Nichols increases full-year divi

VIMTO-maker Nichols is to pay a second interim dividend of 8.1p instead of declaring a final payment.
 
This will give shareholders a total payout for the year of 12.15p a share, up 9% on last year.

The company said the increase indicated the confidence the board has in the business and also reflected a strong performance last year.

The firm, which also makes Sunkist and Panda drinks, bought the dispense drink business of Yorkshire firm Ben Shaws in January.

At the time Nichols said it had continued the “positive momentum” from a 28% rise in sales during the first half of the year.
 
Newton-le-Willows-based Nichols will announce results for the year on March 24.