06.11: Transaction in Own Shares

09.06.11: Exercise of Share Options

03.06.11: Transaction in Own Shares

04.05.11: Summary of Results

05.04.11: Voting Rights & Capital

03.03.11: Transaction in Own Shares

28.02.11: Voting Rights & Capital

28.02.11: Transaction in Own Shares

23.02.11: Transaction in Own Shares

17.07.11: Transaction in Own Shares 2

17.02.11: Transaction in Own Shares 1

15.02.11: Transaction in Own Shares

04.02.11: Transaction in Own Shares

02.02.11: Voting Rights & Capital

31.01.11: Voting Rights & Capital

28.01.11: Transaction in Own Shares

26.01.11: Transaction in Own Shares

20.01.11: Transaction in Own Shares

11.01.11: Transaction in Own Shares

05.01.11: Transaction in Own Shares

Dear Shareholders

Corporate Governance Statement

On behalf of the board of directors of Andrews Sykes Group PLC (the “Board”), I am pleased to make this statement which sets out the Board’s approach to corporate governance.

In accordance with the AIM Rules for Companies (the “AIM Rules”) and the recently introduced requirement to adopt a recognised corporate governance code and explain compliance / non-compliance with it, the Board formally adopted the Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the “Code”) on 27th September 2018. The Code is based around 10 broad principles of good corporate governance. The correct application of the Code requires Andrews Sykes to apply these 10 principles and to publish certain related disclosures on its website and in its Annual Report, including a clear explanation of why the Code has been applied as it has.

The table below provides a summary explanation of how Andrews Sykes applies the 10 principles of the Code.

By way of background to the Board’s application of the Code, Andrews Sykes’ ordinary shares (“Ordinary Shares”) have been admitted to trading on AIM since 2001. Before then, the Ordinary Shares traded on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange for many years. My family gained a controlling interest in the Company nearly 25 years ago and we currently hold 86.33% of the issued Ordinary Shares through EOI Sykes Sarl (“EOI”). As far as the Board are aware, there are currently no other significant shareholders (as defined in the AIM Rules) in Andrews Sykes and 90.35% of the Ordinary Shares are not in public hands. The construction of the Board reflects this ownership structure, with the majority of its members associated with my family and/or EOI. In order to reduce the administrative burden at Board meetings and to optimise the decision making process, I often act as a conduit for the aggregated views and opinions of many of these non-independent directors. A relationship agreement is in place between the Company and EOI to manage potential conflicts of interest and to ensure that any transactions or other relationships between EOI and Andrews Sykes will be at arm's length and on a normal commercial basis.

Whilst the ownership of the Company has undoubtedly influenced its governance, in particular with regard to Board membership, I recognise that corporate governance should be for the benefit of all shareholders and one of my responsibilities is to ensure the imposition and maintenance of an appropriate corporate governance framework. As an example of this, in July 2018, the Board appointed Andrew Kitchingman as senior independent non-executive director and as chairman of the audit committee and a member of the remuneration committee of the Board. Andrew was appointed to provide independent oversight of the Company and its performance and is available for shareholders to contact if they have concerns that may have not been fully resolved by the Managing Director or myself.

I would highlight that membership of the Board, both executive and non-executive, has been very stable over recent years and this, along with the presence of a longstanding, substantive majority shareholder has, I believe, provided the stable base and established management methodology from which Andrews Sykes has been able to deliver an excellent track record of financial performance and shareholder returns and to be focussed on the medium to long term.

Jean-Jacques Murray, Chairman
March 2023

Application of the Code

Code Principle How Andrews Sykes applies the Principle

1. Establish a strategy and business model which promote long-term value for shareholders

The principal activity of Andrews Sykes Group PLC (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) is the hire, sale and installation of a range of equipment including pumping, portable heating and air conditioning. The Group operates from depots in the UK, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and the UAE.

Shareholder value in the medium term to long term is intended to be delivered by driving operational excellence across the Group and growing within selected markets and geographies. The Board believes that the presence and requirements of a longstanding controlling shareholder helps focus the Company’s strategy on long-term shareholder value creation.

The Group’s strategy and business model is discussed, agreed and reviewed on a regular basis by the Board and is set out each year in the Company’s Annual Report with updates (as appropriate) provided in the full year and half year financial results announcements. The Group’s financial statements can be found in the “Corporate Publications” section of the Company’s website. The presence and requirements of a longstanding majority shareholder has resulted in a strategy with the key aim of creating long–term shareholder value.

2. Seek to understand and meet shareholder needs and expectations

The Company has a controlling 86.33% shareholder which has a number of representatives on the Board.

