OUTLINE AND BACKGROUND

Ace Liberty & Stone is a UK-based property company.

After more than twenty years of successful UK property investment, buying and trading as well as building a portfolio for income and growth, acting both for himself and for a small clientele mainly based overseas, Ismail Ghandour had the idea of using his carefully honed skills and contacts to operate on behalf of a larger group of investors. This would enable funds to be raised on a more substantial scale and open a wider vista of opportunities.

With the help of Ivan Minter, an FCA with extensive and diverse experience in corporate financial management, sole practice, regulation, Ace Liberty & Stone was created with its office in London and floated in late 2007 initially on PLUS. Its shares are now listed on NEX.

Even with the adverse financial conditions resulting from the Great Recession of 2008, Ace Liberty & Stone has continued to prosper. The 2018 Annual Report shows how successful the company has been with sustained increases in its portfolio and associated rental income.

The company has not followed the London-centric bias of many property companies, preferring to focus on provincial UK cities and towns where available funding has supported the acquisition of more significant and substantial commercial properties mainly with higher grade tenants – or government or blue-chip.

With the support of a well-chosen network of agents and advisors, the Board maintains a careful watch on regional property markets and it is this diligence, wedded to its skill in creative property management – negotiating purchases, rentals, planning and disposals, that has enabled Ace to make strong returns and profits.

The Company’s dedication to shareholder value is evidenced by its having paid an increased dividend each year with a satisfying effect on share price. With effect from October 2018, dividends are being paid three times a year.

Underpinning all this successful activity in the UK property market is a strong infrastructure with reliable sources of finance. Early financial impetus was as a result of Dr Tony Ghorayeb, a longstanding friend, introducing investors through LiBank. Tony has since joined us as chairman.

Good working relationships with major UK banks also enable us to move swiftly into opportune deals.