BUSINESS LIVE: Currys sells Greek business;  Safestyle UK becomes ‘cash shell’; Wickes sees DIY dip

Wickes Group has reiterated 2023 guidance despite a 4.4 per cent dip in like-for-like sales within its do-it-for-me (DIFM) business during the third quarter.

The group told investors this was partially driven by ‘a more normalised order book’ compared to previous quarters, as well as ‘delays to delivered sales as a result of the transition to a new software solution fulfilling customer orders’.

Wickes said actions are being taken to resolve the issue, but admitted there will be ‘some impact’ on delivered sales in the final quarter of this year.

David Wood, CEO of Wickes, said:

‘Once again thanks to our amazing colleagues we have delivered a solid performance in a challenging market as we continue to deliver against our strategic growth drivers. In our Core business we have gained further market share and achieved a return to volume growth. We have fulfilled strong demand from our Trade customers and been encouraged by greater stability in DIY.

‘As we continue to rollout our programme of store openings and refits, I am confident that we have the right product offer and the most attractive locations – enabling us to deliver value for customers and shareholders.’

Safestyle UK has become a ‘cash shell’ after the glass company fell into administration earlier this week.

The group, which recently reported a £6.7million pre-tax loss, fell into administration after talks with stakeholders to strengthen its debt-laden balance sheet failed. Its failure will cost nearly 700 jobs.

Safestyle UK said this morning: ‘Upon the appointment of the administrators, Safestyle ceased to control and/or conduct substantially all of its business activities and assets and, as a consequence, Safestyle is now regarded as an AIM Rule 15 cash shell.

‘In light of such developments, the Directors are now taking legal advice and are likely to be required to place Safestyle into liquidation in due course.

‘As an AIM Rule 15 Cash Shell, Safestyle is required to make an acquisition, or acquisitions, which constitutes a reverse takeover under AIM Rule 14 or seek to become an investing company pursuant to AIM Rule 8 within six months from 30 October 2023, failing which its shares will remain suspended.

‘Given the liquidation process which is now expected to commence, Safestyle is not currently pursuing such a transaction and it is therefore anticipated that once liquidators have been appointed, the admission to trading on AIM of the Company’s ordinary shares will be cancelled.’

Shell will hand its investors almost £20billion this year in a share buyback and dividend bonanza despite a slump in third-quarter profits.

The gas and oil giant yesterday said it will buy back another £2.9billion of shares over the next three months as well as pay a 27p dividend for the third quarter.

That brings the total payouts planned for this year so far to a total of £19billion.

The bumper payday for shareholders sparked a backlash from unions who accused the firm of profiteering from high consumer energy bills.

Currys has agreed the sale of its Greek Kotsovolos unit to Public Power Corporation for an enterprise value of £175million in efforts slash debts and reduce its pension deficit.

Currys, whose shares have fallen 29 per cent over the last year, said the disposal will simplify its structure enabling it to focus on its larger markets of the UK and Ireland and Nordics.

The deal, expected to be about £156million after various costs, will also strengthen its balance sheet, increase flexibility to invest and grow the business, and improve shareholder returns.