What your competitors don't want you to see!

Encouraged by low interest rates and the need to gain a competitive edge, 24 per cent of the top 352 companies in the business are now faced with severe commercial disadvantage. Debt is threatening their survival and exposing them to competitors as potential acquisition opportunities.

86 of the top 352 companies have seen their total debt position increase by almost 93 per cent. Over the last three years, debt has risen to such an extent that it now accounts for almost 14 per cent of total sales, severely compromising levels of profitability.

Interest payments are consuming nearly all the profits and forcing 21 of these companies into loss. If interest rates rise, this weight of debt will become an increasing burden and adversely affect the ability of these companies to manage their repayments.

Plimsoll senior analyst David Pattison commented: "Our analysis exposes company myths where they exist in the industry. I think people will be surprised and alarmed by what is revealed."

*"What Your Competitors Don't Want You To See" is available for £305 from Plimsoll Publishing on 01642 626400 or www.plimsoll.co.uk Readers of Security Installer can claim a 5 per cent discount on the above price.