Family Zone (ASX:FZO) share price climbs 17% on UK acquisition

UK expansion through acquisition has Family Zone investors excited…

| More on:
Child wearing a space helmet and sitting with thumbs up next to two toy rockets on a desk with a computer, keyboard and mouse.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Family Zone Cyber Safety Ltd (ASX: FZO) share price is soaring higher today after resuming trade. This follows the cyber safety company entering a trading halt on Friday with the announcement of a $142 million acquisition.

Since returning to trade, investors have been buying into the company. At the time of writing, the Family Zone share price is swapping hands for 70.5 cents, up 17.5%.

The company's ambitious acquisition is worth nearly half the current value of Family Zone which has a market capitalisation of $294 million.

Let's check out the details.

Expanding abroad

On Friday, Family Zone revealed it had executed a binding agreement to acquire United Kingdom (UK)-based digital safety solution provider Smoothwall.

The company is the UK's leading provider of monitoring and filtering products to the education sector.

Smoothwall services approximately 38% of the UK's education market. To detail the extent of its market presence, it currently provides services to more than 12,400 schools and 6 million students.

This translates into A$30 million of annual recurring revenue and a pro-forma earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of roughly A$7 million for the last financial year.

Family Zone believes the acquisition of Smoothwall creates "…the world's most compelling K-12 digital safety solution incorporating Family Zone's fast-growing Linewize K-12 solutions, Family Zone's parental controls, and Smoothwall's scale and world-leading solutions".

Accompanying the acquisition announcement was the reveal of a A$146.4 million capital raise to fund the attainment at 55 cents per share.

This would be comprised of a fully underwritten institutional placement of A$71 million and a non-renounceable entitlement offer of A$75.4 million.

As of today, we now know Family Zone has been successful in raising $114.1 million through the institutional offer. Subsequently, the retail offer is aiming to deliver another $32.3 million in capital. The retail offer will open to investors on 11 August 2021.

What's next for Family Zone and its share price?

The retail portion of the capital raise will close on Friday 20 August 2021. Following this, the announcement of the retail raising outcome will be made on 25 August.

Additionally, It is worth noting that shareholders will experience a significant share dilution.

With roughly 266 million new shares on issue, this would represent more than a 60% increase in shares outstanding. There is potential that such dilution may put downward pressure on the Family Zone share price.

Finally, in Family Zone's recent June quarter results, the company outlined strong momentum for its immediate future. This is largely driven by the sales cycle and US funding. However, positive regulatory changes are also expected to act as tailwinds.

Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Gainers

The silhouettes of ten people holding hands with their arms raised against the sky, as the sun rises or sets in the background.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors enjoyed another strong session this Thursday.

Read more »

Ecstatic woman looking at her phone outside with her fist pumped.
Share Gainers

Why ANZ, CBA, Northern Star, and Origin Energy shares are charging higher today

These shares are catching the eye with strong gains on Thursday. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Two friends giving each other a high five at the top pf a hill.
Share Gainers

The ASX 200 is back over 9,000 points! It's thanks to just 2 ASX shares

These two stocks have been driving the whole market...

Read more »

A group of happy young people watching sport on a laptop celebrate, indicating a win for sports betting bluebet
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a happy hump day for investors.

Read more »

Three rockets heading to space
Share Gainers

These 3 ASX 200 shares have had a stellar month. Is there more upside to come?

3 ASX 200 mining shares have surged over the past month. Can the rally continue?

Read more »

Three businesspeople leap high with the CBD in the background.
Share Gainers

Why AGL, CBA, Domino's, and James Hardie shares are jumping today

These shares are catching the eye on hump day. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A woman's hand draws a stylised 'Top Ten' on a projected surface.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

ASX investors just pared back yesterday's explosive rise.

Read more »

A young woman drinking coffee in a cafe smiles as she checks her phone.
Share Gainers

Why Elevra Lithium, Pro Medicus, Sims, and Treasury Wine shares are roaring higher

These shares are having a better day than most on Tuesday.

Read more »