Press Release - Tunstall

HG Capital Trust PLC 14 June 2005 The following is the text from a press release issued by HgCapital, which manages the investment portfolio of HgCapital Trust plc alongside those of other clients. HgCapital Trust plc, a quoted investment trust that participates in all HgCapital's investments, will realise a total of £16 million from its investment in Tunstall, an uplift of £4.4 million against the latest published net asset value at 31st May 2005. The estimated impact of the realisation on the net asset value of HgCapital Trust plc would be 17p per share. HgCapital sells Tunstall for £225 million £136 million returned to clients over five years London, 14 June 2005. HgCapital, a sector-focused European private equity investor, has sold Tunstall Holdings Limited, Europe's leading manufacturer and provider of personal and home reassurance telecare products, to Bridgepoint for £225 million. HgCapital completed the £102 million management buy-out of Tunstall in 1999. Under HgCapital's ownership, Tunstall has expanded its activities in every major European market as well as North America and Australasia. This focus on new markets together with improved manufacturing processes and quality has resulted in a doubling of profits since acquisition, from £9 million to £18 million, representing an annual year-on-year growth of 15%. Turnover has increased 56% to £78 million. In 2004 the company was recapitalised, allowing £26 million to be returned to clients. Following the sale, HgCapital's £51 million investment will have returned a total of £136 million, representing 2.8 times original cost and an IRR of 22%. A further £3.3 million is dependent on current year performance. Lindsay Dibden, Head of HgCapital's healthcare team, commented: 'Tunstall is now an exceptional business, poised to benefit further from the clear recognition that telecare is the most cost-effective solution to the reassurance needs of the elderly. The business has developed new products, expanded internationally and improved operations, and is now the leading European player in the sector. After five years working alongside Tunstall's management, we are delighted to be able to sell such a strong business.' James Buckley, Managing Director of Tunstall, commented: 'Tunstall has benefited considerably from the investment of HgCapital. Their hands-on approach combined with their deep understanding of the sector, has contributed to the strong global growth of the business. We look forward to working alongside our new investors equally successfully.' - ends - For further information contact: HgCapital Lindsay Dibden +44 (0)20 7089 7980 lindsay.dibden@hgcapital.net Maitland Neil Bennett +44 (0)20 7379 5151 nbennett@maitland.co.uk Peter Ogden pogden@maitland.co.uk This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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