The Company monitors its share register and ensures that dialogue is entered into with other shareholders as appropriate. The Vice Chairman and the Managing Director respond to all enquiries made of them by shareholders and Andrew Kitchingman, the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, not only provides an independent view of the Group but is also a point of shareholder access which is independent of the executive team or the majority shareholder.

The Board recognises the importance of communication with the Company’s shareholders. The Annual Report and the Half Year Accounts and related announcements are made available promptly on the Company’s web site in accordance with the AIM Rules.

All shareholders are invited to attend the Company’s Annual General Meeting (“AGM”). The AGM includes a question and answer session and Directors make themselves available to meet with shareholders following the meeting.

3. Take into account wider stakeholder and social responsibilities and their implications for long-term success

The Company recognises that long term success is driven by good relations with both internal and external stakeholders. Internally the senior management team communicates with staff at all levels by both formal and informal communication channels, feedback from these channels are often used to drive improvements and provide new initiative for product and service developments.

Externally the Group has strong relationships with a number of key suppliers, many of these relationships have been in place for 10 years or more. Regular meetings are held with these suppliers to ensure that relationships are optimised, with new innovation high on the agenda. We communicate with our customers in many ways and channel feedback via a line management structure which is much flatter than many companies within our sector. Customer communication ranges from social media through to high level contract reviews. Customer feedback is monitored by senior management on a regular basis. Executive and Non-Executive Directors communicate with shareholders directly and make themselves available for such meetings.

4. Embed effective risk management, considering both opportunities and threats, throughout the organisation

The Group’s principal risks, and plans to mitigate these risks, are identified and set out in the Company’s Annual Report.

The Board considers carefully the key risks impacting upon the Group based on the information presented to it and makes key decisions taking into account a range of risks, both internal and external to the Company, including its supply chain.

Key elements of the Group’s system of internal controls are:

  • Control environment – the Board has put in place an organisational structure with clearly defined lines of responsibility and delegation of authority. This under the direct supervision of the Managing Director, supported by appropriate policy statements.
  • Risk management – the Managing Director is responsible for identifying risks facing the business and for putting in place procedures to mitigate and monitor risks. Risks are assessed and monitored at Board level on an ongoing basis, as well as during the annual business planning process.
  • Information systems – the Group has a comprehensive system of financial reporting. The annual budget is approved by the Board. Actual results and variances compared with the budget are reported to the Board monthly, supported by detailed management commentaries. Revised forecasts are regularly prepared and reported to the Board.
  • Control procedures – policies and procedures manuals are maintained at all significant business locations. In particular, there are clearly defined policies for capital expenditure including appropriate authorisation levels. Larger capital projects and major investments and divestment decisions require Board approval.
  • Monitoring systems – internal controls are monitored by executive management.

The Board routinely consider the effectiveness of the Company’s system of internal controls. The Board has established an Audit Committee, further details of which are set out below. The Audit Committee considers risk and internal control as a fundamental part of its responsibilities.

The Board reports upon internal financial controls in accordance with the ICAEW's guidance "Internal Control and Financial Reporting".

5. Maintain the Board as a well-functioning, balanced team led by a chair

The Board consists of 8 members, led by Jean-Jacques Murray, the Non-Executive Chairman, manages and provides leadership to the Board to ensure that it is effective in its task of setting and implementing the Company’s direction and strategy.

There is one executive member of the Board – Carl Webb, the Group Managing Director, who develops and implements the Group’s strategy, manages performance and ensures the Board is informed about business matters. Carl was appointed to the Board on 5 March 2021 to assume the day to day responsibilities, supported by the Andrews Sykes senior management team, and ensure the continuity of the Company's established strategy. Whilst not a full Board member, Ian Poole the Group Finance Director, provides financial reporting advice to the Board and is responsible for maintaining the group’s financial records. The Group Finance Director works closely with the Group Managing Director supporting him in all financial aspects of the group’s business operations.

There are 6 Non-Executive Directors of which one, Andrew Kitchingman, is independent. The other non-executive directors – Jean-Jacques Murray, Jean-Pierre Murray, Marie-Claire Leon, Emmanuel Sebag and Xavier Mignolet – are all associated with EOI (the Company’s 86.33% shareholder) and are not considered independent.

The Non-Executive Directors provide oversight and scrutiny of the performance of the executive team to ensure that the Company’s key strategic objectives are met, as well as representing the shareholders of the Company. None of the Non-Executives Directors participate in any performance related remuneration / share option schemes.

The Company has only one independent Non-Executive Director whereas the Code recommends that boards have at least two independent non-executive directors. The Board considers that there is sufficient independence on the Board taking into account the shareholder base of the Company. For this reason the Board has no current plans to appoint an additional independent Non-Executive Director, but will keep the matter under review.

