Final Results

Porvair PLC 23 January 2002 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 23 January 2002 Contacts: Ben Stocks, Chief Executive Mark Moran, Group Finance Director Porvair plc today 0207 466 5000 at all other times 01553 761111 Charles Ryland/Catherine Miles Buchanan Communications 0207 466 5000 PORVAIR plc ('Porvair') PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2001 IN LINE WITH EXPECTATIONS Porvair, the materials science group, announces its preliminary results for the year ended 30 November 2001. KEY POINTS • Profit before tax, goodwill amortisation and exceptional items of £3.8m (2000 : £6.0m) after increased total R&D expenditure of £5.2m (2000 : £2.2m). • Excellent progress against 2001 strategic objectives - significant increase in R&D expenditure to develop fuel cell related materials; formation, through acquisition, of Porvair Filtration Group; substantial investment in core manufacturing facilities. • Strong contribution from acquired businesses of £2.3m before tax, goodwill amortisation and exceptional items, offset tough trading conditions for US based operations. • Substantial development grant from US Department of Energy endorsing innovative bi-polar plate for the fuel cell industry. • Strong net cash generation from operating activities of £11.4m (2000 : £8.9m) before capex, R&D expense and exceptional items. • Final dividend of 4.3p per share (2000 : 4.0p restated), making a total for 2001 of 6.7p per share (2000 : 6.3p restated). John Morgan, Chairman, said: 'Porvair has had a busy and successful 2001 and has made considerable progress against the strategic plan outlined a year ago. We are pleased to have made such progress despite challenging economic and trading conditions. We expect these difficult conditions to continue through 2002. However, the actions we have undertaken in prior years should equip us well to achieve both growth and a full research and development programme in the year ahead.' CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT 2001 has been a busy year for Porvair. Despite challenging trading conditions, particularly in the US, considerable progress has been made with the strategic plan outlined one year ago : • Research and development investment has increased substantially. The fuel cell materials development programme made a very encouraging start with significant milestones reached. • Investment in operational efficiencies continued, particularly in the simplification of our Membranes business. • A number of acquisitions were made, and the Porvair Filtration Group formed as a specialist microfiltration business. Integration is well advanced and initial results are good. The cost of these strategic developments was financed by a rights issue announced in May that raised £27.5m net of expenses. These changes have complicated the interpretation of the trading results; so to clarify the position the following summary is included : 2001 2000 Continuing activities Acquisitions Total £'m £'m £'m £'m Turnover 60.2 12.1 72.3 65.6 Operating profit before R&D expenditure, goodwill amortisation and exceptional items 7.5 2.7 10.2 9.1 R&D expenditure (4.8) (0.4) (5.2) (2.2) Operating profit before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items 2.7 2.3 5.0 6.9 The overall picture shows a strong start by our acquired businesses offset, as expected, by the impact of difficult trading conditions in the US (when compared with a strong 2000) and the anticipated profit reduction resulting from Membranes simplification. The research and development expenditure has increased substantially to £5.2m and this of course has an impact on Group profits. As explained one year ago, this expenditure is being made in the short term because we believe strongly that our fuel cell related materials technology can deliver significant future opportunities. Consistent with the strategic plan, and as outlined at the interim stage, we have incurred exceptional costs of £4.4m in 2001, primarily associated with the streamlining of the Membranes operation and the integration of acquired businesses. In part these moves have been made to optimise our cash generative capacity and operational efficiencies, and it is therefore encouraging to note that operational cash generation has been very strong. Before disbursements of research and development, capital expenditure, dividends, tax and interest Porvair generated £11.4m in cash (2000 : £8.9m). This feature of our business allows us to invest significantly in our future growth prospects. Earnings per share before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items were 7.8p (2000 : 13.2p restated). The Board is recommending a final dividend of 4.3p per share (2000 : 4.0p restated) which makes the total for the year 6.7p (2000 : 6.3p restated). On behalf of the Board, I want to thank all our employees for their exemplary commitment and to welcome new members of staff to Porvair. Their efforts are much appreciated and enable us to flourish across all the businesses. Porvair has had a busy and successful 2001 and has made considerable progress against the strategic plan outlined a year