Cohort Regulatory News (CHRT)

22 October 2014

Cohort plc

("Cohort" or "the Group")

SEA awarded £23m contract to provide External Communications System Support

SEA, a Cohort plc company, has been awarded an initial contract by BAE Systems to provide its innovative External Communications System (ECS) for the whole of the Royal Navy's submarine fleet. The value of this new contract is approximately £23m, covering long lead procurement out to late 2016 and design activities out to March 2015.

SEA is already under contract from BAE Systems to provide ECS for five Astute-class submarines and this new contract extends the system to other submarines under the Royal Navy's command as well as further Astute boats. A further significant order for the ECS system on Royal Navy submarines is expected in 2015. ECS is a major step forward in flexibility and sustainability, allowing new communications equipment to be fitted much faster and at significantly lower cost than earlier generations.

Andrew Thomis, Chief Executive of Cohort plc said:

"This is a major step forward for SEA, and confirmation that its successful ECS system provides the world-class capability that the Royal Navy needs to conduct its submarine operations. It is a substantial contract in itself and is the first stage of design and production for the full fleet. We look forward to continuing our successful relationship with BAE Systems and the Royal Navy.

"This and other recently announced orders have improved our revenue visibility for the current year and beyond."

Ends

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NOTES TO EDITORS

Cohort plc

Cohort is an independent technology group working primarily for defence (air, land and sea), wider government and industry clients, through four market-facing subsidiary companies:

MASS - a specialist systems house with considerable experience in the defence market and a focus on electronic warfare operational support and secure information systems. Based in Cambridgeshire, MASS was acquired by Cohort in August 2006;

MCL - an expert in sourcing, design and integration of electronic and surveillance technology, as well as field support and training for a range of specialist UK end users including the MOD and other governmental agencies. Based in Surrey, MCL has been part of the Group since July 2014;

SCS - a defence technical advisory business, combining technical expertise with practical experience and domain knowledge. Owned by Cohort since flotation in March 2006;

SEA - an advanced surveillance systems and software house with hardware development capability operating in the defence, transport and offshore energy market sectors. Acquired by Cohort in October 2007.

Cohort was admitted to London's Alternative Investment Market in March 2006. It has its headquarters in Berkshire and employs in total around 600 core staff there and at its other operating company sites in Bristol, Cambridgeshire, Devon, Lincolnshire, Somerset, Surrey and Scotland.