3 April 2024
AB Dynamics plc
("AB Dynamics", the "Company" or the "Group")
Acquisition of Venshure Test Services LLC and Notice of Interim Results
AB Dynamics (AIM: ABDP), the designer, manufacturer and supplier of advanced testing, simulation and measurement products and services to the global transport market, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Venshure Test Services LLC (the "Acquisition" or "VTS"), and to provide notice of the Group's Interim Results announcement.
Acquisition of VTS
VTS is a leading provider of dynamometer-based testing services to the automotive sector in the USA, particularly focussed on the development and deployment of electric vehicles (EV) for US based automotive OEMs.
Headquartered in Chelsea, Michigan, VTS offers a full range of testing services including mileage accumulation and assessment of EV powertrain and battery performance across a range of extreme climatic conditions.
The business comprises a 23,300ft2 testing facility strategically located close to the Detroit area and includes dynamometers and EV vehicle testing laboratories. The vehicle testing laboratories provide standardised procedures to validate EV battery energy consumption and range testing, producing SAE J1634 quality data.
The Acquisition supports several of the Group's strategic priorities including:
· Further alignment of the Group's Testing Services operations to the structural growth drivers in the automotive sector;
· Expanding the Group's capabilities and broadening the scope of services in the Testing Services area;
· Complementing the Group's existing California-based track testing services business with laboratory-based testing; and
· Opportunity to replicate testing services capabilities across both locations.
Financial considerations of the Acquisition
The maximum consideration payable for VTS is $30.0m (£23.6m), comprising an initial cash consideration of $15.0m (£11.8m). The Acquisition has been completed on a cash-free, debt-free basis with the initial cash consideration funded from the Group's existing cash resources and short-term utilisation of part of the Group's revolving credit facility. Contingent consideration of up to $15.0m will be payable in cash across two tranches for the 2 years following completion, subject to meeting certain performance criteria for both years.
VTS has a good track record of profitable, cash-generative growth. Based on unaudited accounts, in the year ended 31 December 2023, VTS generated revenue of $3.5m (2022: $2.4m), earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ('EBITDA') of $1.9m (2022: $1.2m) and adjusted operating profit of $1.5m (2022: $0.8m). Unaudited net assets at 31 March 2024 were approximately $5m.
The Board expects that the Acquisition will be earnings enhancing in FY24, with revenues for the 5-month period forecast to be approximately $1.8m (£1.4m) and adjusted operating profit of approximately $0.7m (£0.5m).
VTS is being acquired from its two shareholders, Mr Gerard Glinsky and Mr David Ploucha, both of whom will remain in the business to ensure ongoing delivery of the growth expectations.
More information on VTS can be found on its website at www.venshuretest.com
Notice of interim results
The Group expects to announce its interim results for the six months ended 29 February 2024 on 23 April 2024. The management team will be hosting a presentation for analysts on the day of the results. Analysts who wish to attend the presentation should register their interest with Teneo at abdynamics@teneo.com or 0207 353 4200.
A presentation will also be provided on the Investor Meet Company platform on 24 April 2024 at 9am. Anyone wishing to attend should register their interest via https://www.investormeetcompany.com/ab-dynamics-plc/register-investor.
Dr James Routh, Chief Executive Officer, said:
"I am very pleased to announce the acquisition of VTS and the expansion of the Group's testing services provision in the USA. The acquisition expands both our capability and geographic coverage in the important and growing field of EV battery and powertrain performance evaluation.
"Customer focus on electric vehicle and battery technology is a long-term trend that will support continued growth at AB Dynamics as competition increases and new vehicle models require additional development work, testing and validation.
"VTS has a first-class reputation for providing vehicle testing services to its OEM customer base and we look forward to leveraging the sales capabilities of AB Dynamics to drive cross-selling and expand this further.
"We expect the acquisition to provide us with an excellent platform for further growth and we are delighted to welcome the VTS team to AB Dynamics."
Enquiries:
AB Dynamics plc 01225 860 200
Dr James Routh, Chief Executive Officer
Sarah Matthews-DeMers, Chief Financial Officer
Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker ) 0207 894 7000
Mike Bell
Ed Allsopp
Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (Joint Broker) 0207 170 7600
Matthew Blawat
Harry Billen
Teneo 0207 353 4200
James Macey White
Matt Low
Arthur Rogers
Certain information contained in this announcement would have constituted inside information (as defined by Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014) ("MAR") prior to its release as part of this announcement and is disclosed in accordance with the Company's obligations under Article 17 of those Regulations.
The person responsible for arranging the release of this information is Felicity Jackson, Group Legal Counsel.
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