Andrews Sykes and EOI have entered into a relationship agreement (originally dated 10 December 1999 and updated on 21st September 2018) in which EOI has provided certain assurances to Andrews Sykes with regard to its relationship with Andrews Sykes. The agreement confirms that the business and affairs of Andrews Sykes shall be managed by the Board in accordance with Andrews Sykes’ Memorandum and Articles of Association and with applicable laws and all relevant statutory provisions for the benefit of shareholders as a whole. Any transactions or other relationships between EOI and Andrews Sykes will be at arm's length and on a normal commercial basis. Where appropriate, Board members associated with EOI must declare their interest and take no part in decisions.

The Managing Director works full time in the business and is contracted to make such contribution and time commitment as is required for the fulfilment of his duties. The Non-Executive Directors are required to prepare for and to attend Board meetings and meetings of such Board committees of which they are members. They are expected to commit sufficient time to enable them to fulfil their duties. Each Director has access to the Company Secretary who is responsible to the Board for ensuring that all applicable procedures and regulations are complied with. Each Director also has the right to take independent professional advice in connection with his or her duties at the Company’s expense.

Further details of the 8 Board members are provided in the Annual Report and on the Directors section of the Company’s website.

6. Ensure that between them the directors have the necessary up-to-date experience, skills and capabilities

The Board is considered to comprise individuals with a good blend of relevant experience in the Company’s sector, the financial and the public markets and with the necessary experience and strategic and operational skills required to drive the Group forward.

The Directors’ biographies and skill sets are detailed in Annual Report and on the Directors section of the Company’s website.

Each Director keeps up to date with their specialist experience and knowledge by following relevant information and publications. From time to time this is supported by the Company’s advisors and specialist consultants.

7. Evaluate Board Performance based on clear and relevant objectives, seeking continuous improvement

The Board’s performance is primarily measured by the financial performance of the Group and its ability to meet key business objectives. In recent years the financial performance of the Group has been strong which has encouraged the Board to believe that its membership is appropriate. The Board also consider that the stability of its membership over recent years has been a major contributor to the Company’s success. We do however recognise that from time to time new Board members will add value and bring fresh ideas. In addition to financial results the Board is also measured on its ability to meet key business objectives, such as the Group’s geographic growth within mainland Europe.

The Vice Chairman evaluates the Board performance informally on a regular basis and formally at least twice per year. The Group reviews succession and contingency plans frequently and takes great care and consideration when selecting new Board members.

8. Promote a corporate culture that is based on ethical values and behaviours

The Group has a long-established heritage and reputation based on sound ethical values and the Board considers this to be of great ongoing value. Many companies within our market sector envy our reputation and we frequently optimise this commercially and by attracting new staff.

The Group’s corporate policies are based on our ethical values and can be found on the Our Policies page on our website. In recent years many of our product innovations have been focussed on environmental improvements covering initiatives such as reduced emissions and fuel efficiency. We have a long list of accreditations, including ISO9001, ISO14001, OHSAS18001 and ISO45001:2018, details of which can be found on the Accreditations page of the Company’s website.

We pride ourselves in providing our staff with a good working environment within a strong ethical culture. The Group’s HR policies are regularly reviewed by the senior operations team, are provided to all staff both on commencement of employment and are available at all times via a Company Intranet site. The Group has a large number of long serving staff members, many with 30 years plus service, which is a testament to our working culture. We engage with a number of Community Trust’s and Charities to offer opportunities to those that have had difficulties finding employment.

9. Maintain governance structures and processes that are fit for purpose and support good decision-making by the Board

The Board is responsible for creating value for shareholders, determining strategy, investment and acquisition policy, approving significant items of expenditure and for the consideration of significant financing and legal matters. Matters specifically reserved for decision by the full Board, include matters of business strategy, material corporate actions, approval of budgets and approval of financial statements.

The Board meets on at least three occasions each year. Due to the consistent nature and strategy of the Group, this is considered sufficient. Interim meetings or appropriate sub-committees are established when urgent decisions are required on matters specifically reserved for the Board between scheduled Board meetings. In addition, all Directors receive appropriate monthly management information and have the opportunity to discuss this with the Managing Director or any member of the executive team.

All Directors receive a pre-Board meeting briefing pack and post Board meeting minutes and appropriate attachments from the Company Secretary. A number of the Board are based overseas and cannot always attend all meetings in person. Where a Director cannot attend a meeting in person (or by telephone) he / she can give their contributions in advance to an attending Director or the Company Secretary and relay any comments concerning the Board minutes before they are adopted. Should there be any matter that requires further discussion, a supplementary telephone Board meeting is convened.

