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GB exploiting a global identity crisis

The identity intelligence specialist is expanding its capabilities and global reach
June 7, 2017

Chris Clark, newly appointed chief executive of GB Group (GBG), highlighted the group's investment programme as the key driver of its March year-end figures, but the identity intelligence specialist delivered another creditable operating performance.

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The group increased revenue by 19 per cent, marking the fourth consecutive year of double-digit organic growth, while the adjusted operating profit of £17m represented a 27 per cent increase on the comparable period in 2015-16. The underlying margin increased by 110 basis points on the back of a more favourable business mix, and comparable earnings received a boost from some weighty tax credits arising from historical and current patent awards.

The IDscan Biometrics business, acquired midway through last year, has already scored significant new customer wins and its technologies are now being integrated into the group's other products and services. And GB capabilities have been augmented through a post-period-end deal to acquire Postcode Anywhere (Holdings) Ltd - a leading provider of UK and international address validation services, which effectively provides a commercial route into an addressable market valued at over $1bn (£769m).

In addition to expanding its capabilities, GB continues to broaden its geographic reach, with operations across the Asia Pacific region benefiting from the tie-up with the Development Bank of Singapore, and in Europe and South Africa through its commercial arrangements with BNP Paribas. International revenues now account for just under a third of the group total, and we expect that figure to ratchet up as the group is now able to offer a suite of identity protection products.