ago. We are pleased to have made such progress despite challenging economic and trading conditions. We expect these difficult conditions to continue through 2002. However, the actions we have undertaken in prior years should equip us well to achieve both growth and a full research and development programme in the year ahead. John Morgan, Chairman 23 January 2002 OPERATING REVIEW 1. Introduction to Porvair Porvair is a materials science company, specialising in : • Metals handling materials : Porvair Selee invented the ceramic foam filter, and leads the world in its application to aluminium. A wide range of porous and microporous ceramic technologies serve other metals industries. • Microfiltration materials and systems : Porvair Filtration Group is a specialist microfiltration business, expert in both filtration and filtration media. • Microporous membranes : Porvair Membranes make textiles and leather waterproof and breathable. Our polyurethane technology, which is both durable and soft, is unique in this field. • Microporous metals and carbons : Porvair Fuel Cell Technology is an R& D operation that is developing several Porvair materials for fuel cell component and allied applications. Our strategy continues to be the identification and development of materials technologies that display clear technical edge, strong market position and significant opportunities for profitable growth. Our objective for the medium term is to generate both profit growth and cash sufficient to support a full research and development programme. 2. Operations 2001 2001 was a transition year for Porvair in which we met our strategic and financial objectives notwithstanding a backdrop of difficult trading in our US markets - which represent 46% of our sales. Our metals handling business, Selee, is based in North Carolina, and 75% of its sales are in North America. After a strong 2000 sales fell back in 2001 by 19% on a like-for-like basis, primarily due to falling demand from the aluminium industry - whose own demand was down circa 20% in 2001. This cyclical swing was expected, and was professionally handled by the Selee management team who were not deflected from making strong progress in three areas central to Porvair's operating strategy : consistent new product development initiatives delivering growth into new market areas; operational efficiency investments, including a $2.6m manufacturing plant fully commissioned by the end of 2001; and the acquisition of Engineered Ceramics, a manufacturer of complementary molten metal handling products, whose integration was completed ahead of time and below budget. This operating strategy is working well. On a like-for-like basis compared with 1998 - a similarly soft year for aluminium markets - Selee net operating margins have improved by 41%. Our position in aluminium filtration, a market that is growing despite cyclical ups and downs, is strong; we have also found good growth in other areas of specialist metals handling. In 2001 our sintered materials operation became the vehicle around which, through acquisition, we built a microfiltration business - the Porvair Filtration Group. We believe this will prove a good strategic move for Porvair, combining the technical edge of our microporous materials, the excellent products and reputation of our new businesses; and the proven management track record of the team now running this enlarged operation. Progress in 2001 is covered in more detail in the Strategic Update section later in this statement. The Membranes business has been under new management for 18 months, and significant progress has already been made - again against a backdrop of difficult trading conditions in the US. As outlined one year ago we have been going though a simplification programme to focus this business on fewer products and technologies. We have done this in order to cast off older, mature technologies; to marshall our technical resources behind product lines with the best growth prospects; and to streamline operations. Around £3m of the exceptional charge taken this year is associated with this programme, mostly a non-cash asset write-down as equipment associated with discontinued products is written off. The short term effect has been to hold back profits for 2001 and will do so again in 2002, as we cut products and associated sales. The operational benefits are however already apparent. We have for example found a way to cut the number of base polymers five-fold. This reduces inventory and improves customer delivery performance - through the second half of 2001 customer delivery efficiency has been better than 98%, and inventory levels have fallen by 13%. In addition to our focus on operational efficiencies in the Membranes business, we have also taken a strategic interest in Sympatex, the leading waterproof/ breathable brand in German-speaking Europe. We expect that the combination of Sympatex's brand strength and Porvair's membranes technology will strengthen the competitive position of both Porvair and Sympatex. Early indications are that this will be the case, and we expect results to start to show through in 2002. These three operations : Selee, the Filtration Group and Membranes are the three main businesses in Porvair. Each employs more than 200 staff and have sales of £20-30m - all are profitable, are capable of good quality growth and generate cash. This also applies to our two smaller operations - Life Sciences and Ceramic Moulds. Both have performed well in 2001, Life Sciences in particular, and both have promising new product pipelines for the future. The activities of Porvair Fuel Cell Technology are covered in more detail later in the Strategic Update section of the statement. 