G4S to restart dividend next year

SECURITY giant G4S has said it will resume paying shareholders a dividend, as it tries to fend off a hostile takeover bid.

The company said it is confident it can reach revenue growth of between 4 per cent and 6 per cent every year, with a profit margin of 7 per cent in the medium- term, if it is allowed to continue as an independent business.

It promised to resume the dividend in “2021 and beyond”. The board of G4S is trying to convince shareholders they will be better off sticking with the current leadership, and keeping their shares, than selling up to rival Gardaworld.