Disposal
May 06 2003 - 2:01AM
UK Regulatory
6 May 2003
CHRISTIAN SALVESEN - CONDITIONAL SALE OF GERMAN BUSINESS AGREED
Following a review of certain of the Group's operations earlier in the year and
the statement issued on 16 April 2003, Christian Salvesen PLC (the "Group")
announces that it has agreed to sell its German industrial logistics business
for a nominal consideration to its Managing Director for Germany, Mr Torben
Sigenstr�m. The sale is subject to conditions that include approval for the
assignment of certain customer contracts and the German statutory requirement
for employee endorsement of the transaction. It is expected that the sale will
be completed by mid May 2003.
The Group's accounts for the year to 31 March 2002 include turnover of �45.9
million in respect of the German business and an operating loss of �5.2 million
before exceptional items and goodwill amortisation of �17.3 million. The cash
outflow for the German business for that year was �7.5 million, before capital
investment and disposals. The business currently has net assets of
approximately �19 million and the Group expects to take an exceptional charge
on sale of approximately � 9.6 million in the year to 31 March 2003. A further
exceptional charge on sale of approximately �10.4 million will be taken in the
year to 31 March 2004.
Christian Salvesen remains committed to providing in-market network coverage of
Germany as part of its European strategy. This will be delivered through
arrangements with the business being sold and through strategic alliances and
partnerships.
- Ends -
Enquiries:-
Christian Salvesen PLC 01604 662600
Edward Roderick, Chief Executive
Peter Aspden, Finance Director
Frances Gibson-Smith, Investor Relations
Hogarth Partnership Limited 020 7357 9477
John Olsen
Tom Leatherbarrow 07770 272 082
END