2001 has been an exciting year for this R&D operation. We are assembling an increasingly impressive cadre of talented technical staff whose progress - both against technical development targets and in building commercial opportunities - have exceeded our expectations. We have also earned more related income than planned this year as funded development programmes and sample product sales have been generated by customers interested in our technology. We have established the capabilities of our new materials - their technical performance characteristics; and we have started the scale-up from laboratory to pilot scale. There is more to do in 2002, and full commercialisation is still some years away, but we are very satisfied with progress to date. STRATEGIC UPDATE 1. Strategic update - background One year ago we started a programme of change at Porvair. As set out in the 2000 report and accounts, we expected in 2001 to : • increase significantly R&D expenditure and so accelerate development in our fuel cell related materials. • strengthen our core businesses through acquisition. • carry through substantial investment and renewal programmes in our manufacturing operations. Our objective was to strengthen Porvair's capability of generating sufficient cash and profit growth over the medium term and fund a full R&D expenditure programme for our fuel cell related materials technologies. We are increasingly confident that these technologies have the potential to transform Porvair in years to come. Good progress has been made with this strategic plan in 2001, as explained in more detail below. Looking ahead, our plans for 2002 and beyond remain consistent with the strategy we laid out one year ago. Our fuel cell related materials remain an exciting prospect for Porvair, and we expect to sustain our expenditure in this area. We are of course conscious that this expenditure holds back Group profits, but believe strongly that the longer term interests of shareholders are best served by this R&D investment approach. Our core operations - Metals handling, Microfiltration and Membranes - will continue to see the levels of investment they have enjoyed in recent years. These operations are profitable, cash generative and have good growth capabilities. In the right circumstances further acquisitions are possible. So 2002 will be a year in which the changes started in 2001 continue. But our primary strategic goal does not alter : the identification and development of materials displaying clear technical edge; strong market position; and significant opportunities for profitable growth - whilst delivering profit growth and cash generation sufficient to fund fuel cell related R&D activities. 2. Strategic update - fuel cell related activity One year ago we announced a significant increase in our group R&D budgets. This investment started in early 2001, most of it going through Porvair Fuel Cell Technology in North Carolina. Progress has been encouraging. Our proprietary microporous ceramics and metals were 'laboratory-scale' 12 months ago and therefore the technical programme for the year included 14 specific projects concerned with various aspects of material characterisation and production scale-up. 12 of the original 14 projects were finished ahead of expectation; two changed during the year as priorities altered. Our pilot production facilities are now being installed and we have just received our first (albeit modest) commercial order for a specific porous metallic alloy. A number of academic papers have been published through the year, notably at the Grove Fuel Cell Symposium and the American Mechanical Engineering Society, details of which may be found at www.porvairfuelcells.com/whitep.htm. Increasingly we see opportunities both in the fuel cell market and in other areas, where the heat exchange, catalyst substrate or filtration characteristics of the materials are finding novel applications. One area where technical objectives have developed rapidly during 2001 has been with our microporous carbon technology, with which we are at the early stages of bi-polar plate development. Bi-polar plates are a component of PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cells, and our technology is being developed in conjunction with a major US fuel cell developer and the US Department of Energy ('DoE'). We are delighted to have secured a DoE grant - $6.1m on a cost shared basis - particularly as we did so against robust competition from other bi-polar plate developers. In the year ahead the development of our bi-polar plate will be one of six primary technical programmes. The other five cover production scale-up of porous metals; component design; catalysis applications; funded projects and new alloy development. 