Acquisition(s)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 30 MARCH 2007 CHEMRING GROUP PLC ACQUISITION OF SIMMEL DIFESA S.p.A. Chemring Group PLC ("Chemring" or "the Group") announces that it has today acquired the entire issued share capital of Simmel Difesa S.p.A.("Simmel") for a total consideration of €77 million (£52 million). Description of the business and reasons for the acquisition Simmel, based in Colleferro, Italy, is a key supplier of energetics sub-systems, such as fuzes, safety and arming systems, warheads and modular charge systems, for major ammunition prime contractors around the world. The company is also a specialist manufacturer of medium and large calibre ammunition, rockets and illumination mortar rounds for a substantial number of NATO and non-NATO armed forces. Simmel has a second site at Anagni, Italy, where it has a specialist facility for the disposal of ordnance at the end of its operational life. In the year ended 31 December 2006, Simmel reported an audited profit before tax (before non-recurring costs of €0.6 million (£0.4 million)) of €9.1 million (£6 million) on turnover of €42.5 million (£29 million). Gross assets as at that date were €40.8 million (£28 million). The acquisition is expected to enhance Chemring's earnings in the first full financial year post-completion.* The acquisition of Simmel supports the Chemring strategy for the development of its Energetics business in both the munition and explosive ordnance disposal markets. It provides an extensive range of munition sub-system technologies and capabilities, visible and IR illumination mortar products as well as an excellent medium calibre system integration capability. These will all enhance the scope of our long term collaborations with the leading ammunition prime contractors. In addition, Simmel also brings access to some important geographic markets, particularly Italy, India and South America. Principal terms of the acquisition The consideration of €77 million (£52 million) was satisfied by the issue of 373,551 new Chemring ordinary shares and a balancing cash payment of €67 million (£45 million). The cash payment was funded with new bank facilities. €5 million (£3 million) of cash was acquired with Simmel, producing an enterprise value for the business of €72 million (£49 million). Commenting on the acquisition, David Price, Chief Executive of Chemring, said: "The acquisition of Simmel is another important step in the planned development of our Energetics business. The company provides a substantial enhancement to our system integration and core sub-system technologies, and will play a major role in the development of our long term partnerships with the major munitions prime contractors." Paul Rayner, Finance Director of Chemring, added: "The acquisition price of €77 million (£52 million) represents an historic post-tax price earnings multiple (excluding non-recurring costs) on an enterprise value of €72 million (£49 million) of approximately thirteen times. We have funded the acquisition utilising new medium term loan facilities, and whilst the acquisition will increase gearing in the short term, the cash generated by the enlarged Group will reduce debt levels during 2007." * This statement should not be taken to mean that the earnings per share of Chemring will necessarily match or exceed the historical reported earnings per share of Chemring and no forecast is intended or implied. For further information: Dr David Price Chief Executive, Chemring Group PLC 01489 881880 Paul Rayner Finance Director, Chemring Group PLC 01489 881880 Rupert Pittman Cardew Group 0207 930 0777
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