Group4 Securicor hails merger success

Group4 Securicor highlighted the success of its merger almost two years ago by adding 21% to the size of its annual dividend today.

The group increased the payout to 2.24p a share after completing the integration of Securicor with Danish rival Group 4 Falck following a tie-up in July 2004.

Profits for last year were up 16% to £254m (€379m) – ahead of City expectations - while the company said it was confident of further progress this year.

Investors cheered the performance and the dividend award, with shares up by more than 2% following the results from the group, which has more than 400,000 staff and operates in more than 100 countries.

Growth was strongest in the cash services division – including cash transportation and outsourced ATM work – while in manned security the company said it faced challenges in some of its European markets.

Chief executive Nick Buckles said: “Whilst there are some businesses which require added focus to bring them in line with group targets, overall trading is going well and we are confident this will continue into 2006 and beyond.”