29 Jun 2026 15:07
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN ARE RESTRICTED AND ARE NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) NO. 596/2014 (AS AMENDED) AS IT FORMS PART OF THE DOMESTIC LAW OF THE UNITED KINGDOM BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018 (AS AMENDED) ("MAR").
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
29 June 2026
PROSERVICE BUILDING SERVICES MARKETPLACE PLC
PROPOSED REFINANCING COMPRISING
UP TO £25,000,000 CONVERTIBLE LOAN NOTES
AND
£35,000,000 ASSET BASED LENDING REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
and
NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING
ProService Building Services Marketplace Plc ("PRO" or the "Company"), the asset-light, pure-play digital marketplace business, today announces the proposed refinancing of the Group's existing indebtedness (the "Proposed Refinancing"), comprising:
· the issue of up to £25,000,000 floating rate secured convertible loan notes 2031 (the "Convertible Loan Notes") to Ravensworth (International) Limited ("Ravensworth") (the "CLN Issue"); and
· the entry into a £35,000,000 asset-based lending revolving credit facility (the "ABL Facility") with Leumi UK Group Limited (the "ABL Lender").
The CLN Issue and the ABL Facility are interconditional and will complete substantially simultaneously. The CLN Issue cannot be effected using the Company's existing share allotment authorities and accordingly the Proposed Refinancing is conditional upon Shareholder approval at the General Meeting.
The Board expects to today publish a Circular convening a general meeting of shareholders which will be held at Travers Smith LLP, 3 Stonecutter Street, London EC4A 4AW at 12:00 p.m. on 17 July 2026 to seek approval from the PRO shareholders in respect of the Proposed Fundraising.
A copy of the Circular, Notice of Meeting and Form of Proxy will shortly be available from the 'News & Resources' section of the Company's investor portal at https://www.hssproservice.com/investors/resources-and-documents.
BACKGROUND TO AND REASONS FOR THE PROPOSED REFINANCING
Overview of the Group
The Company is a technology-enabled building services marketplace business, connecting businesses requiring building and facilities management services with a nationwide network of qualified service providers across hire, resale, materials, training and related services. The Company's shares have been admitted to trading since 2015, initially on the main market of the London Stock Exchange, moving to AIM in January 2021. The Company trades under the ticker PRO.
The Group operates its marketplace through its proprietary technology platform, which enables the automated routing of customer orders to suppliers across four principal revenue verticals:
· equipment hire;
· equipment sale;
· building materials; and
· fuel.
In addition to the above services, the Group also provides training services to third-party customers (including Speedy Hire) through the Guarantor.
The Group's transformation to a pure-play, asset-light marketplace business was completed in November 2025 following two linked transactions: the disposal of The Hire Service Company, the Group's legacy hire equipment ownership and operations division; and the simultaneous entry into a five-year commercial supply agreement with Speedy Hire, under which Speedy Hire became the Group's principal equipment supply partner and the Group became the exclusive provider of third-party rehire, resale and training services to Speedy Hire's customers.
As a result of the transformation, the Group no longer owns any hire equipment fleet and instead operates as a technology-enabled intermediary, generating revenue solely through its marketplace platform rather than also through direct asset ownership. The Company was formerly known as HSS Hire Group plc and changed its name to ProService Building Services Marketplace plc on 28 November 2025 to reflect the completion of this transformation.
As part of the disposal of the Hire Service Company to Endless, the Group agreed to make certain post-completion payments totalling £10 million to Endless in the period from 7 to 12 months following completion of the disposal, as disclosed in the announcement published on 6 October 2025. The Group has subsequently agreed to a revised schedule for the remaining payments which will be made between the date of this announcement and 30 November 2026. Under this revised schedule, the payments will be lower in June and July 2026 and higher in subsequent months, compared to the previously anticipated equal monthly instalments. There has been no change to the total amount payable or the final payment date.
Existing Financing Arrangements
The Group currently has in place the Senior Facilities Agreement, being a senior secured facility originally entered into on 9 November 2021 with the Existing Lenders, providing aggregate facilities of approximately £44m. As at the Latest Practicable Date, the amount outstanding under the Senior Facilities Agreement was approximately £37.9m (excluding accrued interest).
The Senior Facilities Agreement is due to mature on 30 September 2026. The Existing Lenders have indicated that they are unlikely to extend the facility beyond its current maturity. The Group has also benefitted from the agreement of covenant waivers with the Existing Lenders and shall continue to do so until the completion of the Proposed Refinancing.[1] In these circumstances, the Board has concluded that it is necessary to refinance the Group's existing indebtedness on a timely basis and has conducted a process to identify the most appropriate refinancing solution, as described below.
The Refinancing Process
Following the completion of the Group's transformation to a principally marketplace business in November 2025, the Board has been engaged in refinancing discussions with a number of parties to fully refinance the Group's existing term debt and revolving credit facility. During this process, the Board considered a number of alternative structures, including asset disposals, and financing sources.
The Board noted that it has taken longer than originally anticipated to complete the refinancing of the Group, largely due to wider macroeconomic and geopolitical issues impacting the markets. The Board gave due consideration to whether a sale of assets could support the repayment of existing lenders but concluded that any such disposal was not in the best interest of shareholders given other options available. A change in approach was necessitated, which ultimately led to the current dual instrument refinancing which the Board is pleased to have secured.
Having considered the availability, terms and execution certainty of the alternatives, together with the challenging lending environment, the Board concluded that the Proposed Refinancing represents the most appropriate solution available to the Group in the current circumstances and within the timeframe required to complete the Proposed Refinancing prior to the maturity date of the Senior Facilities Agreement, for the reasons described below.
Reasons for the CLN Issue
The Independent Directors have concluded that the CLN Issue on the terms described in this announcement is in the best interests of the Company and its Shareholders as a whole for the following reasons:
· Committed financing: Ravensworth, as an existing substantial Shareholder with a deep understanding of the Group's business and prospects, has committed to provide up to £25,000,000 of financing. This provides the Group with certainty of funding within the timeframe required to complete the Proposed Refinancing (i.e. prior to the maturity date of the Senior Facilities Agreement) that alternative financing sources were unable to provide on comparable terms.
· Flexible structure: the Convertible Loan Notes have a term of approximately 5.25 years to the CLN Maturity Date, with the Company retaining the option to redeem from three years after issue. Interest accrues on the basis of a 365-day year and on the number of actual days elapsed, and is rolled up rather than paid in cash, preserving the Group's cash resources during the term.
· Performance-linked interest cost: the interest margin above Term SONIA for each interest period reduces upon achievement of EBITDA milestones (for each of the Financial Years ended on 31 March 2027, 31 March 2028 and 31 March 2029), aligning the cost of financing with the Group's financial performance.
· Conversion mechanics: the Conversion Price of 4.0 pence per new Ordinary Share (which is subject to anti-dilution adjustments in accordance with the terms of the CLN Instrument) represents a premium of approximately 53.8 per cent. to the closing mid-market price of 2.60 pence per Ordinary Share on the Latest Practicable Date. Whilst conversion would result in significant dilution to existing Shareholders, the Board considers the Conversion Price to be fair and reasonable in the context of the prevailing market price and the terms available from alternative financing sources. Further details of the potential dilution are set out in the dilution table in this announcement.
A summary of the key terms of the Convertible Loan Notes is set out at the end of this announcement.
Reasons for the ABL Facility
The ABL Facility will provide the Group with a revolving credit facility of up to £35,000,000, available to be drawn by HSS ProService Limited as borrower.
The ABL Facility is secured by an all asset debenture granted by each of the Company, Hampshire Topco Limited, Hero Acquisitions Limited and HSS ProService Limited, save that the shares held by HSS ProService Limited in HSS Training Limited are specifically excluded from such security, since those shares are instead subject to security granted in connection with the Convertible Loan Notes.
The Board has concluded that an asset-based lending facility is the most appropriate form of working capital facility for the Group at this time for the following reasons:
· Flexibility: HSS ProService Limited as borrower under the ABL Facility has flexibility to draw, repay, and subsequently redraw amounts available under the ABL Facility in line with cashflow needs of the business.
· Rate: the discount charge (being equivalent to an interest rate) under the ABL Facility will be 2.10 per cent. per annum above the applicable reference rate for the relevant currency (being Daily SONIA if the drawn amount under the ABL Facility is in Pounds Sterling).
· Maturity: the ABL Facility will have a minimum period of 36 months, subject to the extension options and termination provisions set out in the ABL Facility.
A summary of the key terms of the ABL Facility is set out later in this announcement.
