Results round-up: Psion, Penna, 4imprint ...

4th Nov 2010 16:48

International mobile computing solutions company Psion said that trading is being negatively affected by current exchange rates affecting revenues and gross margins when compared with the first half.However, CEO John Conoley said the group has seen stronger demands for new products - with several large new orders from customers including Raben Group, Clinton Cards and Port of Shanghai - and its "financial performance for the full year remains dependent on the key fourth quarter trading period."Revenue for Penna has narrowed in the first half by 6.8% to £45m, from £48m in the same period previously. The outplacement specialist and recruiter also swung to a pre-tax loss of £0.8m from a profit of £2.5m in 2009. Basic adjusted earnings per share were reduced to 0.4p, from 10p.According to chairman Stephen Rowlinson, the six months were situated in a period of "continuing gloom". Rowlinson said the half experienced a "deep uncertainty for all UK private and public sector organisations" that saw its clients put a number of projects on hold pending the results of the election and spending review.Promotional products producer 4imprint announced a 28% rise in group revenue for the third quarter to £52.67m. The group saw its Brand Addition division revenue rise by 55% ahead of the prior year period to £40.47m driven by new international contracts secured in 2009 "coupled with growth from our existing customers", 4imprint says.However, weaker demand was seen in SPS (formerly the Trade Division) which saw revenue decrease by 9%.HgCapital Trust will acquire a controlling stake in ATC Group for £10.3m. The private equity investor will purchase a 61% shareholding in ATC through the buy-out of three founder (manager) shareholders.Amsterdam-based ATC provides fiduciary, management and administration services to multinational corporations and financial institutions. The acquisition expects to reinforce ATC's "position in Europe with a significant footprint in Asia", the statement says. The sale is expected to be completed in December.Matthew Rourke from HgCapital's Services Investment team said "Fiduciary services have been a major focus in our direct origination strategy, and our knowledge of the sector has allowed us to identify and partner with a high quality and fast growing business at the forefront of the industry."LSL Property Services has announced that the group will meet its expectations for the full year despite the difficulties facing the housing market between July and October. Group turnover rose by 33% and net debt at the end of the period was £13.7m, reduced from £33.7m in October last year, despite total mortgage approvals across the industry being down 10%.Photo booth operator Photo-Me revealed a "substantial uplift in the interim dividend" as the group announced a trading update. Shares jumped 13.6% Thursday on the news that trading has continued to remain strong since exceeding expectations reported in September. Additionally, the company has secured an order for 750 Pocketbook machines, bringing the total to 1,300 machines in the year to date.