Electricals giant AO plans to raise £40million after shares slump

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

An extra £40m is being sought by Bolton-headquartered AO after its share price slumped over the last two days. Shares in the online electricals retailer have been on a downward spiral since 7am on Monday after it emerged that credit insurer Atradius had cut cover for the firm's suppliers.

Credit insurance protects suppliers against the risk of retailers collapsing before payment for goods is made, and, without this cover in place, suppliers often demand upfront payments, increasing cashflow woes. READ MORE: Sales surge at fashion brand I Saw It First worn by Love Island hopefuls and Molly-Mae Hague In response, AO has announced plans to launch a capital raise for new and existing shareholders, which will include placing for small retail investors, in order to boost its balance sheet.

In a statement issued to the London Stock Exchange, AO said that while it is "cash generative", the fundraise will "increase the company's liquidity back to historic levels...

strengthen the balance sheet for suppliers and provide the flexibility to capitalise on market opportunities". AO added that it continues to "rationalise, simplify and refocus its UK operations" as it looks to save around £25m by 2024-25, while setting itself a target to grow revenues by at least 10% a year.