TERMS OF THE PROPOSED REFINANCING
Related Party Transaction
As Ravensworth, together with Pectan (acting in concert as the Ravensworth Concert Party), holds approximately 26.02 per cent. of the Company's issued ordinary share capital as at the Latest Practicable Date (comprising 175,896,558 Ordinary Shares held directly and 31,900,000 Ordinary Shares held by its parent entity Pectan), Ravensworth is treated for the purpose of Rule 13 of the AIM Rules as a related party of the Company. By virtue of its position as a substantial shareholder, and together with Pectan as members of the Ravensworth Concert Party, the CLN Issue accordingly constitutes a related party transaction for the purposes of Rule 13 of the AIM Rules.
The Independent Directors consider, having consulted with Canaccord Genuity in its capacity as nominated adviser to the Company, that the terms of the CLN Issue are fair and reasonable insofar as the Shareholders of the Company are concerned.
Further details of the related party transaction, including the nature and extent of Ravensworth's interest in the CLN Issue and the basis for the Independent Directors' conclusion, are set out in this announcement.
The Convertible Loan Notes
The Company has agreed to issue up to £25,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of Convertible Loan Notes to Ravensworth at Completion pursuant to the CLN Instrument. The key terms of the Convertible Loan Notes are summarised in the Summary Terms of the Convertible Loan Notes at the end of this announcement. Shareholders should read the Summary Terms of the Convertible Loan Notes at the end of this announcement carefully.
The principal features of the Convertible Loan Notes are as follows:
· Interest: interest accrues at Term SONIA plus an applicable margin. The margin is initially 2.5 per cent. per annum and is subject to reduction upon achievement of EBITDA milestones in each year to:
a) 1.5 per cent. per annum in respect of the second interest period (if the Year 1 EBITDA Milestone (as defined in the CLN Instrument) has been achieved),
b) 0.5 per cent. per annum in respect of the third interest period (if both the Year 1 and Year 2 EBITDA Milestones (as defined in the CLN Instrument) have been achieved); and
c) 0 per cent. per annum in respect of the fourth interest period and beyond (if all three EBITDA milestones have been achieved).
There is a mechanism for the interest to ratchet upwards to TERM Sonia plus 2.5 per cent. in the event the Group falls below a minimum EBITDA threshold, and to ratchet down if the Group subsequently exceeds this threshold. Interest accrues on the basis of a 365-day year and number of actual days elapsed, is rolled up and is not paid in cash.
· Upfront cost: the Facility Fee will be added pro rata across the Convertible Loan Notes to the principal amount outstanding of Convertible Loan Notes and will form part of the principal amount of the Convertible Loan Notes and shall accrue interest.
· Conversion: the Noteholder may convert some or all of the Convertible Loan Notes (together with accrued interest and the applicable proportion of the Facility Fee) into new Ordinary Shares at 4.0 pence per share at any time from the date falling six months after the date of issue of the Convertible Loan Notes until the CLN Maturity Date, subject to the Rule 9 Conversion Cap.
· Repayment: the Company may elect to redeem the Convertible Loan Notes (in part or in full) from three years after issue. Unless previously redeemed or converted, all outstanding Convertible Loan Notes will be repaid in full on the CLN Maturity Date of 14 October 2031.
· Scale-Back: if the Company completes a Qualifying Equity Fundraising within five months of Completion, it must apply an amount equal to the lower of: (a) £5,000,000; and (b) the actual gross proceeds of the Qualifying Equity Fundraising received by the Company to a mandatory redemption of Convertible Loan Notes.
· Anti-dilution adjustments: subject to certain exceptions, the Conversion Price is subject to adjustments, in each case by reference to formulas set out in the CLN Instrument, upon: (i) a consolidation, sub-division or reclassification of Ordinary Shares; (ii) an Equity Fundraising (other than a Qualifying Equity Fundraising) at a subscription price below the then-prevailing market price of the Ordinary Shares; (iii) a bonus issue of Ordinary Shares; and (iv) a Qualifying Equity Fundraising at a subscription price below 3.5 pence.
· Financial covenants: the Company and the Guarantor will need to ensure that certain EBITDA thresholds are met by the Group and the Guarantor in each Financial Year and an Event of Default (as defined in the CLN Instrument) will arise if both the Company and the Guarantor fail to meet their respective covenants within a given Financial Year.
· Security and standstill: the Convertible Loan Notes are guaranteed by the Guarantor and secured by a charge over the entire issued share capital of the Guarantor and an all asset debenture granted by the Guarantor. The taking of any enforcement action in respect of the Convertible Loan Notes is subject to a standstill period set out in the CLN Instrument. Full details of the security arrangements are set out in the Summary Terms of the Convertible Loan Notes at the end of this announcement.
Pursuant to the Rule 9 Waiver granted in respect of the Ravensworth Concert Party, as set out in paragraph 7 below, the Ravensworth Concert Party will not be required to make a Rule 9 Offer upon Conversion of the Convertible Loan Notes. However, the Rule 9 Waiver applies only to the Ravensworth Concert Party and any other person who subsequently acquires the Convertible Loan Notes and who would, upon Conversion, hold 30 per cent. or more of the Company's voting share capital, as enlarged by the issue of the Conversion Shares, will be subject to the Rule 9 Conversion Cap and will need to obtain a separate waiver from the Panel before such Conversion can take place.
The ABL Facility
The ABL Facility is a £35,000,000 asset-based lending revolving credit facility to be entered into on or around the date of this announcement between the ABL Lender, HSS ProService Limited (as borrower and guarantor) and each of the Company, Hampshire Topco Limited and Hero Acquisitions Limited (as guarantors).
Under the terms of the ABL Facility, HSS ProService Limited assigns all of its receivables to the ABL Lender on a confidential (non-notification) basis. Advances of up to 85 per cent. of the amount of each approved receivable are available, subject to an aggregate facility limit of £35,000,000, with the amount available for drawdown at any time being calculated by reference to the pool of approved receivables, less any reserves applied by the ABL Lender and subject to debtor concentration limits and other typical deductions.
The primary costs under the ABL Facility are (i) a discount charge of 2.10 per cent. per annum above the applicable reference rate, (ii) a monthly service charge of £6,000 (plus VAT), (iii) an arrangement fee of £175,000 payable on the commencement date and (iv) a non-utilisation fee of 0.25 per cent. per annum calculated daily and applied monthly to the unused portion of the ABL Facility.
The ABL Facility is secured by an all asset debenture granted by each of the Company, Hampshire Topco Limited, Hero Acquisitions Limited and HSS ProService Limited, save that the shares held by HSS ProService Limited in HSS Training Limited are specifically excluded from such security, since those shares are instead subject to security granted in connection with the Convertible Loan Notes.
The ABL Facility contains financial and collateral covenants which are customary for a secured instrument of this type. These include covenants relating to dilutions and debt turn, a minimum liquidity covenant, and a "springing" profitability covenant which requires compliance with specified EBITDA thresholds if liquidity falls below the agreed minimum. The ABL Facility also requires regular financial reporting and monitoring of the Group's net asset position to ensure ongoing covenant compliance.
The minimum term of the ABL Facility is 36 months, with extension options of 365 days each exercisable around the first and second anniversaries of the ABL Facility, and an early termination fee applies on a declining basis if the ABL Facility is terminated prior to its second anniversary.
As described in earlier in this statement, the CLN Issue and the ABL Facility are interconditional.
Completion is conditional upon:
1. the Resolutions having been passed at the General Meeting; and
2. the ABL Facility having become available for drawdown and being drawn substantially simultaneously with the completion of the CLN Issue.
Deed of Variation to the Subscription Agreement with Speedy Hire
A deed of variation was entered into on or around the date of this announcement between the Company, Speedy Hire, Canaccord Genuity and Singer Capital Markets Securities Limited to amend the terms of the subscription agreement made between the parties on 6 October 2025 (as amended from time to time). The deed of variation amends the lock-in period applicable to Speedy Hire in respect of the shares in the Company they acquired under the subscription agreement, such that the lock-in period under the subscription agreement concludes as of the date of the deed of variation. For the avoidance of doubt, the existing orderly market undertaking from Speedy Hire still applies for a period of 6 months from the date of the deed of variation.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The proceeds of the Proposed Refinancing (comprising the CLN Issue proceeds of up to £25 million and an initial drawdown under the ABL Facility of approximately £19 million subject to trading performance and receivables collection between the date of this announcement and Completion) will be applied to repay in full the Group's existing indebtedness under the Senior Facilities Agreement in the amount of £37.9 million. The balance of the ABL Facility will be available for general corporate and working capital purposes. Shareholders should note that whilst the maximum amount capable of being drawn under the ABL Facility is £35 million, any drawdown is subject to the borrowing base available to the ABL Lender meaning that the expected amount available to be drawn on Completion is in the range of £26 to £30 million.
