Hunting plc announced the appointment of Ben Willey as Company Secretary with immediate effect. Peter Rose relinquishes as planned the role of Company Secretary and continues with his responsibilities as Finance Director of the Company.

Hunting plc is seeking acquisitions. Hunting said that its balance sheet continues to strengthen, net assets are now in excess of GBP800m, providing a sound financial base from which to support further expansion through organic and acquisitive growth.

Hunting plc announced consolidated earnings results for the year ended December 31, 2012. For the year, the company reported revenue of £825.8 million against £608.8 million a year ago. Profit from continuing operations was £85.9 million against £41.0 million a year ago. Profit before tax from continuing operations was £80.7 million against £38.8 million a year ago. Profit for the year from continuing operations was £62.8 million or 40.0 pence basic and diluted per share against £31.5 million or 20.3 pence diluted per share a year ago. Profit attributable to owners of the parent was £128.9 million or 86.3 pence diluted per share against £79.1 million or 56.5 pence diluted per share a year ago. Net cash inflow from operating activities was £104.8 million against £30.3 million a year ago. Purchase of property, plant and equipment was £44.6 million against £37.8 million a year ago. Purchase of intangibles was £1.5 million against £0.3 million a year ago. EBITDA was £154.3 million against £102.5 million a year ago. Total net debt was £163.8 million against £218.4 million a year ago. Underlying profit from operations was £128.8 million against £81.0 million a year ago. Underlying profit before tax was £123.6 million against £79.8 million a year ago. Underlying diluted earnings per share was 57.5 pence against 38.7 pence a year ago. Capital expenditure was £61.6 million against £58.0 million a year ago. Underlying profit from continuing operations increased by £47.8 million, from £81.0 million in 2011 to £128.8 million in 2012 with £35.2 million resulting from the year on year effect of acquisitions made in 2011. A final dividend of 14.0 pence per share has been proposed by the board, amounting to an estimated distribution of £20.4 million. The proposed final dividend is subject to approval by the shareholders at the annual general meeting to be held on April 17, 2013 and has not been provided for in the financial statements. Payable date was July 1, 2013 to shareholders on the register on June 14, 2013, giving a total of 18.5 pence for the year, a 23% increase.