Bidvest Plc, a unit of South African industrial group Bidvest, reported a 27% jump in annual headline earnings per share on Wednesday and said it would keep expanding.
The group — which operates in the food service industry — said headline earnings per share (EPS) rose to 11,73 pence in the year ended June 30, 2002, compared with 9,21 a year earlier. Headline EPS strip out exceptional items and their tax effects.
”Bidvest Plc, with a strong and financially stable base, will continue to grow both organically and by acquisition, consolidating its position as a market leader to become a truly international player,” Bidvest Chairman Brian Joffe said in a statement.
Revenue rose 27% to 1,3-billion pounds from one billion pounds. Overall headline earnings climbed 27%to 23-million pounds.
Its Johannesburg-listed shares rose 4,7% to R42,50 by 0839 GMT.
The company said its strong performance reflected organic growth and a positive contribution from the acquisition of John Lewis Foodservice in Australia.
But it expressed disappointment over its failed attempt to acquire Brake Bros Plc this year. In June, Bidvest dropped its offer for the British food group after the UK government referred its bid to the Competition Commission.
Bidvest Plc — which is also listed in Australia and Luxembourg — reported non-recurring costs, net of tax, of 1,1-million pounds in relation to the unsuccessful merger with Brake Bros.
The group, which is 80,8% owned by Bidvest, has food-service businesses in Australia, Britain and New Zealand. – Reuters