CURRENT TRADING AND PROSPECTS
Most Recently Reported Financial Period
The most recently published financial statements of the Group are the interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2025, which were published on 19 December 2025 and are available on the Company's website at www.hssproservice.com. For the six months ended 30 September 2025, the Group reported revenue of £135.6m, Underlying EBITDA of £14.2m and Underlying loss before tax of £1.1m.
Current Trading and Outlook
The Group provided the market with a trading update on 1 May 2026 regarding year end trading for FY2026. Unaudited revenue from continuing operations(1) amounted to £248m and unaudited adjusted EBITDA broke even. The Group confirmed a resilient top-line performance in the period despite a difficult market backdrop. The Group noted slower than anticipated progress in mobilising and ramping up the supply agreements with Speedy Hire (as announced on 6 October 2025) alongside broader macroeconomic pressures - particularly within the UK construction sector, which has weighed on demand across parts of the Group's end markets.
Trading in the current financial year has shown momentum despite the challenging macroeconomic backdrop. Revenue from continuing operations in the first two months was up more than 10 per cent versus the prior year, supported by the continued transition of the Speedy Customer Solutions business to the business of HSS ProService Limited. Performance on the arrangements with Speedy Hire more widely continues to trend upwards, with the businesses working well together to identify further opportunities for improvement.
FY2027 is expected to be a transitional year and is set against an uncertain macro-economic backdrop which is having an impact on the Group's buyers and sellers. Given the potential volatility in the UK economy, the Board believes a prudent approach is required and therefore reiterates that FY2027 underlying EBITDA is expected to be between £9 million and £12 million.
Note:
(1) Results for FY2026 included The Hire Service Company ("THSC") until its disposal on 17 November 2025. Continuing Operations also excludes THSC and HSS Ireland which was sold in May 2025.
Net Debt
As at 31 March 2026, the Group had net debt of approximately £30.5 million, which included total term debt of £35.9 million and £5.0 million drawn under a revolving credit facility. Excluding IFRS16 liabilities, net debt was at £27.2 million.
Impact of the Convertible Loan Notes on the Company
Had the arrangements been in place at the end of March 2026, the Company's pro forma net debt would have remained unchanged. On that basis, the Company would have had £25 million of Convertible Loan Notes in issue and approximately £16 million drawn under the ABL Facility. In addition, the Company would have had at least £10 million of undrawn availability under the ABL Facility. The Board now expects that the initial drawdown under the ABL Facility will be approximately £19 million at Completion (subject to trading performance and receivables collection between the date of this announcement and Completion). Availability under the ABL Facility is expected to increase as revenue grows in line with market expectations.
Potential Equity Fundraising
In addition to the Proposed Refinancing, the Board has been discussing a potential Equity Fundraising, which if carried out, following Completion, would provide additional working capital for the Group, enabling it to continue with the delivery of its marketplace strategy.
Shareholders should note that no formal decision has been taken by the Board to carry out an Equity Fundraising, nor as to the likely terms of any such Equity Fundraising and that, in any event, no Equity Fundraising will be launched before Completion.
Shareholders should also note that if a Qualifying Equity Fundraising is undertaken within five months of Completion, this may trigger a mandatory Scale-Back Redemption of part of the Convertible Loan Notes.
Any such Equity Fundraising will be announced through a Regulatory Information Service in accordance with the AIM Rules.
TAKEOVER CODE
Background
The Ravensworth Concert Party currently holds approximately 26.02 per cent. of the Existing Ordinary Shares, comprising 175,896,558 Ordinary Shares held directly by Ravensworth and 31,900,000 Ordinary Shares held by Pectan. The details of the Ravensworth Concert Party's shareholding immediately prior to and following full Conversion are set out in the table below, assuming no other increase in the Company's share capital prior to Conversion.
Prior to Conversion | Following full Conversion(1) | |||
Name | Number of Ordinary Shares | % of Ordinary Shares | Number of Ordinary Shares | % of Ordinary Shares |
Ravensworth Concert Party | 207,796,558 | 26.02 | 1,407,796,558 | 70.44 |
Note:
(1) Assuming full Conversion of all outstanding Convertible Loan Notes at the Conversion Price based on the maximum number of Conversion Shares issuable under the CLN Instrument totalling 1,200,000,000 and, for the avoidance of doubt, including additional Conversion Shares as a buffer to cover certain possible scenarios such as an increase in Term SONIA, the Convertible Loan Notes being converted at maturity, and a Qualifying Equity Fundraising but excluding any other increase in the Company's share capital prior to Conversion. The actual amount of Conversion Shares issuable is expected to be lower than this number. This figure is subject to anti-dilution adjustments pursuant to the terms of the CLN Instrument.
Rule 9 Obligation
Ravensworth's subscription for the Convertible Loan Notes as part of the Proposed Refinancing would, on full Conversion and the consequent issue of the Conversion Shares, result in the Ravensworth Concert Party holding 30 per cent. or more of the Company's voting share capital as enlarged by the issue of the Conversion Shares. In the absence of a waiver, this would oblige the Ravensworth Concert Party to make a Rule 9 Offer.
The Accelerated Rule 9 Waiver Procedure
Under Note 1 on Dispensations from Rule 9 of the Takeover Code, the Panel will normally waive the requirement to make a Rule 9 Offer where the issue of new securities in connection with a cash subscription would otherwise trigger such an obligation, provided that Independent Shareholders pass a Rule 9 Waiver Resolution at a general meeting of the Company.
Further, under Note 5(c) on Dispensations from Rule 9 of the Takeover Code, the Panel may waive the requirement for a Rule 9 Waiver Resolution to be put to Shareholders at a general meeting (and for a circular to be prepared in accordance with Section 4 of Appendix 1 to the Takeover Code) if Independent Shareholders holding shares carrying more than 50 per cent. of the voting rights of the Company which would be capable of being cast on such a Rule 9 Waiver Resolution confirm in writing to the Panel that they approve the proposed waiver and would vote in favour of such a resolution were it to be put to Shareholders at a general meeting. This procedure is the Accelerated Rule 9 Waiver Procedure.
Grant of the Rule 9 Waiver
In accordance with the Accelerated Rule 9 Waiver Procedure, Independent Shareholders holding shares carrying more than 50 per cent. of the voting rights of the Company which would be capable of being cast on a Rule 9 Waiver Resolution have confirmed in writing to the Panel that they approve the proposed waiver and would vote in favour of any such resolution were it to be put to Shareholders at a general meeting. Accordingly, the Panel, having received such confirmation from Independent Shareholders that they approve the proposed waiver and would vote in favour of any resolution to that effect at a general meeting, in accordance with the procedure set out in Note 5(c) on the Notes on Dispensations from Rule 9 set out in the Takeover Code, has granted the Rule 9 Waiver in respect of the Ravensworth Concert Party, dispensing with the obligation that would otherwise arise on the Ravensworth Concert Party to make a Rule 9 Offer upon Conversion of the Convertible Loan Notes.
As a result, no resolution in relation to the Rule 9 Waiver is required to be passed at the General Meeting in connection with the Ravensworth Concert Party's subscription for the Convertible Loan Notes and the Convertible Loan Notes will be issued to the Ravensworth Concert Party without any requirement for the Ravensworth Concert Party to make a Rule 9 Offer.
Shareholders should note that the Rule 9 Waiver granted pursuant to the Accelerated Rule 9 Waiver Procedure applies specifically and solely to the Ravensworth Concert Party in connection with the Proposed Refinancing. It does not extend to any future Noteholder who is not a member of the Ravensworth Concert Party. Any such future Noteholder who would, upon Conversion of the Convertible Loan Notes, hold 30 per cent. or more of the voting rights of the Company must obtain a separate Rule 9 Waiver from the Panel prior to any such Conversion taking place in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Takeover Code at the relevant time. Until such a waiver is obtained, the Rule 9 Conversion Cap will apply to prevent the relevant Conversion from proceeding and the relevant Convertible Loan Notes will remain as Unconverted Notes in accordance with the terms of the CLN Instrument.
Shareholders should also note that if both of the Resolutions are not passed at the General Meeting then the Rule 9 Waiver will not be effective as the issue of the Convertible Loan Notes is conditional upon such Resolutions being passed and the Rule 9 Waiver applies only to the exercise of conversion rights by Ravensworth under the CLN Instrument. In such circumstance, the Ravensworth Concert Party will continue to be subject to the provisions of Rule 9 of the Takeover Code.
Position Following Conversion
Assuming full Conversion (including an additional buffer to cover certain possible scenarios such as an increase in Term SONIA, the Convertible Loan Notes being converted at maturity, and a Qualifying Equity Fundraising but excluding any other increase in the Company's share capital prior to Conversion and any anti-dilution adjustments), the Ravensworth Concert Party would hold approximately 70.44 per cent. of the issued share capital of the Company following Conversion.
