9 October 2024

XP Factory Plc

("XP Factory", the "Company" or the "Group")

Completion of RCF banking facility

XP Factory, one of the UK's pre-eminent experiential leisure businesses operating the Escape Hunt^® and Boom Battle Bar^® brands, is pleased to announce the completion of its new £10m revolving credit facility (RCF) provided by Barclays Bank PLC. 

The facility increases the Group's flexibility and capacity to grow both the Escape Hunt and Boom estates, provides additional working capital headroom, and will enable the Company to refinance an existing £1m debt facility at significantly lower borrowing costs.  The facility has been secured on the strength of the underlying cash generation in the business.

In the 15 months to 31 March 2024, XP Factory delivered £6.5m of free cash flow after maintenance capex, representing an annualised yield of 24% based on the Company's current market capitalisation of £21.9m.  Over and above this strong organic cash generation, the RCF will allow the Group to more actively manage and accelerate its expansion of the Boom Battle Bar and Escape Hunt networks.

The results for the 15 months to 31 March 2024 illustrated the underlying cash generation within the business:

The Group has £22.3m of carried forward tax losses which together with future capital allowances from expansion in the estate provides significant future benefits before corporation tax will become payable.

Historically, investments into new sites within the Boom and Escape Hunt networks have generated returns on capital of 52% and 48% per annum respectively.  The Group's strong free cash generation dynamics and high returns on capital provided the basis for securing the RCF at an exciting phase in its growth strategy.  

Philip Richardson, Director of Hospitality & Leisure, UK Corporate Banking, Barclays said "XP Factory are a great example of an innovative business in the hospitality sector and we're proud to support them with lending to continue their growth as they expand their business across the UK."

Richard Harpham, Chief Executive of XP Factory plc said "Securing this new RCF represents an important milestone for the Group.  Not only is it a strong endorsement of the progress made in the last few years, but it will significantly enhance our ability and confidence to add further venues to our two fast growing brands.  Our existing cash generation supports around 5-6 new site openings per annum.  Although there will not be any impact in the current financial year, with the facility in place we have the ability to increase the pace of roll out in 2025 and beyond whilst maintaining conservative debt ratios. "

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About XP Factory plc

The XP Factory Group is one of the UK's pre-eminent experiential leisure businesses which currently operates two fast growing leisure brands.  Escape Hunt is a global leader in providing escape-the-room experiences delivered through a network of owner-operated sites in the UK, an international network of franchised outlets in five continents, and through digitally delivered games which can be played remotely. 

Boom Battle Bar is a fast-growing network of owner-operated and franchise sites in the UK that combine competitive socialising activities with themed cocktails, drinks and street food in a high energy, fun setting.  Activities include a range of games such as augmented reality darts, Bavarian axe throwing, 'crazier golf', shuffleboard and others.  The Group's products enjoy premium customer ratings and cater for leisure or teambuilding, in small groups or large, and are suitable for consumers, businesses and other organisations. The Company has a strategy to expand the network in the UK and internationally, creating high quality games and experiences delivered through multiple formats and which can incorporate branded IP content. (https://xpfactory.com/)

About Barclays

Our vision is to be the UK-centred leader in global finance.  We are a diversified bank with comprehensive UK consumer, corporate and wealth and private banking franchises, a leading investment bank and a strong, specialist US consumer bank.  Through these five divisions, we are working together for a better financial future for our customers, clients and communities.

For further information about Barclays, please visit our website home.barclays