3. Strategic Update - Porvair Filtration Group '(PFG)' In 2001 we created a specialist microfiltration business. We combined our own sintered materials operation with four other microfiltration companies : Microfiltrex, Filters for Industry ('2FI'), MF&T and Vokes Microfiltration, all of which we acquired. PFG makes highly engineered speciality microfiltration products that are used in demanding environments. Key markets include aerospace, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. This new business is part owned, and is being managed by the team who founded and grew 2FI. Their track record for growth and innovation is strong, and is borne out by initial results which have been most encouraging with the integration programme well ahead of schedule. Duplicated costs have been eradicated swiftly; purchasing benefits have been found and continue to be sought; the advantages of distributing a larger product range through broader sales and distribution channels are starting to show through; and manufacturing efficiency benefits will accrue from mid 2002. Few companies in this market combine microfiltration expertise with microporous materials technology, and we expect the good start made in 2001 to continue in the years ahead. 4. Strategic update - Investment and renewal programmes for operational efficiency During 2001 Porvair has completed one significant capital investment programme at Selee and started a second in the Membranes operation. At Selee, new manufacturing plant was installed and commissioned. This equipment will handle approximately 40% of the factory output. It has lowered running costs and cut environmental emissions. In our Membranes operation our simplification programme has cut the number of products we make and sell. Cutting complexity improves customer service and inventory requirements are lower. The removal of older machinery enhances environmental compliance and reduces repair and maintenance costs. By the end of 2002, when the programme will be complete, the factory will be more efficient, more cash generative and will focus on those product lines that offer the best growth prospects. CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT For the year ended 30 November 2001 Continuing Acquisitions Before Exceptional Group Group Operations exceptional items 2001 2000 items restated Note £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Turnover Continuing operations (including share of joint venture) 60,247 12,020 72,267 - 72,267 65,613 Less : share of joint venture (808) - (808) - (808) (1,061) 1 59,439 12,020 71,459 - 71,459 64,552 Cost of sales (44,713) (7,677) (52,390) (2,608) (54,998) (44,292) Gross profit 14,726 4,343 19,069 (2,608) 16,461 20,260 Distribution costs (2,007) (919) (2,926) (507) (3,433) (2,092) Administrative expenses (11,950) (1,720) (13,670) (913) (14,583) (13,418) Group operating profit before goodwill amortisation 2,648 2,340 4,988 (4,028) 960 6,863 Goodwill amortisation 6 (1,879) (636) (2,515) - (2,515) (2,113) Group operating profit/(loss) before joint venture 769 1,704 2,473 (4,028) (1,555) 4,750 Share of operating profit in joint venture 40 - 40 - 40 35 Group operating profit/(loss) including joint venture 809 1,704 2,513 (4,028) (1,515) 4,785 Exceptional profit on part disposal in subsidiary undertaking - - - 90 90 - Interest payable (1,167) (92) (1,259) (425) (1,684) (877) (net) (Loss)/profit on ordinary activities before taxation (358) 1,612 1,254 (4,363) (3,109) 3,908 Tax on profit on ordinary activities 5 (1,186) 1,761 575 (2,438) (Loss)/profit on ordinary activities after taxation 68 (2,602) (2,534) 1,470 Equity minority interests (150) 9 (Loss)/profit attributable to shareholders (2,684) 1,479 Dividends (2,467) (1,723) Retained loss for the financial year (5,151) (244) Earnings per share - basic and diluted 2 (8.7)p 5.4p - basic and diluted 2 before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items 7.8p 13.2p Reconciliation of movements in equity shareholders' funds For the year ended 30 November 2001 GROUP 2001 2000 restated £'000 £'000 (Loss)/profit attributable to shareholders (2,684) 1,479 Dividends (2,467) (1,723) Retained loss for the year (5,151) (244) New share capital subscribed 27,569 121 Exchange differences (420) 270 Net increase in equity shareholders' funds 21,998 147 Opening equity shareholders' funds (restated) 41,335 41,188 (originally £43,643,000 (2000 : £42,866,000) restated for prior year adjustment of £2,308,000 (2000 : £1,678,000) Closing equity shareholders' funds 63,333 41,335 Statement of total recognised gains and losses For the year ended 30 November 2001 GROUP 2001 2000 restated £'000 £'000 (Loss)/profit attributable to shareholders (2,684) 1,479 Exchange differences on retranslation of net assets of subsidiary undertaking (420) 270 and foreign borrowings (3,104) 1,749 Prior year adjustment (2,308) - Total (losses)/gains recognised in the year (5,412) 1,749 BALANCE SHEET As at 30 November 2001 GROUP 2001 2000 