Shareholders should note that, following full Conversion, the Ravensworth Concert Party may hold in aggregate more than 50 per cent. of the Company's voting share capital. If and for so long as the Ravensworth Concert Party holds Ordinary Shares carrying more than 50 per cent. of the Company's voting share capital, further acquisitions of Ordinary Shares by the Ravensworth Concert Party would not trigger any obligation under Rule 9.1 of the Takeover Code, although any such acquisitions would remain subject to Note 4 on Rule 9.1 of the Takeover Code.
BOARD STRUCTURE AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Directors as at the date of this statement are:
Alan Peterson OBE
Neil Cooper
Ernst Kastner
Thomas Sweet-Escott
Thomas Shorten
Greig Thomas
As a direct result of the Proposed Refinancing, Ravensworth will have a right (but not the obligation) to appoint one non-executive director to the Board pursuant to the terms of the Relationship Agreement. As at Completion, Ernst Kastner will be treated as the non-executive director appointed for such purpose. Further details on the appointment rights in the Relationship Agreement are set out below.
The Board is considering the appointment of a further independent non-executive director with appropriate skills and experience and will update further on this in due course.
Any future appointment or replacement will be announced in accordance with the AIM Rules at the relevant time.
Relationship Agreement
The Relationship Agreement, entered into on or around the date of this announcment between the Company and the Ravensworth Concert Party, is conditional upon Completion and regulates the ongoing relationship between the Ravensworth Concert Party and the Company, further to the CLN Issue. The principal purpose of the Relationship Agreement is to ensure that the Company and its subsidiaries are capable of carrying on their business independently of the Ravensworth Concert Party, that all transactions and arrangements with the Ravensworth Concert Party or their Associates (including any transactions and relationships with any member of the Group) are conducted at arm's length and on normal commercial terms, and that the goodwill, reputation and commercial interests of the Company are safeguarded.
In addition, the Relationship Agreement contains undertakings from the Ravensworth Concert Party that it will not, and will procure insofar as it is lawfully able, that its Associates will not: (i) take any action that would have the effect of preventing the Company from complying with its obligations under the AIM Rules; or (ii) propose or procure the proposal of a shareholder resolution which is intended or appears to be intended to circumvent the proper application of the AIM Rules. The Relationship Agreement contains further protections to safeguard the Company's independence and the interests of minority shareholders. In particular, the Ravensworth Concert Party and its Associates must not propose or vote in favour of any resolution to amend the Company's articles inconsistently with the Relationship Agreement, change the remuneration of the non-executive director appointed by the Ravensworth Concert Party, or procure the cancellation of the Company's admission to trading on AIM without enhanced shareholder and Independent Director approvals (subject to certain exceptions including a bona fide takeover made by the Ravensworth Concert Party or a listing on the main market).
The Relationship Agreement will continue for so long as: (a) the Ordinary Shares remain admitted to trading on AIM; and (b) the Ravensworth Concert Party and their Associates are entitled to exercise or control the exercise of 10 per cent. or more of the votes able to be cast on all or substantially all matters at general meetings of the Company (which includes Ordinary Shares held and Convertible Loan Notes valued for this purpose by reference to the number of Ordinary Shares that would be issued on conversion at the Conversion Price then in effect, ignoring the Rule 9 Conversion Cap).
Under the Relationship Agreement, the Ravensworth Concert Party may appoint one non-executive director to the Board for so long as the Ravensworth Concert Party, together with their Associates, holds, in aggregate, Ordinary Shares and/or Convertible Loan Notes (with the Convertible Loan Notes valued for this purpose by reference to the number of Ordinary Shares that would be issued on conversion at the Conversion Price then in effect, ignoring the Rule 9 Conversion Cap) representing at least 10 per cent. of the total Ordinary Shares in issue at the relevant time. As at Completion, Ernst Kastner will be treated as the director appointed to the Board for such purpose.
The Independent Directors believe that the terms of the Relationship Agreement will enable the Group to carry on its business independently of the Ravensworth Concert Party and ensure that all transactions and relationships between the Company and/or members of the Group (on the one hand) and the Ravensworth Concert Party (on the other hand) are, and will be, conducted at arm's length and on normal commercial terms.
IMPORTANCE OF THE VOTE
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Proposed Refinancing is conditional upon each of the Resolutions being passed at the General Meeting. The Proposed Refinancing will not proceed unless both Resolution 1 and Resolution 2 are passed.
Shareholders are therefore asked to vote in favour of each of the Resolutions at the General Meeting in order for the Proposed Refinancing to proceed.
The Directors believe that successful completion of the Proposed Refinancing is essential to:
1. refinance the Group's existing indebtedness under the Senior Facilities Agreement, which is due to mature on 30 September 2026;
2. provide the Group with a stable, long-term financing platform through the combination of the Convertible Loan Notes and the ABL Facility; and
3. ensure that the Group has sufficient working capital to meet its ongoing obligations and to execute its strategic plan.
If the Resolutions are not approved at the General Meeting, the Proposed Refinancing cannot complete and the Group will not receive the proceeds from the Proposed Refinancing. In such circumstances:
· Existing indebtedness: The Group's existing indebtedness under the Senior Facilities Agreement of approximately £37.9m would remain outstanding and due for repayment on 30 September 2026. The Group would not have sufficient cash resources to repay such indebtedness from its own resources without the proceeds of the Proposed Refinancing.
· Alternative financing: The Board has explored alternative structures, including asset disposals, and financing sources and has concluded that any alternative financing would be available only on materially less favourable terms and with significant execution risk. There can be no certainty that the Group would be able to secure alternative financing on acceptable terms or within the timeframe required to complete the Proposed Refinancing (i.e. prior to the maturity date of the Senior Facilities Agreement).
· Working capital: Without the proceeds of the Proposed Refinancing, the Group will not have sufficient working capital to meet its present requirements for the 12-month period following the date of this announcement.
If any of the Resolutions are not approved and the Proposed Refinancing does not proceed, there can be no assurance that any alternatives would be capable of implementation in the timeframe available and/or would ultimately be successful so, if further negotiations with existing and/or potential lenders are unsuccessful, it is likely that the Directors would need to take steps to place the Group into administration and Shareholders could lose all of their investment in the Company. Accordingly, the Directors believe that the successful completion of the Proposed Refinancing is in the best interests of the Shareholders as a whole.
Accordingly, it is critical that Shareholders vote in favour of each of the Resolutions. The Board considers that the Proposed Refinancing represents the best and only currently available option for the Company, its Shareholders and its wider stakeholders in the current circumstances and in the timeframe required to refinance the Group's existing indebtedness. As such, your vote is very important.
IRREVOCABLE UNDERTAKINGS
The Company has received irrevocable undertakings to vote in favour of all of the Resolutions at the General Meeting from the following:
Shareholder/Directors | Number of Ordinary Shares | Percentage of Issued Share Capital |
Exponent Private Equity | 235,681,708 | 29.51% |
Ravensworth Concert Party | 207,796,558 | 26.02% |
Speedy Hire | 79,368,711 | 9.94% |
Directors (aggregate) | 3,536,586 | 0.44% |
Total | 526,383,563 | 65.91% |
Copies of the irrevocable undertakings will be available for inspection.
In addition to the irrevocable undertakings from Shareholders, those Directors who hold Ordinary Shares have irrevocably undertaken to vote their own beneficial holdings (and those of their spouses, underage children and connected companies) in favour of all of the Resolutions at the General Meeting. Details of the Directors' shareholdings are set out in below. The aggregate shareholding of those Directors who have given such undertakings is 3,536,586 Ordinary Shares, representing approximately 0.44 per cent. of the Ordinary Shares in issue as at the Latest Practicable Date.
Each of the irrevocable undertakings referred to above is legally binding on the relevant Shareholder and will only cease to be binding if the Circular has not been posted to Shareholders by 31 July 2026.
Taking into account all of the irrevocable undertakings described above, including those from each member of the Ravensworth Concert Party, Exponent Private Equity, Speedy Hire and the relevant Directors, representing in aggregate approximately 65.91 per cent. of the Ordinary Shares in issue as at the Latest Practicable Date, the Directors believe it is likely that all of the Resolutions will be passed at the General Meeting.
Directors' interests in the Company
As at the Latest Practicable Date(3), the interests of each Director (and their connected persons) in the share capital of the Company were as follows:
Director | Number ofOrdinarySharescurrently held | Percentage ofissued sharecapitalcurrently held |
Alan Peterson OBE | 2,408,955 | 0.30 |
Thomas Sweet-Escott(2) | 0 | 0 |
Thomas Shorten | 690,188 | 0.09 |
Greig Thomas(4) | 437,443 | 0.05 |
Neil Cooper | 0 | 0 |
Ernst Kastner | 0 | 0 |
Notes:
(1) Percentage figures are calculated by reference to 798,584,277 Ordinary Shares in issue as at the Latest Practicable Date.
