Settlement talks between electronic monitoring group Big Technologies and its founder Sara Murray have collapsed, meaning the AIM-listed company will continue legal proceedings against her. The company stated on Monday that mediated discussions concluded without an agreement, though a settlement remains its "preferred outcome" should new talks emerge.
This breakdown follows Murray's attempt three months ago to remove four directors at the annual general meeting, where one non-executive director was ultimately voted off the board. Murray, who owns approximately a quarter of the company, was removed last year after Big Technologies accused her of concealing beneficial ownership interests and forging documents related to a share restructuring before its 2021 flotation. Murray has denied these allegations.
Despite the ongoing legal dispute, Big Technologies has reported a return to statutory profit. The company recorded an operating profit of £9.1m for the six months to June, a reversal from a £27.1m loss in the same period last year. Revenue increased to £26.9m from £24.8m, supported by new contracts in the Americas and Europe. The firm also generated £9.6m in free cash flow, up from £6.7m a year earlier.
Big Technologies also settled separate litigation with former shareholder Buddi in January for £38.5m, paying £33.4m towards this in the first half. Cash reserves decreased from £96.7m to £67.1m over the year, while exceptional legal cash costs fell to £2.6m from £5.3m.