restated Note £'000 £'000 Fixed assets Goodwill 6 35,940 18,599 Tangible assets 22,020 20,543 Investments Investments in joint venture : Share of gross assets 369 305 Share of gross liabilities (275) (250) 7 94 55 Investment in associated undertaking 7 2,192 - 60,246 39,197 Current assets Stocks 14,892 11,993 Debtors falling due after more than one year 3,247 1,447 Debtors falling due within one year 15,559 14,467 Cash at bank and in hand 2,548 856 36,246 28,763 Creditors Amounts falling due within one year (15,713) (13,179) Net current assets 20,533 15,584 Total assets less current liabilities 80,779 54,781 Creditors Amounts falling due after more than one year (10,346) (10,668) Provisions for liabilities and charges 8 (2,201) (2,742) Net assets 68,232 41,371 Capital and reserves Called up share capital 736 515 Share premium account 28,679 1,331 Other reserves 4,942 5,362 Profit and loss account 28,976 34,127 Total equity shareholders' funds 63,333 41,335 Equity minority interests 4,899 36 68,232 41,371 Approved by the Board on 23 January 2002 B D W Stocks, Director M Moran, Director CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT For the year ended 30 November 2001 Group Group Note 2001 2000 £'000 £'000 Net cash inflow from operating activities 9 4,882 6,758 Returns on investments and servicing of finance Interest received 25 26 Interest paid (1,100) (815) Exceptional finance costs (425) - (1,500) (789) Taxation UK corporation tax (paid)/refunded (830) 151 Overseas tax paid (649) (602) (1,479) (451) Capital expenditure Purchase of tangible fixed assets (3,233) (3,583) Sale of tangible fixed assets 16 80 (3,217) (3,503) Acquisitions Acquisition of associate investment (2,192) - Acquisition of subsidiaries (excluding (19,050) - overdraft acquired) (21,242) - Equity dividends paid (1,990) (1,670) Financing Issue of ordinary share capital 28,771 121 Expenses of rights issue (1,202) - Decrease in net borrowings 10 (1,198) (125) 26,371 (4) Increase in cash in the year 10 1,825 341 NOTES 1. Turnover and segmental analysis The analysis by geographical segment of the Group's turnover, operating profit and net assets is set out below : 2001 2000 By destination By origin By destination By origin £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 (a) Turnover by geographical destination United Kingdom 16,241 42,787 8,932 34,703 Continental Europe 11,559 - 12,000 - Americas 32,812 28,672 31,530 29,849 Asia 8,501 808 8,969 1,061 Australasia 596 - 679 - Africa 2,558 - 3,503 - 72,267 72,267 65,613 65,613 Less share of joint venture (808) (808) (1,061) (1,061) 71,459 71,459 64,552 64,552 (b) Operating profit United Kingdom 4,479 4,059 Americas 509 2,804 Operating profit before goodwill amortisation, exceptional items and share of joint venture 4,988 6,863 Goodwill amortisation (2,515) (2,113) Share of joint venture 40 35 Operating profit before exceptional items 2,513 4,785 (c) Net assets Net assets before goodwill and net borrowings : United Kingdom 32,620 21,991 Continental Europe 2,192 - Americas 6,837 10,741 41,649 32,732 Goodwill 35,940 18,599 Net borrowings (9,357) (9,960) 68,232 41,371 2. Earnings per share Year ended Year ended 30 30 Nov 2001 30 Nov 2000 restated (a) (Losses)/earnings per share (Losses)/earnings (£'000) (2,684) 1,479 Number of shares (weighted) 31,042,605 27,313,065 (Losses)/earnings per share (8.7)p 5.4p (b) Earnings per share before goodwill amortisation and exceptional charges Earnings (£'000) 2,433 3,592 Number of shares (weighted) 31,042,605 27,313,065 Earnings per share 7.8p 13.2p 3. Dividends The Board is recommending a final dividend of 4.3p per share (2000 : 4.0p restated) to be paid on 10 April 2002 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 15 March 2002. 4. Exceptional items As noted in the Interim results the group incurred operating exceptional charges during the period due to simplification of the membranes operation and in relation to the reorganisation of the newly created Porvair Filtration Group, following the acquisitions of Fairey Microfiltrex Limited and 2Fi Holdings Limited (see note 11). In addition there were significant costs incurred prior to the rights issue to provide financing for the acquisitions; there is also a charge for costs incurred relating to prospective acquisitions that were aborted. £'000 Simplification of the membranes operation : Fixed assets made obsolete and related costs 1,363 Inventory write-offs 852 Other costs 732 Reorganisation of Porvair Filtration Group 609 Financing costs 425 Costs of aborted acquisitions 382 4,363 5. Tax on profit on ordinary activities Group Group 2001 2000 £'000 £'000 UK corporation tax at 30% (2000 : 30%) Current period tax 320 870 Adjustments in respect of previous periods (502) - Total UK current tax (182) 870 Overseas tax payable 113 824 Total current tax (69) 1,694 Deferred tax (506) 744 Tax on (loss)/profit on ordinary activities (575) 2,438 6. Goodwill Group Group 2001 2000 £'000 £'000 Cost At beginning of the year 30,322 30,322 Additions 19,884 - At end of the year 50,206 30,322 Amortisation At beginning of the year (11,723) (9,610) Charge for the year (2,515) (2,113) Other (28) - At end of the year (14,266) (11,723) Net book value At end of the year 35,940 18,599 The additional goodwill for the year relates to acquisitions described in note 12. 