(2) Thomas Sweet-Escott does not directly hold any interests in Ordinary Shares but holds an indirect interest due to his interest in Exponent Private Equity.
(3) Save as disclosed above, no Director has any interest in the share capital of the Company as at the Latest Practicable Date and there have been no changes in Directors' interests between the Latest Practicable Date and the date of this statement.
(4) Greig Thomas also holds options to subscribe for 616,197 Ordinary Shares pursuant to the HSS 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan.
-Ends-
Notes to editors
On 28 November 2025 HSS Hire Group plc was renamed ProService Building Services Marketplace plc (ticker symbol PRO.L) ("ProService"). ProService is the leading Digital marketplace business focused on buyer and seller acquisition in the building services sector. Technology driven, scalable and uniquely differentiated. Wide range of building services, including hire, resale, materials, training and more. For more information, please see www.hssproservice.com.
For further information, please contact:
ProService Building Services Marketplace plc | Email: hssproservice@fticonsulting.com |
Daniel Joll, General Counsel & Company Secretary | |
FTI Consulting (Strategic Communications) | Tel: 020 3727 1340 |
Nick Hasell | |
Victoria Hayns | |
FTI Financial Services (Financial Adviser) | Tel: 020 3727 1340 |
Lindsay Hallam | |
Canaccord Genuity Limited (Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker) | Tel: 020 7523 8000 |
Andrew Potts | |
George Grainger | |
Singer Capital Markets (Joint Broker) | Tel: 020 7496 3000 |
Alex Bond / Russell Cook (Investment Banking) | |
Jonathan Dighe (Equity Sales) |
The person responsible for arranging the release of this announcement on behalf of PRO is Daniel Joll, Company Secretary.
Important Notices
Forward looking statements
This announcement contains statements which are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements" which are prospective in nature. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. They are based on intentions, beliefs or current expectations and projections about future events, and concerning, among other things, the business, results of operations, prospects, growth and strategies of the Company and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward- looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "is subject to", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "goals", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "targets", "aims", "hopes", "continues" or "projects". Words or terms of similar substance or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements, as well as variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations.
Forward-looking statements include statements relating to: (a) future capital expenditures, expenses, revenues, earnings, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition, dividend policy, losses and future prospects; (b) business and management strategies and the expansion and growth of the Company's operations; and (c) the effects of economic conditions on the Company's business.
Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results and are based on certain key assumptions. Many factors may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from its expectations include, among other things, general political, business and economic conditions, industry and market trends, competition, changes in government and changes in law, regulation and policy, including in relation to taxation, as well as political and economic uncertainty stakeholder perception of the Company and/or the sectors or markets in which it operates. Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in light of such factors. Any information contained in this statement on the price at which shares or other securities in the Company have been bought or sold in the past, or on the yield on such shares or other securities, should not be relied upon as a guide to future performance.
Neither the Company nor any of its directors, officers or advisers provides any representation, assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements in this announcement will actually occur. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as at the date of this announcement.
Other than in accordance with its legal or regulatory obligations (including under the AIM Rules for Companies, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and UK MAR), neither the Company nor its financial advisers are under any obligation to, and each of the Company and its financial advisers expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
No profit forecast
Unless otherwise stated within this announcement, no statement in this announcement is intended as a profit forecast or a profit estimate and no statement in this announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings, earnings per share or income, for PRO, as appropriate, for the current or future financial years will necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings, earnings per share or income for the Company.
Pro forma financial information
The pro forma financial information in this announcement is for information purposes only and is not a projection of future financial performance and should not be considered indicative of actual results should the Proposed Refinancing be consummated.
Cautionary statement
This announcement is not intended to, and does not constitute, or form part of, any offer to sell or an invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction.
This announcement has been prepared for the purpose of complying with the applicable law and regulation of the United Kingdom and information disclosed may not be the same as that which would have been disclosed if this announcement has been prepared in accordance with the laws and regulations of jurisdictions outside the United Kingdom.
Important Information
FTI Financial Services Limited ("FTI"), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority, is acting solely for PRO, and for no-one else, as financial adviser to PRO in connection with the Refinancing and will not be responsible to anyone other than PRO for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice to any other person in relation to the Refinancing, the content of this announcement or any other matters described in this announcement. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither FTI nor any of its affiliates assumes any responsibility whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty express or implied, in relation to the contents of this announcement, including its accuracy, completeness or verification or for any other statement made or purported to be made by it, or on its behalf and nothing contained in this announcement is, or shall be, relied upon as a promise or representation in this respect whether as to the past, present or future, in connection with PRO, the Group, or the Refinancing. FTI and its affiliates accordingly disclaims to the fullest extent permitted by law all and any duty, responsibility and liability whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise which it might otherwise be found to have in respect of this announcement or any such statement or otherwise.
Canaccord Genuity Limited ("Canaccord"), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority, is acting solely for PRO, and for no-one else, as nominated adviser to PRO in connection with the Refinancing and will not be responsible to anyone other than PRO for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice to any other person in relation to the Refinancing, the content of this announcement or any other matters described in this announcement. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Canaccord nor any of its affiliates assumes any responsibility whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty express or implied, in relation to the contents of this announcement, including its accuracy, completeness or verification or for any other statement made or purported to be made by it, or on its behalf and nothing contained in this announcement is, or shall be, relied upon as a promise or representation in this respect whether as to the past, present or future, in connection with PRO or the Refinancing. Canaccord and its affiliates accordingly disclaims to the fullest extent permitted by law all and any duty, responsibility and liability whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise which it might otherwise be found to have in respect of this announcement or any such statement or otherwise.
|
Term | Details |
Issuer and Subscriber | Issuer: the Company Subscriber: Ravensworth Instrument: The CLN Instrument to be constituted and executed by the Company in favour of Ravensworth at Completion. |
Principal Amount | Up to £25,000,000, issued in integral multiples of £1 at an issue price of £1 per £1 nominal value. The Convertible Loan Notes may be admitted to trading on TISE at the discretion of the Company or the request of the Noteholder. |
Maturity | CLN Maturity Date: 14 October 2031. Unless previously redeemed or converted, all outstanding Convertible Loan Notes will be repaid in full (including all accrued interest and the applicable proportion of the Facility Fee) on the CLN Maturity Date. |
Interest | Rate: Term SONIA plus an applicable margin. The margin is initially 2.5 per cent. per annum and is subject to reduction upon achievement of EBITDA milestones in each year to: (i) 1.5 per cent. per annum in respect of the second interest period (if the Year 1 EBITDA Milestone (as defined in the CLN Instrument) has been achieved), (ii) 0.5 per cent. per annum in respect of the third interest period (if both the Year 1 and Year 2 EBITDA Milestones (as defined in the CLN Instrument) have been achieved); and (iii) 0 per cent. per annum in respect of the fourth interest period and beyond (if all three EBITDA milestones have been achieved). If, during an interest period, the Group does not achieve the minimum adjusted EBITDA threshold, the margin resets to 2.5 per cent. per annum and remains until that threshold is achieved in respect of a subsequent interest period, whereupon the margin shall revert to the rate it had been immediately prior to such reset. Accrual: Interest calculated on the basis of a 365-day year and number of actual days elapsed. Payment: Interest is rolled up, added to the principal and not paid in cash prior to redemption or conversion. Interest does not compound. |
Facility Fee | Amount: £725,000 (plus any applicable VAT). Payment: The Facility Fee is not payable in cash at Completion. On the Completion Date, the Facility Fee shall be added to the principal amount outstanding of the Convertible Loan Notes and shall thereafter form part of the principal amount of the Convertible Loan Notes and accrue interest. |
