Highlights
- GBG’s H1 revenue reaches GBP 135.5m, reflecting 1.8% constant currency growth.
- Americas Identity segment shows early subscription gains amid turnaround efforts.
- Acquisition of DataTools adds AUD 16.0m scale in Australia and New Zealand.
GB Group Plc (LSE:GBG), a global identity technology business, reported first half revenue of GBP 135.5m for the six months ending 30 September 2025, compared with GBP 136.9m in the prior year. On a constant currency basis, this represents growth of 1.8%. The performance reflects two short-term factors: a prior-year comparative in the Identity segment due to high transaction volume for Santander's UK consumer bank, and the planned retirement of GBG’s legacy Compliance platform. Adjusted for these impacts, underlying revenue growth was approximately 4%.
Identity Platform and Americas Focus
GBG Go, the Group’s identity platform launched on 1 April, has contributed to new client wins and growing interest from existing customers, including a major European fintech. The Americas Identity business remains a key focus, with steps taken to improve the go-to-market team and increase committed subscription revenues. Sales in the channel partner business continue in the Government and travel/border control sectors.
Transformation and Cost Management
The Group continues to implement its transformation strategy, maintaining cost discipline while reinvesting savings from simplification and efficiency into core initiatives. Costs of approximately GBP 2.0m were recorded in H1 for transformation projects, including the implementation of a single global CRM platform. These will be treated as exceptional costs, along with expenses related to the upcoming transition from AIM to the Main Market.
Shareholder Returns and Acquisition
GBG announced the acquisition of DataTools Pty Ltd, an address validation and data quality provider in Australia and New Zealand, for AUD 16.0m (GBP 7.9m). This adds scale in a region where GBG is already operating. Additionally, the Group repurchased and cancelled 7.9 million ordinary shares at a total cost of GBP 19.7m, with GBP 15.3m remaining under the current share repurchase programme, set to continue until 30 November 2025. Net debt as of 30 September 2025 stood at GBP 65.8m, with undrawn debt facilities of around GBP 85m.
CEO Commentary
Commenting on the results, Dev Dhiman, CEO, said:
"The Board and I are pleased with the operational execution delivered in the first half, underpinning our confidence into the second half of the year. We successfully delivered our financial plan for the first half and taken together with the strength of our current sales pipeline for the remainder of the year, GBG is well positioned to accelerate growth in the second half and achieve our revenue outlook for the full year consistent with current market expectations."
Share Performance
The company is currently trading at GBX 244.65 slightly up by 0.89% from its previous close of GBX 242.50