7. Fixed asset investments 2001 Investment in Investment in associated Permair Austins undertaking joint venture £'000 £'000 At 1 December 2000 - 55 Share of joint venture profit during year - 40 Additions 2,192 - Exchange - (1) At 30 November 2001 2,192 94 On 21 March 2001, the Group purchased a 25% interest in Sympatex (incorporated in Germany) for Euro 1.7million (including expenses) and provided a loan of Euro 1.2million on which interest is receivable at a commercial rate. The investment will allow Porvair's membrane technologies to share in the brand recognition and marketing strength of Sympatex. The Group has a 50% interest in the ordinary shares of a joint venture called Permair Austins Limited, a company based and incorporated in Hong Kong. The company was established to manufacture enhanced leather to satisfy our customers' demands for a locally produced quality product and to take advantage of this large and growing market. During the year ended 30 November 2001, the group made sales on an arms length basis to Permair Austins Limited of £345,000 (2000 £589,000). In addition the group guarantees 50% of their borrowings up to a maximum of £200,000. 8. Provisions for liabilities and charges As explained in the interim results the Group has implemented the new Financial Reporting Standard for Deferred Tax ('FRS 19'). As this is a change of accounting policy it has resulted in a prior year adjustment to the results previously published for 2000. Under FRS 19 the Group now provides for deferred tax on a full provision basis. 2001 £'000 Balance at beginning of the year as previously stated 434 Prior year adjustment 2,308 Balance at beginning of the year as restated 2,742 Profit and loss credit (506) Acquisitions (35) Balance at end of the year 2,201 9. Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities 2001 2000 £'000 £'000 Group operating profit including joint venture before exceptional 2,513 4,785 items Goodwill amortisation 2,515 2,113 Depreciation 3,222 2,938 Loss on sale of fixed assets 116 58 Increase in stocks (1,068) (586) Decrease/(increase) in debtors 514 (2,115) Decrease in creditors (1,485) (400) Share of joint venture profit (40) (35) Net cash inflow from operating activities before 6,287 6,758 exceptional items Exceptional items (1,405) - Net cash inflow from operating activities 4,882 6,758 10. Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net borrowings 2001 2000 £'000 £'000 Increase in cash in the year 1,825 341 Decrease in borrowings 1,198 125 Change in net borrowings from cash flows 3,023 466 Translation difference (17) (929) Movement in net borrowings in the year 3,006 (463) Acquired companies (2,403) - Opening net borrowings (9,960) (9,497) Closing net borrowings (9,357) (9,960) 11. Analysis of net borrowings 01/12/00 Cash flow Acquired Other Exchange 30/11/01 Companies non-cash movement £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Cash in hand and at bank 856 1,739 - - (47) 2,548 Overdrafts (23) 86 (63) - - - 1,825 (63) - (47) Borrowings due after 1 year (10,668) 1,019 (739) 42 - (10,346) Borrowings due within 1 year (125) 179 (1,601) (42) 30 (1,559) 1,198 (2,340) - 30 Total (9,960) 3,023 (2,403) - (17) (9,357) 12. Acquisitions The Group has made several acquisitions during the year. On 27 February 2001 Selee Inc. purchased the assets of Engineered Ceramics in Gilberts, Illinois. The Porvair Filtration Group ('PFG') was formed in the UK by grouping the assets of Porvair Technology Limited with those of Microfiltrex Limited (purchased 27 March 2001) and 2Fi Holdings Limited ('2Fi', purchased 2 May 2001). The owners of 2Fi acquired a 21% interest in PFG as part of the transaction. Microfiltrex 2Fi Holdings Other Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Net assets acquired : Fixed assets 806 1,424 570 2,800 Stock 1,856 1,067 579 3,502 Debtors 1,507 1,563 479 3,549 Creditors (1,113) (1,031) (228) (2,372) Provisions (104) (418) - (522) Overdraft - (63) - (63) Loans - (840) - (840) Total book value 2,952 1,702 1,400 6,054 Provisional fair value adjustments: Stock (515) - (34) (549) Fair value of net assets acquired 2,437 1,702 1,366 5,505 Purchase cost : Cash (12,822) (1,005) (4,459) (18,286) Shares - (4,839) - (4,839) Loan notes - (1,500) - (1,500) (12,822) (7,344) (4,459) (24,625) Costs of acquisition (303) (146) (315) (764) Total purchase cost (13,125) (7,490) (4,774) (25,389) Goodwill arising on acquisition (10,688) (5,788) (3,408) (19,884) 13. Accounts The foregoing statements do not constitute the Group's statutory accounts. The Group's 2001 statutory accounts, on which the Company's auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, have given an unqualified opinion in accordance with Section 235 of the Companies Act 1985, are to be delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The Group's 2000 statutory accounts have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

Companies

Porvair (PRV)
UK 100

Latest directors dealings