Strong H1 reinforces story

ESL’s pre-close update confirmed the company traded in-line with expectations in the first half and continues to do so going into the second half. H117 sales grew 13% to £287m with a modest expansion in operating margins despite a challenging economic and political backdrop. Integration of the iForce acquisition continues and management highlighted the potential for cost and revenue synergies. In addition, ESL acquired 50% of Speedy Freight, a B2B express freight service provider. CEO Alex Laffey said he remains confident of meeting market expectations for the full year and once again highlighted E-commerce, Manufacturing, Industrial and Bulk as key end-markets for the group.