The roles of Chairman and Managing Director are held by separate directors and there is a clear division of responsibilities between them. The Chairman leads the Board and ensures its effectiveness and approach to corporate governance. He sets the Board agenda and ensures that all Directors make an effective contribution. The Chairman is also responsible for ensuring the Board and broader management framework is established, operates effectively and is compliant with relevant statutory codes and Company policies and for the regular assessment of the effectiveness of the Board and its committees. The Managing Director has responsibility for all operational matters and implementation of the Company’s strategy as approved by the Board. The Non-Executive Directors have particular responsibility in ensuring that the strategies proposed by executive management are fully challenged.

All Directors must offer themselves for re-election at least once every three years and at least one third of the Directors must offer themselves for re-election each year.

The Board maintains two standing committees - the Audit Committee, which is chaired by Andrew Kitchingman, the Independent Non-Executive Director, and the Remuneration Committee which is chaired by Jean-Jacques Murray, the Non-Executive Chairman.

The Audit Committee is responsible for ensuring that the financial performance of the Group is properly monitored, controlled and reported upon. It meets at least three times a year, to review the half year and full year financial results, to meet the Company’s auditors to discuss the audit and to review the internal controls framework of the Group. The audit committee comprises Andrew Kitchingman (Independent Non-Executive Director) and Xavier Mignolet (Non-Executive Director).

The Remunerations Committee meets at least once a year to review the performance of Executive management and set the scale and structure of their remuneration and the basis of their service agreements with due regard to the interests of the shareholders. The Remuneration Committee comprises Jean-Jacques Murray (Non-Executive Chairman), Emmanuel Sebag (Non-Executive Director) and Andrew Kitchingman (Independent Non-Executive. Director). Details of the Directors' remuneration are set out in the Directors' Remuneration Report in the Annual Report.

All Board appointments are considered by the Board as a whole and, as such, it has not been considered necessary to establish a Nomination Committee. The removal of any Board member is also a matter for the Board as a whole.

The Board and its Committees are considered to comprise individuals with the necessary experience and strategic and operational skills required to drive the Group forward and to deliver its strategy for the benefit of shareholders over the medium to long term.

The terms of reference for the Audit committee can be found here and the terms of reference for the Remuneration committee can be found here.

10. Communicate how the company is governed and is performing by maintaining a dialogue with shareholders and other relevant stakeholders

The Company reports on its financial performance and updates on its corporate governance at least two times each year, at the half year and full year financial results. The financial results are also communicated to the stock market via RNS announcements.

These reports and announcements are available on the Corporate Publications and Announcements section of the Company’s website. Copies of previous years reports since 2010 are also on the Company’s web site.

The Board pays particular attention to the votes cast by the shareholders at the AGM. In the event that a significant proportion (>20% including proxies) of independent votes are cast against a resolution at a General Meeting of the Company, the Board intends, on a timely basis, to explain any action it has taken or will take as a result of that vote.

Notice to Shareholders

WARNING OF INVESTMENT SCAM

The Directors of Andrews Sykes Group plc (the "Company") have been made aware that certain of the Company’s shareholders have received unsolicited calls from certain financial institutions, typically based in the USA, offering to buy their shares at a price that is significantly in excess of the current market price.

The Directors believe that the calls are the initial attempts of a scam (known as a 'boiler room' scam) and advise shareholders to be aware and cautious. Typically the next stage in the process is for the caller to ask interested shareholders to pay a deposit/fee (in order to secure the purchase of their shares) or to transfer the shares first (before payment is made for the shares).

In light of these calls, the Directors wish to clarify that 86.33% of the Company’s issued ordinary shares are ultimately controlled by the Ariane Trust and the Eden Trust (the “Trusts”) and held through HSBC Global Custody Nominees UK Limited ("HSBC Nominees") and EOI Sykes Sarl. Neither the Trusts nor HBC Nominees nor EOI Sykes Sarl have disposed of any of their interests in the Company and have no current intention of doing so.

Shareholders who wish to deal in the shares of quoted companies should always seek advice from a financial adviser who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA"). Dealing with an unauthorised firm means you, as a shareholder, will not be eligible for compensation under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Next steps

If you receive any unsolicited calls or correspondence:-

  • Make sure you get the name of the person and organisation and make a record of any other information they give.
  • Check they are properly authorised by the FCA by visiting www.fca.org.uk/register and contacting the firm using the details on the Financial Services Register.
  • Check whether they are on the FCA’s list of unauthorised overseas firms who are targeting (or have targeted) UK investors.
  • Report the matter to the FCA on its consumer helpline 0800 111 6768 or its online fraud reporting form (available at www.fca.org.uk/consumers/report-scam-unauthorised-firm).
  • If you have already paid money to share fraudsters, please contact Action Fraud on its consumer helpline 0300 123 2040 or its online fraud reporting tool (available at www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime).

For further guidance and to find out more, please go to www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart/share-bond-boiler-room-scams.