Highlights include:
Strong, double digit percentage increases at constant exchange rates in adjusted operating profit and adjusted earnings per share
Acquisition spend of £211 million on 17 acquisitions across all business areas; two further acquisitions announced today
Group operating margin up 20 basis points to 7.0%, with significant increases in Continental Europe and UK & Ireland
Return on average operating capital up 80 basis points to 57.7%
Another year of strong cash flow with operating cash flow† to adjusted operating profit* of 95%
22 year track record of strong dividend growth continues with an increase of 10%
Commenting on today's results, Michael Roney, Chief Executive of Bunzl, said:
"I am pleased to report that once again we have demonstrated the strength, resilience and reliability of our business model and strategy which together have delivered another excellent set of results at constant exchange rates.
We are announcing two acquisitions today and with a promising pipeline we expect to complete further transactions as the year progresses. This acquisition activity, together with the ongoing development of the underlying business, should lead to further growth in 2015."
