Final Results

Viking Internet PLC 23 July 2001 VIKING INTERNET PLC PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2001 VIKING INTERNET PLC EXECUTIVE REVIEW The company's first period Accounts have been adversely affected by the turbulent market conditions in the technology sector (TMT). When the company was formed in February 2000 to take advantage of TMT opportunities in the Nordic region, the market in technology related shares was extremely buoyant. The company had already made significant investments prior to its admission to the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in May 2000. Subsequently the TMT suffered significant falls. The Board believed this gave the company significant opportunities to take advantage of investing in situations at more realistic values than previously available. As a result, the Board made certain investments in the summer of 2000, under the advice from the investment committee. For example, one of the first investments made was in Boxman. At the time of the investment, it was anticipated that this company would be floated on a listed market within a short period resulting in returns to shareholders. In September 2000, the market became aware that Boxman was in serious financial difficulty. It has subsequently gone into liquidation. At that time it became clear to the Board that the fall in the TMT markets was not temporary and as a result the company's business model was no longer adaptable to market sentiment. Ms Erin Harrell resigned in October 2000. In November 2000, in order to preserve shareholder value the Board resolved to examine alternative opportunities for the use of the shareholders' funds. In addition, Mr Erik Wachtmeister, the company's Executive Chairman stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and agreed to continue as Non-Executive Chairman without pay. Furthermore it was agreed to close the company's Swedish subsidiary company, Viking Internet AB since this was no longer required. In December 2000, the Board entered into discussions with Drax Holdings in order to make a strategic investment in that company by means of a cash and share swap. Although Heads of Agreement were in place, the Directors ultimately took the view that the transaction was not in the best interests of shareholders, and negotiations were terminated in February 2001. Financial Position In common with investors in the high tech sector, the company has suffered from the continued fallout and lack of secondary finance in the TMT sector. As a result the Board has taken the prudent view to fully write down all the investments previously made, which reflects current market sentiment and the lack of liquidity in the unquoted investments held. VIKING INTERNET PLC EXECUTIVE REVIEW (Continued) The results for the period show a loss of £2,128,624 including provisions and write-offs against investments of £1,874,619. Subsequent to the year-end, Sunvest Corporation Limited, a company quoted on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) controlled by Mr Bruce Rowan acquired a strategic stake. Mr Malcolm Burne joined the Board on 25 May 2001 as Executive Chairman, to assist in redirecting the company's activities. Mr Erik Wachtmeister stood down as Chairman but remains on the Board with principal responsibility to monitor the company's Nordic investments. Messrs William Dartmouth and Hans von Schreeb retired as directors on 25 May 2001 and we thank them for their services. Mr Henry Bellingham MP has agreed to continue in office. The Board is currently looking for opportunities to restore shareholder value. In the meantime the Board intends to use a portion of the remaining funds in the quoted investments sector. In addition to reflect the change in the company's emphasis a Resolution will be put to shareholders at the EGM to change the name of the company to White Knight Investments Plc. NATHAN STEINBERG Finance Director Enquiries: 020 7436 6667 23 July 2001 VIKING INTERNET PLC PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT Period from 25 February 2000 to 31 March 2001 2001 £ Administrative expenses - (operating loss) (300,564) Amounts written off investments (1,633,134) Loss on disposal of fixed asset investments (241,485) ------------ (2,175,183) Interest receivable 46,559 ------------ Loss on ordinary activities before taxation (2,128,614) Tax on loss on ordinary activities - ------------ Loss for the financial period £(2,128,624) ============= Loss per ordinary share - basic (1.86p) VIKING INTERNET PLC BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2001 2001 2001 £ £ FIXED ASSETS Investments 9 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank 759,177 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (61,655) ---------- 697,522 ---------- Total assets less current liabilities 697,531 ========== CAPITAL AND RESERVES Share capital 1,300,000 Share premium account 1,526,155 Profit and loss account (2,128,624) ------------ 697,531 ============ VIKING INTERNET PLC CASH FLOW STATEMENT Period 25 February 2000 to 31 March 2001 Notes 2001 £ CASH FLOW STATEMENT Net cash outflow from operating activities (238,909) Returns on investments and servicing of finance 46,559 Capital expenditure and financial investment (1,874,628) ------------ (2,066,978) Financing - issue of share capital 2,826,155 -------------- Increase in cash 759,177 ==============
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