After 10 successful years with Nichols plc, Brendan Hynes, Chief Executive Officer, has informed the Board of his intention to step down in order to pursue a non-executive portfolio career. He will continue in his role full time until the AGM on May 1, 2013 and will be available to help and support the business with the handover until the end of 2013. Marnie Millard will be appointed Chief Executive Officer with effect from May 1, 2013. Marnie is currently Managing Director of its Vimto Soft Drinks UK business and has more than 17 years experience in the soft drinks industry. Previously, she has held senior roles at Gerber Juice Company Ltd, Refresco Ltd. and Macaw Soft Drinks Ltd.

Nichols plc announced consolidated earnings results for the year ended December 31, 2012. For the year, the company reported revenue of £107,788,000, operating profit of £20,517,000, profit before taxation of £20,510,000, profit attributable to equity holders of the parent of £15,258,000 or 41.38 pence per diluted share compared to revenue of £98,912,000, operating profit of £18,149,000, profit before taxation of £18,105,000, profit attributable to equity holders of the parent of £13,326,000 or 36.25 pence per diluted share as for the same period prior year. Cash generated from operating activities was £12,724,000 as compared to £16,603,000 for the same period prior year. Acquisition of property, plant and equipment was £297,000 as compared to £302,000 for the same period prior year. The Board is confident that the Group is in a strong position to deliver further profitable growth in 2013 and beyond. The Board recommended a final dividend of 11.7 pence per share. This takes the total 2012 dividend to 17.32 pence compared to 15.30 pence paid in 2011, an increase of 13%. If approved, the final dividend will be paid on 3 May 2013 to shareholders registered on 2 April 2013; the ex-dividend date is 27 March 2013.

Nichols plc announced that they will report fiscal year 2012 results on Mar 07, 2013