One in five companies in the UK Automatic Vending industry could change ownership as a result of the current economic climate, claims a new study by leading financial analysts Plimsoll. With a surprising number of “cash rich” competitors waiting in the wings, the market could be set for a prolonged period of consolidation.
David Pattison, author of the new Plimsoll Industry Analysis – Automatic Vending, explains, “I am sure any director worth his salt would agree that, in the current climate, there are simply too many companies chasing too little market. With many directors eyeing the exit doors and highly leveraged buyouts consigned to history for the time being, it really is a buyers market out there for cash rich companies.”
Pattison continues, “In the Plimsoll Industry Analysis we have identified 65 companies that have a sizeable cash reserve on their balance sheets that, due to record low interest rates, is generating nothing. One company has a £47 million cash pot; a whopping 80% of turnover. These companies are now in the position to buy up large chunks of market share at rock bottom prices and make that money work for them.
“In our report we analysed 210 companies with a turnover of over £1 million per annum and have picked out 104 that are primed to be taken over. Buying one of these businesses represents a massive opportunity for someone to enhance their share of the market. Either way, the market is set for a wave of takeovers in the next months.”
The new Plimsoll Industry Analysis – Automatic Vending will tell you which companies are set to be buying and who will be selling. Readers of Vending International are entitled to a £50 discount of this new special edition of the Plimsoll Industry Analysis – Automatic Vending. Call 01642 626400 for further details and quote reference PR/FI05.