Conversion Rights | Conversion Price: 4.0 pence per new Ordinary Share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances (see Anti-Dilution Protections below). Who may convert: the Noteholder may convert some or all of the principal amount of the Convertible Loan Notes (together with all accrued interest and the applicable proportion of the Facility Fee) into fully paid Conversion Shares. When: At any time from the date falling six months after the date of issue of the Convertible Loan Notes until the CLN Maturity Date. Mechanics: The number of Conversion Shares is determined by dividing the Conversion Sum by the Conversion Price. Conversion Shares will be admitted to trading on AIM with effect from the relevant conversion date. Rule 9 Conversion Cap: No Conversion Shares will be issued to the Noteholder pursuant to a Conversion in excess of the number that would result in the Noteholder (together with any persons acting in concert with it) holding 29.9 per cent. of the voting rights of the Company, unless and until a Rule 9 Waiver has been obtained in respect of that Noteholder and remains effective at the relevant time. Any Convertible Loan Notes that cannot be converted as a result of the Rule 9 Conversion Cap are referred to in this announcement as "Unconverted Notes". Unconverted Notes will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest in accordance with the terms of the CLN Instrument until such time as the relevant Rule 9 Waiver has been obtained and the Conversion of such Unconverted Notes can proceed. |
Anti-Dilution Protections | Adjustment events: The Conversion Price is subject to customary adjustments in the following circumstances: (a) consolidation, sub-division or reclassification of Ordinary Shares; (b) an Equity Fundraising (other than a Qualifying Equity Fundraising) completed at a subscription price below the prevailing market price of the Ordinary Shares at the time; (c) a bonus issue of Ordinary Shares; and (d) a Qualifying Equity Fundraising at a subscription price below 3.5 pence (details of which are set out below). No other adjustment events apply. Exceptions: No adjustment shall be made in respect of: (i) the issue of Conversion Shares; (ii) any issue of Ordinary Shares pursuant to an employee incentive scheme, share option plan or long-term incentive plan approved by the Directors; (iii) any issue of Ordinary Shares pursuant to a scrip dividend alternative or dividend reinvestment plan; or (iv) any issue of Ordinary Shares on the exercise of options or warrants outstanding as at the date of the CLN Instrument. No adjustment shall be made under limbs (a) to (c) above in respect of an issue of Ordinary Shares pursuant to a Qualifying Equity Fundraising undertaken whilst the Scale-back Amount remains unredeemed. |
Adjustment for Qualifying Equity Fundraising | The Company has agreed with Ravensworth, the initial subscriber, that if the Company undertakes a Qualifying Equity Fundraising at a subscription price below 3.5 pence, the Conversion Price shall be adjusted to an amount equal to A, where A is determined in accordance with the following formula: A = (9,056,469,524,158,044 × B) / ((1,017,575,288,239,511 × B) + 4,362,897,324,800,000) where: A = the adjusted Conversion Price, expressed in pence per Ordinary Share; and o B = the subscription price per Ordinary Share issued pursuant to the relevant Qualifying Equity Fundraising, expressed in pence. |
Early Repayment by the Company | Earliest date: Three years from the date of issue (the "Early Repayment Date"). Mechanics: The Company may elect to redeem some or all of the outstanding Convertible Loan Notes at the Redemption Sum at any time on or after the Early Repayment Date by giving not less than 20 Business Days' prior written notice to the Noteholder (an "Early Repayment Notice"). Noteholder's election: Within 20 Business Days of receipt of an Early Repayment Notice, the Noteholder may elect (by serving an Early Conversion Election Notice) to convert all (but not some only) of the Convertible Loan Notes subject to the Early Repayment Notice into Conversion Shares at the Conversion Price rather than receiving cash repayment. The Conversion Sum in such circumstances will be calculated to the Proposed Redemption Date rather than the CLN Maturity Date. If no Early Conversion Election Notice is served within 20 Business Days, the Noteholder will be deemed to have elected cash repayment. |
Scale-Back Redemption | Trigger: If the Company completes a Qualifying Equity Fundraising and receives gross proceeds therefrom, the Company must effect a mandatory Scale-Back Redemption. Scale-Back Amount: The lower of: (a) £5,000,000; and (b) the actual gross proceeds of any Qualifying Equity Fundraising. Mechanics: The Company must serve a Scale-Back Redemption Notice on the Noteholder within three Business Days of receipt of the gross proceeds of the relevant Qualifying Equity Fundraising. The Scale-Back Redemption Date will be not less than five and not more than ten Business Days after the Scale-Back Redemption Notice. Amount payable on a Scale-Back Redemption: The amount payable by the Company is the Redemption Sum in respect of the Convertible Loan Notes being redeemed. Accordingly, the cash amount payable by the Company may exceed the Scale-Back Amount and the gross proceeds of the relevant Qualifying Equity Fundraising, because the Redemption Sum includes accrued interest and the applicable proportion of the Facility Fee. No conversion election: the Noteholder has no right to elect to convert the Convertible Loan Notes subject to the Scale-Back Redemption into Conversion Shares. Repayment is in cash only. If no Equity Fundraising: If no Qualifying Equity Fundraising is completed within five months commencing on the Completion Date, no Scale-Back Redemption will apply and the full principal amount of Convertible Loan Notes then outstanding will remain on their existing terms. |
Guarantee and Security | Guarantor: HSS Training Limited. Security: (a) a charge over the entire issued share capital of the Guarantor, granted by HSS ProService Limited; and (b) an all asset debenture granted by the Guarantor. Release: All security will be released in full upon conversion of all outstanding Convertible Loan Notes into Conversion Shares or upon full repayment and redemption of the Convertible Loan Notes. |
Events of Default | The Convertible Loan Notes will become immediately redeemable upon the occurrence of the following events of default: (a) cross-default in respect of indebtedness of the Company or any subsidiary under or in respect of the ABL Facility; and (b) administration, receivership or other insolvency events affecting any member of the Group. |
Enforcement Standstill | The Noteholder may not take any enforcement action in respect of the Convertible Loan Notes or the security, or any intercompany receivable owing to the Guarantor, unless and until it has first given written notice to the ABL Lender confirming that an event of default under the CLN Instrument has occurred and is continuing (an "Enforcement Notice") and a period of 120 days has elapsed from the date of receipt of such Enforcement Notice by the ABL Lender (the "Standstill Period"). The exceptions to the Standstill Period include where the ABL Facility has been accelerated, where there an insolvency of any relevant Group member, where the Noteholder exercises its conversion right, or where the ABL Lender has given its prior written consent. |
Change of Control | Definition: A change of control means any event by which any person or group of persons acting in concert (other than the Noteholder and any persons acting in concert with it) acquires control (as defined in section 416 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988) of the Company. Noteholder's election on change of control: the Noteholder may elect, at its sole discretion, at any time after receipt of a Change of Control Notice and prior to the date falling three months after the occurrence of the relevant Change of Control, to require repayment of all (but not some only) of its outstanding Convertible Loan Notes at the Redemption Sum, or to convert all (but not some only) into Conversion Shares at the Conversion Price. Exclusion: Any increase in the Noteholder's percentage holding resulting from conversion of the Convertible Loan Notes does not constitute a change of control. De-listing: Cancellation of the admission of the Ordinary Shares to trading on AIM (other than in connection with a change of control) does not give rise to any right of the Noteholder to require early repayment or conversion. |
Transferability | The Convertible Loan Notes are not transferable other than: (a) to an existing noteholder; (b) to an affiliate of the Noteholder or to any fund managed or advised by the same investment manager or investment adviser as the Noteholder, in each case subject to delivery of a duly executed adherence agreement in respect of the CLN Instrument in form and substance satisfactory to the Company (acting reasonably); (c) when an event of default is continuing under the CLN Instrument; or (d) with the prior written consent of the Company. No transfer may be made to a person who carries on a business in competition with the Group or who is a sanctioned person. |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Expected timetable of principal events
Event | Time and/or date (2026) |
Announcement of the Proposed Refinancing | 29 June |
Publication and posting of the Circular (including Notice of General Meeting) and Form of Proxy | 29 June |
Latest time and date for receipt of Forms of Proxy and CREST voting instructions | 12:00 p.m. on 15 July |
General Meeting | 12:00 p.m. on 17 July |
Announcement of result of General Meeting | 17 July |
Completion of the Proposed Refinancing | 17 July |
Notes
1. Each of the times and dates set out above is based on current expectations and is subject to change. If any of the above times and/or dates is changed, the revised times and/or dates will be notified to Shareholders by announcement through a Regulatory Information Service.
2. All references in this announcement are to times are to London time unless otherwise stated.
3. The above timetable assumes there is no adjournment of the General Meeting. If there is an adjournment, all subsequent dates are likely to be later than those shown.
Statistics
CONVERTIBLE LOAN NOTE STATISTICS
Principal amount of Convertible Loan Notes | Up to £25,000,000 |
Conversion Price per new Ordinary Share(1) | 4.0 pence |
Interest rate of the Convertible Loan Notes | Term SONIA plus 2.5 per cent. margin (subject to reduction upon achievement of certain EBITDA milestones) |
CLN Maturity Date | 14 October 2031 |
Maximum number of Conversion Shares issuable on full conversion of the Convertible Loan Notes at the Conversion Price (2) | 1,200,000,00 |
Notes:
1. This figure is subject to anti-dilution adjustments pursuant to the terms of the CLN Instrument.
2. Assuming full Conversion of all outstanding Convertible Loan Notes at the Conversion Price based on the maximum number of Conversion Shares issuable under the CLN Instrument totalling 1,200,000,000 and, for the avoidance of doubt, including additional Conversion Shares as a buffer to cover certain possible scenarios such as an increase in Term SONIA, the Convertible Loan Notes being converted at maturity, and a Qualifying Equity Fundraising and excluding any other increase in the Company's share capital prior to Conversion. The actual amount of Conversion Shares issuable is expected to be lower than this number. This figure is subject to anti-dilution adjustments pursuant to the terms of the CLN Instrument.
