Trading Update

NMT Group PLC 18 January 2000 Trading Update NMT Group PLC ('NMT') announces today that it expects its loss for the year ended 31 December 1999 to be approximately £7.1 million, somewhat higher than market expectations. The loss includes the write-off of approximately £840,000 in respect of stock that had become obsolete largely due to the lack of sales. Revenues have grown more slowly than expected and are anticipated to be approximately £66,000 for the year. However, based on the cash resources of £8.9 million at the year end and the Company's internal sales forecasts, the Directors believe that the Company will be able to take advantage of the future sales potential without recourse to additional equity finance. The Company scaled down its production and sales and marketing efforts during the last quarter of 1999 as, following weak sales, it recognised that it was unable to supply the market's requirements for a broader range of products. With the introduction of product from the new multi-cannula automated assembly machine (see below), sales & marketing activity will shortly re-commence in anticipation of the availability of a full range of 3ml needle sizes to meet market demand. In addition, the Company is continuing to address the manufacturing challenges discussed at the time of the Company's interim results in September 1999. Production output from NMT's first automated assembly machine has been improved and further improvements are planned for 2000. In December 1999, the Company also took delivery of its second automated assembly machine, manufactured by Sortimat Automations GmbH. This machine, currently undergoing validation, incorporates many changes derived from experience with the first machine. It will be able to assemble 3ml syringes with a range of needle sizes, thus substantially expanding the Company's product portfolio. Validation of this machine is expected to be completed within the next few weeks. A further identical 3ml machine is due for delivery in the second quarter of 2000. In the same quarter the first assembly machine for 1ml safety syringes, also featuring a range of needle sizes, will be delivered from Mikron SA, Boudry. Combined annual output from the four assembly systems is eventually expected to exceed 180 million units. Work continues on the design and early development of a number of other products. In November, the Company was awarded a further £3 million in Regional Selective Assistance, payable over the next two years, subject to the Company meeting certain employment and capital expenditure targets in accordance with its business plan. The increasing adoption of safe needle legislation by individual states in the US, as well as the enactment of a safe needle regulation by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, continues to establish a favourable environment for the use of safety syringes. Following the recent expansion of the sales and marketing team in the US in anticipation of the introduction of a broader range of Zero Stik safety syringes, the Company is now well placed to exploit the market opportunity. In a separate announcement today, the Board of NMT has announced that Roy Smith, currently Chief Executive of Advanced Medical Solutions plc, has been appointed the Company's new Chief Executive Officer, replacing John Campbell who has retired from the Company for personal reasons. Dr. Roger Gilmour, Chairman of NMT, commented: 'With strong new management, a broader product range, the Company's production challenges in hand and continuing favourable movements in the vital US marketplace, NMT is well poised to move forward during the coming year.' Enquiries: NMT Group PLC Tel: 01506 445000 Dr. Roger Gilmour, Chairman Harry Bocker, Finance Director Financial Dynamics Tel: 0207 831 3113 David Yates / Sophie Pender-Cudlip
UK 100

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