RE: what's the news?10 Jan 2014 12:21
Today 12:20StephenFryUpTransformational Year..0.67No Opinion
Castleton Tech seeking 'new opportunities' after transformational year Castleton Technology, the AIM-listed software and consultancy firm formerly known as Redstone, said it is now set to seek 'new opportunities' in the technology sector after a transformational first half for the company. During the six months to September 30th, the firm demerged from its network-based managed services businesses and disposed of its ICT infrastructure, data centre and smart buildings solutions division, Comunica Holdings. Comunica was sold to Coms for £9.5m in November, at which points Redstone was renamed Castleton. The company generated £1.2m of revenue from continuing operations during the period and adjusted operating profits of £0.4m. These include results from the continuing software support and consultancy business only. The pre-tax loss from continuing operations narrowed to £0.4m, from £0.9m the year before. Discontinued operations generated £12.9m of revenue during the half, compared with £28m the year before. Meanwhile, the company booked a pre-tax loss from discontinued operations of £3.1m, compared with a profit of £1.1m previously, due to a £3.4m impairment charge in respect of goodwill arising from the disposal. Chairman David Payne said: "The disposal of Comunica presents a good opportunity for the company, led by an experienced management team, to seek opportunities to maximize the value of the remaining trading businesses in order to generate higher returns for investors, which may include strategic acquisitions within the technology sector. The net cash position will be invested for these purposes. "The board, and in particular Ian Smith and Tony Weaver (Chief Executive and Non-executive director respectively), has a proven track record of investment in this sector," he said. Today 12:15StephenFryUpIan Smith track record.0.67No Opinion
Mr. Ian Smith has been the Chief Executive Officer of Redstone plc since April 8, 2013. Mr. Smith is a Founding Partner of MXC Capital Limited and MXC Capital Advisory LLP. He served as the Chief Executive Officer of Xploite Plc. He was responsible for the buy, build and sell strategy that saw 26 corporate transactions including 2 substantial disposals and the creation and return of c 20m of cash. Mr. Smith is a highly experienced IT and communications industry developer of new business. He held senior sales positions with Dataworkforce, Cisco Systems, Foundry Networks and Cable & Wireless. He has been Executive Chairman of the Board of 2 ergo Group plc since July 2013. Mr. Smith serves as an Executive Chairman of Redcentric Managed Solutions Limited and 2ergo Ltd. He served as an Executive Chairman of Redstone plc from September 2010 to September 29, 2011. He has been an Executive Director of Redstone plc since April 8, 2013. Mr. Smith served as a Non Executive Director of Redstone