Dilution Statistics
Number of Ordinary Shares | Percentage of Total | |
Existing Ordinary Shares in issue as at the Latest Practicable Date | 798,584,277 | 100% |
Maximum number of Conversion Shares issuable on full conversion of the Convertible Loan Notes at the Conversion Price(1) | 1,200,000,000 | 150.3% of Existing Ordinary Shares |
Total Enlarged Issued Share Capital (assuming full conversion and the maximum number of Conversion Shares) | 1,998,584,277 | 100% |
Conversion Shares as a percentage of Enlarged Issued Share Capital (assuming full conversion and the maximum number of Conversion Shares) | N/A | approximately 60% |
Dilution to existing Shareholders (assuming full conversion and the maximum number of Conversion Shares) | N/A | approximately 60% |
Note:
1. Assuming full Conversion of all outstanding Convertible Loan Notes at the Conversion Price based on the maximum number of Conversion Shares issuable under the CLN Instrument totalling 1,200,000,000 and, for the avoidance of doubt, including additional Conversion Shares as a buffer to cover certain possible scenarios such as an increase in Term SONIA, the Convertible Loan Notes being converted at maturity, and a Qualifying Equity Fundraising and any other increase in the Company's share capital prior to Conversion. The actual amount of Conversion Shares issuable is expected to be lower than this number. This figure is subject to anti-dilution adjustments pursuant to the terms of the CLN Instrument.
Asset Based Lending Statistics
ABL Facility size | Up to £35,000,000 |
ABL Lender | Leumi UK Group Limited |
Borrower | HSS ProService Limited |
Guarantors | The CompanyHampshire Topco LimitedHero Acquisitions LimitedHSS ProService Limited |
Definitions
In this statement, where the context permits, the expressions set out below shall bear the following meanings:
"ABL Facility" | the asset-based lending revolving credit facility to be entered into between, amongst others, HSS ProService Limited (as borrower) and the ABL Lender at Completion, further details of which are set out in earlier in this announcement.
|
"ABL Lender" | Leumi UK Group Limited and/or any of its affiliates. |
"Accelerated Rule 9 Procedure" | the procedure available under Note 5(c) on Dispensations from Rule 9 of the Takeover Code pursuant to which the Panel may waive the requirement for a Rule 9 Waiver Resolution to be put to Shareholders at a general meeting if Independent Shareholders holding shares carrying more than 50 per cent. of the voting rights of the Company capable of being cast on such a resolution confirm in writing to the Panel that they approve the proposed waiver.
|
"Act" | the Companies Act 2006, as amended from time to time.
|
"AIM" | AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange.
|
"AIM Rules" | the rules and guidance for companies whose shares are admitted to trading on AIM entitled "AIM Rules for Companies" published by the London Stock Exchange, as amended from time to time.
|
"Articles" | the articles of association of the Company in force at the date of this announcement.
|
"Board" or "Directors" | the persons listed in this statement, being those persons who are directors of the Company as at the date of this announcement, and "Director" shall mean any one of them.
|
"Business Day" | a day (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays in England and Wales and, for the purposes of the CLN Instrument and the Subscription Deed, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays in England and Wales and Gibraltar) on which banks are generally open for the transaction of normal banking business in London, and the London Stock Exchange is open for trading.
|
"Canaccord Genuity" | Canaccord Genuity Limited, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales with registered number 01774003 and having its registered office at 88 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7QR.
|
"Circular" | the circular containing further details of the Proposed Refinancing and a notice convening the General Meeting in order to pass the Resolutions, which is expected to be published by the Company on or around 29 June 2026 |
| |
"CLN Instrument" | the convertible loan note instrument constituting the Convertible Loan Notes to be executed by the Company.
|
"CLN Issue" | the issue of the Convertible Loan Notes to Ravensworth pursuant to the terms of the CLN Instrument and the Subscription Deed.
|
"CLN Maturity Date" | 14 October 2031. |
"Completion" | completion of the Proposed Refinancing, being the substantially simultaneous completion of the CLN Issue and initial funding under the ABL Facility.
|
"Completion Date" | the date on which Completion occurs. |
"Conversion" | the conversion of some or all of the outstanding Convertible Loan Notes (together with all accrued interest and the applicable proportion of the Facility Fee) into Conversion Shares at the Conversion Price in accordance with the terms of the CLN Instrument.
|
"Conversion Price" | 4.0 pence per new Ordinary Share, being the price at which the Convertible Loan Notes may be converted into Conversion Shares, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the CLN Instrument.
|
"Conversion Shares" | the new fully-paid Ordinary Shares to be issued to the Noteholder upon conversion of the Convertible Loan Notes at the Conversion Price.
|
"Conversion Sum" | in relation to any Conversion, a sum in pounds sterling equal to the aggregate of: (a) the principal amount of the Convertible Loan Notes being converted and (b) all interest accrued on such Convertible Loan Notes up to and including the relevant conversion date.
|
"Convertible Loan Notes" | the up to £25,000,000 floating rate secured convertible loan notes 2031 to be issued by the Company to Ravensworth pursuant to the CLN Instrument.
|
"CREST" | the relevant system as defined in the CREST Regulations (in respect of which Euroclear is the operator as defined in the CREST Regulations) for the paperless settlement of trades in securities and the holding of uncertificated securities.
|
"CREST Manual" | the CREST Manual published by Euroclear, as amended from time to time.
|
"CREST Proxy Instruction" | the proxy appointment or instruction made using the CREST service, properly authenticated in accordance with the specifications of Euroclear and containing the information required by the CREST Manual.
|
"CREST Regulations" | the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (SI 2001 No. 3755) (including as it forms part of the domestic law of the United Kingdom by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018), as amended, modified or re-enacted from time to time.
|
"Daily SONIA" | the Sterling Overnight Index Average administered by the Bank of England (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate) on each Reference Day and if the rate is less than zero, the rate shall be deemed to be zero.
|
"Early Conversion Election Notice" | a written notice served by the Noteholder on the Company within 20 Business Days of receipt of an Early Repayment Notice, pursuant to which the Noteholder elects to convert all of the Convertible Loan Notes the subject of the Early Repayment Notice into Conversion Shares at the Conversion Price rather than receiving repayment in cash, in accordance with the terms of the CLN Instrument.
|
"Early Repayment Date" | the date falling three years after the date of issue of the Convertible Loan Notes, being the earliest date on which the Company may exercise its early repayment right.
|
"Early Repayment Notice" | a written notice served by the Company on the Noteholder giving not less than 20 Business Days' prior notice of the Company's election to redeem some or all of the outstanding Convertible Loan Notes at the Redemption Sum on the Proposed Redemption Date specified therein.
|
"Endless" | the funds managed by Endless LLP. |
"Enlarged Issued Share Capital" | the issued share capital of the Company following full conversion of all outstanding Convertible Loan Notes into Conversion Shares at the Conversion Price.
|
"Equity Fundraising" | any placing, open offer, retail offer, offer for subscription, rights issue or other pre-emptive or non-pre-emptive issue of equity securities (or securities convertible into equity securities) by the Company for cash, but excluding any issue of Ordinary Shares pursuant to the conversion of the Convertible Loan Notes in accordance with the CLN Instrument.
|
"Euroclear" | Euroclear UK & International Limited, the operator of CREST. |
"Existing Lenders" | HSBC UK Bank plc and National Westminster Bank plc. |
"Existing Ordinary Shares" | the 798,584,277 Ordinary Shares in issue at the date of this announcement.
|
"Exponent Private Equity" | Exponent Private Equity LLP, a limited liability partnership registered under the laws of England and Wales with registration number OC306781.
|
"Facility Fee" | the fee of £725,000 (plus any applicable VAT thereon) payable to the Noteholder in respect of the Convertible Loan Notes.
|
"FCA" | the UK Financial Conduct Authority or any successor regulatory body.
|
"Financial Year" | the annual accounting period of the Group ending on or about 31 March in each year.
|
"Form of Proxy" | the form of proxy for use in connection with the General Meeting which accompanies the Circular.
|
"FSMA" | the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended from time to time.
|
"General Meeting" | the general meeting (or any adjournment thereof) of the Shareholders to be convened pursuant to the Notice of General Meeting set out in this announcement.
