Building the foundations for global success.
Vislink’s management team has transformed the previously Irish listed conglomerate, Silvermines Group plc into a leading technology business with market leading companies operating in global markets, over the last 6 years. The key corporate events are set out below.
2007
A record year
Group operating profit reached £14.2 million on sales of £98.6 million. The acquisition of Western Technical Services in July 2007 establishes a US Services business. The Group continues to benefit from the US broadcast spectrum change and Hernis reports another year of growth. Sales for the year grew by 18% to £100.5 million with operating profit up 81% to £12.94 million.
2006
Another period of strong growth
In December, the Group enters the FTSE Small Cap index, with a market capitalisation of over £130 million. For the Half year to June, sales are up by 42% and profits by 146%. The Group delivers pioneering live HD coverage of two global events – the Turin Winter Olympics and the German World Cup finals. Group businesses win seven major broadcast awards, as well as new contracts from major defence contractors and continuing growth from the US broadcast spectrum reorganisation.
2005
Adding the missing Link
Wireless HD provider Link Research is acquired for £10.75 million in January, bringing ownership of the core IPR used in its broadcast products into the group. MRC’s strong growth continues, with over $65m of purchase orders as part of the US broadcast spectrum upgrade. Hernis benefits from the investment in Oil and Gas exploration and transportation. Overall, Group orders rise by 92% to nearly £100m, with profits of £8.35m.
2002-04
Laying the foundations for success
With the new focus on broadcast and marine CCTV, the Group’s UK businesses are consolidated into one operational site. A $59m contract to upgrade the infrastructure of Venezuelan state broadcaster VTV begins. In the US, non-core businesses are disposed of and MRC delivers back-to-back record years.
2001
Growth begins
In the US the analogue to digital switchover begins. MRC with its significant US broadcast market share benefits from this growth opportunity. The Group’s marine CCTV business Hernis starts its period of consistent growth.
2000
The Group takes shape
The Group acquires Advent Communications (£13.3m) and Microwave Radio Communications (£12.5m) in the first half of the year. Vislink plc is re-listed on London Stock Exchange and joins the TechMark index, maintaining a secondary Irish Stock Exchange listing.
1999
Vislink is formed
CEO Ian Scott-Gall is appointed in March by the Irish listed Silvermines Group to re-organise the business. Three non-core divisions and several other businesses are disposed, raising £28.1m to repay debt and to create an acquisitions fund. The Group is renamed Vislink Plc.
