13th May 2014 07:00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 13 May 2014 |
Cello Group plc
('Cello' or the 'Group')
AGM STATEMENT
Cello Group plc (AIM:CLL), the insight and strategic marketing group, announces that at the Annual General Meeting this afternoon, Chairman Allan Rich will say:
"The Group has seen strong trading in the first quarter of this year, with strong gross profit growth both in Cello Health (www.cellohealth.com) and Cello Signal (www.cellosignal.com).
Cello Health has experienced a good start to the year, with strong gross profit growth in its core offering both in the US, UK and internationally. The business continues to add professionals at all levels of the organisation to service its expanding client base. The investments made in new activities in both 2012 and 2013 have made pleasing contributions, in line with our expectations. The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare industry is experiencing rapid change, including consolidation, giving rise to growing demand for the type of innovative, advisory-led services provided by Cello Health to support clients through this fast evolving landscape. Cello Health continues to review expansion opportunities to support its global strategy as an integrated business.
Cello Signal has made good progress this year, with strong gross profit growth across its network in the UK, USA and Asia. The proportion of contracted and licence gross profit sources continues to progress pleasingly. The investments made in 2012 and 2013 have performed well, including exciting growth in software licence sales of the Pulsar social media software suite. International gross profit continues to increase as a proportion of overall sales, in turn creating further expansion opportunities, particularly in the US.
The Group's cash position remains strong and cash generation has been in line with management expectations.
The Group today also announces the acquisition of iS Healthcare, a UK based, award-winning healthcare communications agency, specialising in Medical Communication services to healthcare clients. iS will join Cello Health, and will further complement Cello Health's insight, advisory and communication based capabilities in the Healthcare sector.
The Board is confident that the Group will deliver half year results in excess of the prior year and that full year expectations will be met. In addition, the acquisition of iS is expected to be immediately earnings enhancing."
Enquiries:
Cello Group plc (www.cellogroup.com) | |
Mark Scott, Chief Executive | 020 7812 8460 |
Mark Bentley, Group Finance Director | |
Cenkos Securities | |
Bobbie Hilliam | 020 7484 4040 |
Buchanan | |
Mark Edwards, Sophie McNulty, Clare Akhurst | 020 7466 5000 |
www.buchanan.uk.com
Related Shares:
CLL.L