Likewise Group has raised its full-year profit expectations following strong sales growth in 2026, while the acquisition of selected Headlam Group assets expands its distribution capacity and product portfolio.
Revenue rose 15.4% to £89.9m in the six months ended 30 June 2026, compared with £77.9m a year earlier. Underlying EBITDA increased 15.9% to £5.1m, while underlying profit before tax rose 79.5% to £1.32m. Gross margin improved by 0.8 percentage points to 32.1%.
Trading strengthened further in the third quarter, with sales revenue increasing 29.1% between 1 July and 25 September. Year-to-date sales were up 20.7%, prompting the board to forecast full-year underlying profit before tax of at least £5m, materially ahead of market expectations. This compares with £3.1m in 2025.
The group is also targeting revenue of £300m as it expands its distribution network and operating capacity. Its previous £200m revenue ambition is expected to be within reach during 2026, supported by continued investment in logistics facilities and stock availability.
On 7 October, Likewise announced the acquisition of selected assets from Headlam Group and HFD Limited for £14.9m plus VAT, following their entry into administration.
The deal includes Headlam’s freehold distribution centre in Thatcham, operating assets and inventory, as well as the trade, assets and intellectual property associated with Crucial Trading and Concept Flooring. Around 110 employees are expected to transfer to Likewise.
The acquisition adds distribution capacity and established flooring brands, while providing an opportunity to retain experienced staff and serve additional customers. However, the benefits will depend on integration and the group’s ability to manage the additional operations efficiently.
Likewise has also entered into a nine-month agency agreement to help the administrators sell Headlam’s remaining inventory through its distribution network. The arrangement includes temporary occupation of Headlam’s Coleshill site.
The acquisition was funded from existing cash resources following a £32.5m equity fundraising completed in July and August. Likewise expects the transaction to have a limited earnings impact in 2026, with a positive contribution anticipated from 2027.
Likewise Group PLC (LON:LIKE) is a distributor of floorcoverings and matting and has the opportunity to consolidate the domestic and commercial floorcovering markets to become one of the UK’s largest distributors in this sector.