|
"Group" | the Company and any subsidiary undertaking of the Company. |
"Guarantor" | HSS Training Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 04626272 and having its registered office at Building 2, Think Park, Mosley Road, Manchester M17 1FQ.
|
"Independent Directors" | those directors of the Company who are not involved in the CLN Issue for the purposes of Rule 13 of the AIM Rules, being those Directors set out in this announcement.
|
"Independent Shareholders" | Shareholders who are independent of the Ravensworth Concert Party and who do not have any interest in the Proposed Refinancing which may compromise their independence, for the purposes of the Accelerated Rule 9 Waiver Procedure.
|
"Irrevocable Undertakings" | the irrevocable undertakings given by Exponent Private Equity, Ravensworth, Pectan, Speedy Hire and the relevant Directors to vote in favour of the Resolutions at the General Meeting, as described in this announcement, copies of which are available for inspection as described in this statement.
|
"Latest Practicable Date" | means 26 June 2026, being the latest practicable date prior to the publication of this announcement.
|
"London Stock Exchange" | London Stock Exchange plc. |
"Notice of General Meeting" | the notice convening the General Meeting set out in the Circular.
|
"Noteholder" | the holder for the time being of the Convertible Loan Notes, being Ravensworth at the date of issue and thereafter any person to whom the Convertible Loan Notes have been validly transferred in accordance with the terms of the CLN Instrument.
|
"Ordinary Shares" | ordinary shares of £0.01 each in the capital of the Company. |
"Overseas Shareholders" | shareholders with registered addresses outside the UK or who are incorporated in, registered in or otherwise resident or located in, countries outside the UK.
|
"Panel" | the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers. |
"Pectan" | Pectan Holdings Limited, a company registered under the laws of Gibraltar with registration number 88668 and being the parent company of Ravensworth.
|
"Proposed Redemption Date" | the date specified in an Early Repayment Notice as the date on which the Company proposes to redeem the Convertible Loan Notes the subject of such notice.
|
"Proposed Refinancing" | the proposed CLN Issue and the proposed entry by the Company into, and initial funding under the ABL Facility.
|
"Qualifying Equity Fundraising" | means any placing, open offer, retail offer, offer for subscription, rights issue or other pre-emptive or non pre-emptive issue of Ordinary Shares by the Company for cash, which completes within five months commencing on the Completion Date, but excluding any issue of Ordinary Shares pursuant to the conversion of the Convertible Loan Notes in accordance with the CLN Instrument.
|
"Ravensworth" | Ravensworth (International) Limited, a private limited company registered under the laws of Gibraltar with registered number 88669.
|
"Ravensworth Concert Party" | each of Ravensworth and Pectan, who are treated as acting in concert for the purpose of the Takeover Code.
|
"Redemption Sum" | in relation to the Noteholder, a sum in pounds sterling equal to the aggregate of: (a) the principal amount outstanding of the Convertible Loan Notes; and (b) all interest accrued on such Convertible Loan Notes up to and including the date of redemption or the CLN Maturity Date.
|
"Registrar" | Equiniti Limited, Highdown House, Yeoman Way, Worthing, West Sussex, BN99 6DA.
|
"Regulatory Information Service" | has the meaning given to it in the AIM Rules for any of the services approved by the London Stock Exchange for the distribution of AIM announcements.
|
"Relationship Agreement" | the relationship agreement, conditional upon Completion, entered into on or around the date of this announcement between the Company and Ravensworth to regulate the ongoing relationship between Ravensworth and the Company post-Completion.
|
"Resolutions" | each of the resolutions which are set out in the Notice of General Meeting.
|
"Rule 9 Conversion Cap" | the restriction on the issue of Conversion Shares pursuant to the CLN Instrument, being the number of Conversion Shares in excess of which the Noteholder (together with any persons acting in concert with it) would hold 29.9 per cent. of the voting rights of the Company, as described in this announcement.
|
"Rule 9 Offer" | a mandatory offer under Rule 9 of the Takeover Code for the entire issued share capital of the Company not already held by the relevant person and any persons acting in concert with them.
|
"Rule 9 Waiver" | a waiver granted by the Panel dispensing with the obligation that would otherwise arise under Rule 9 of the Takeover Code to make a mandatory offer for the entire issued share capital of the Company not already held by the relevant person and any persons acting in concert with them, upon the Conversion of Convertible Loan Notes resulting in that person (together with any persons acting in concert with them) holding 30 per cent. or more of the voting rights of the Company. For the avoidance of doubt:
(a) the Panel has granted a Rule 9 Waiver in respect of the Ravensworth Concert Party pursuant to the Accelerated Rule 9 Waiver Procedure, as described in this announcement, and accordingly the Rule 9 Conversion Cap does not apply to prevent Conversion by the Ravensworth Concert Party provided that the Rule 9 Waiver remains effective; and
(b) any future Noteholder who is not a member of the Ravensworth Concert Party and who would, upon Conversion of the Convertible Loan Notes, hold 30 per cent. or more of the voting rights of the Company must obtain a separate Rule 9 Waiver from the Panel prior to any such Conversion taking place, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Takeover Code at the relevant time.
|
"Rule 9 Waiver Resolution" | an ordinary resolution on a poll at a general meeting of the Company approving a waiver of the obligation of the Ravensworth Concert Party to make a mandatory offer under Rule 9 of the Takeover Code, as more particularly described in the Notes on Dispensations from Rule 9 of the Takeover Code.
|
"Scale-Back Amount" | in respect of a Qualifying Equity Fundraising, an amount equal to the lower of: (a) £5,000,000; and (b) the actual gross proceeds received by the Company from such Qualifying Equity Fundraising. If no Qualifying Equity Fundraising is completed within five months of Completion, the Scale-Back Amount shall be zero.
|
"Scale-Back Redemption" | the mandatory redemption of Convertible Loan Notes by the Company in an aggregate nominal amount equal to the Scale-Back Amount, effected in accordance with the terms of the CLN Instrument.
|
"Scale-Back Redemption Date" | the date for redemption of the Convertible Loan Notes pursuant to a Scale-Back Redemption, being not less than five and not more than ten Business Days after the date of the Scale-Back Redemption Notice.
|
"Scale-Back Redemption Notice" | a written notice from the Company to the Noteholder notifying it of the Scale-Back Redemption, specifying the Scale-Back Amount and the Scale-Back Redemption Date.
|
"Senior Facilities Agreement" | the senior facilities agreement dated 9 November 2021 between Hero Acquisitions Limited (as parent), the Existing Lenders (as original lenders) and National Westminster Bank PLC (acting as agent and as security agent), as amended, restated, supplemented or novated from time to time, being the existing credit facility of the Group to be refinanced in full at Completion from the proceeds of the Proposed Refinancing, further details of which are set out in Section 2 of Part 1 of the Circular.
|
"Shareholders" | holders of Ordinary Shares from time to time. |
"Speedy Hire" | Speedy Hire plc, a public limited company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 00927680.
|
"Subscription Deed" | the subscription deed entered into on or around the date of this announcement between the Company and Ravensworth relating to the subscription for Convertible Loan Notes.
|
"subsidiary" | has the meaning given in section 1159 of the Act. |
"subsidiary undertaking" | has the meaning given in section 1162 of the Act. |
"Takeover Code" | the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers. |
"Term SONIA" | the FTSE Term SONIA reference rate administered by Refinitiv Benchmark Services (UK) Limited (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate) for a period equal in length to a relevant interest period under the CLN Instrument, published by Refinitiv Benchmark Services (UK) Limited (or any other person which takes over the publication of that rate). |
"TISE" | The International Stock Exchange. |
"UK" or "United Kingdom" | the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. |
"UK MAR" | Regulation (EU) (No 596/2014) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on market abuse as it forms part of domestic law in the United Kingdom by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.
|
"Unconverted Notes" | any Convertible Loan Notes held by a Noteholder that cannot be converted as a result of the Rule 9 Conversion Cap applying to that Noteholder, as described in this announcement.
|
"Underlying EBITDA"[2] | operating profit before depreciation, amortisation, interest and non-underlying items. For this purpose, depreciation includes the net book value of hire stock losses and write offs, and the net book value of other fixed asset disposals less the proceeds on those disposals.
|
"US Securities Act" | US Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time. |
"Voting Record Time" | 6.30 p.m. on the day which is two days (excluding non-working days) prior to the date of the General Meeting or, if the General Meeting is adjourned, 6.30 p.m. on the day which is two days (excluding non-working days) before the date of such adjourned Meeting. |
[2] NTD: Historic Underlying EBITDA included The Hire Service Company ("THSC") until its disposal on 17 November 2025. Continuing operations also excludes THSC and HSS Ireland which was sold in May 2025.
Follow the stocks