Last checked at 27 May 2016 07:00
27 May 2016
Benchmark Holdings plc
(Benchmark or the Company)
Change of auditors
Benchmark announces that it has appointed KPMG LLP as statutory auditors to the Company, replacing BDO LLP. The appointment is effective from 26 May 2016 and will apply in respect of the Company's half year results for the period ending 30 March 2016. The Company intends to put the appointment of KPMG as auditors to a vote of shareholders at the Company's next Annual General Meeting.
The Board's decision to review auditors was made in light of the Company's growth, with a view to implementing best corporate governance practice regarding auditor independence and the split of audit and non-audit work. The appointment of KPMG follows a formal tender process.
BDO acted as auditors to the Company for over 15 years, and the Board of Benchmark would like to thank the team at BDO for their significant contribution throughout that period.
In accordance with section 519 of the Companies Act 2006, BDO has deposited with the Company a statement confirming that there are no circumstances in connection with its resignation as auditor that should be drawn to the attention of the Company's shareholders.
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For further information, please contact:
Benchmark Holdings plc Tel: 020 7920 3150
Malcolm Pye, CEO
Roland Bonney, COO
Rachel Aninakwah, Communications
Cenkos Securities PLC Tel: 020 7397 8900
Ivonne Cantu / Stephen Keys (NOMAD)
Russell Kerr (Sales)
Tavistock Tel: 020 7920 3150
Matt Ridsdale/Niall Walsh
Notes to Editors:
Founded in 2000, Benchmark represents a new model in sustainable business development. Over the last decade it has built a profitable group of companies on the economics of a sustainable food chain. The Company is growing in response to a rapidly increasing demand for sustainable food chains, and in particular for seafood, from both mature and emerging markets.
Benchmark is an ethical company with an explicit policy based on the "3E's" definition of a sustainable business - ethics, environment and economics - which guides its strategy and operations.
The Group has five divisions: Animal Health which researches, manufactures and markets medicines and vaccines particularly for aquaculture, Sustainable Science which researches and informs sustainable development in the food industry, Technical Publishing which effects technology transfer through online publishing and education, Breeding & Genetics which comprises a world-leading Salmon and aquaculture breeding business, and Advanced Animal Nutrition which provides cutting edge nutritional products and services to the aquaculture industry. Benchmark operates internationally with offices in England, Scotland, Belgium, Ireland, Norway, Iceland, USA, Brazil, China, Moscow, India, Thailand and Chile. As at 1 May 2016, Benchmark employs 881 people.
For further information on Benchmark please visit www.benchmarkplc.com