Franchise Brands PLC to come out of lockdown on front foot after

We have started to look for more bolt-on acquisitions with the integration of drain maintenance business MetroRod now largely finished.

Stephen Hemsley, executive chairman

How it’s doing

 ()  B2B operations – MetroRod, Metro Plumb and Willow Pumps – were deemed essential operations by the government and operated normally during the pandemic.

The group’s three consumer-facing businesses were affected by the crisis and franchise fees were cut to help them survive.

Franchise Brands says its objective is to run the B2C side of the business at cash break-even while the crisis persists.

Volumes will be lower in B2B, but this division is still expected to trade profitably after a round of cost cuts.

In April, the company raised £14mln through a placing at 90p a share with directors and senior management putting up £2.07mln.

Executive chairman Stephen Hemsley subscribed for £1.35mln worth of shares to take his stake to 23.2%.

As well as strengthening the balance sheet, Franchise Brands said the placing will help position it to take advantage of “earnings-enhancing external growth opportunities”.

What the boss says: Stephen Hemsley, executive chairman

“We do expect to remain profitable overall, albeit at lower levels than originally anticipated.

“We have a robust balance sheet, which, in combination with the utilisation of the various government schemes, will enable us to support our people and franchisees during this challenging period.

“Metro Rod, Metro Plumb and Willow Pumps, with almost 450 engineers operating from nearly 50 depots around the UK, continue to provide essential services to ensure that the country’s drains and water run smoothly throughout this crisis.”

Inflexion points

• B2B businesses Metro Rod, Metro Plumb and Willows Pumps deemed essential services
• Expected to remain profitable in 2020 as a result
• B2C business run on a cash break-even basis while coronavirus crisis persists
• Looking for add-on acquisitions