Dispute Settlement

ANDREWS SYKES GROUP PLC 30 July 1999 Andrews Sykes agrees settlement of pumps dispute Andrews Sykes announces that it has settled the damages claim against it by Sterling Fluid Products Ltd for breach of a supply agreement concerning Sykes Pumps. In terminating the agreement in 1995, Andrews Sykes re- acquired the exclusive rights which had been granted to SFP by Andrews Sykes' previous management to use the Sykes Pumps name in the USA, Iran and Iraq and the sole right to market Sykes pumps in those territories. The settlement and related costs will give rise to a one- off exceptional charge of £1.4 million before tax in Andrews Sykes Group's accounts for the current year. Mr J G Murray, chairman of Andrews Sykes said: 'We are pleased to have reached a settlement of this dispute, removing a significant contingent liability from the accounts. But more importantly for the future of Andrews Sykes' business, we are delighted to have re-gained sole right to use the Sykes name worldwide, including the USA, one of the world's largest markets for pumps. Since regaining that right we have made significant progress in establishing our own foothold in the US. It has also allowed us to set up much more cost effective and flexible sourcing for the pumps '. Note to editors: In 1989, prior to the present management, Andrews Sykes had granted Sterling Fluid Products Ltd the right to manufacture Sykes pumps and the right to market them exclusively in the USA, Iran and Iraq and, on a non- exclusive basis, outside Europe and the Middle East. This has now been terminated. For further information Simon Harbridge Andrews Sykes Group Tel: 01902 328700 Issued by John Goold Shandwick International Tel: 0171 329 0096
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