Lawrence PLC
01 April 2004
This replaces RNS Number 2078X released at 8.26 a.m. and amends the headline
only.
LAWRENCE PLC
Lawrence sells Interpet
Disposal of Interpet
Lawrence plc has exchanged contracts to sell the business and assets of
Interpet, its pet products division to Central Garden & Pet Company of
Lafayette, California ('Central'). The parties have also executed a letter of
intent for Central to acquire the business of Lawrence's US subsidiary, Aquarium
Products. The total cash consideration will be, in aggregate, approximately
£15.8 million.
Lawrence is disposing of Interpet with effect from 31 January 2004 and Central
will therefore own it with effect from 1 February 2004. The disposal of Aquarium
Products is with effect from 1 April 2004. Completion on both disposals is
expected within the next few days. The final consideration will depend on the
sterling dollar exchange rate ruling at completion.
Interpet is an operating division of Lawrence plc and therefore no separate
audited results are available; the pro forma consolidated pre tax profit of the
businesses being sold for the 12 months to 31 January 2004 (the last date for
which management accounts are available), was £2.0 million and the total assets
are close to £12.0 million.
Peter Lawrence, Chairman of Lawrence plc commented:
'We are delighted to announce this transaction. We acquired Interpet in 1995 and
it has grown strongly under our ownership; we wish the management and staff
further success in the years ahead.
The sale reflects our clearly defined and well-known strategy of wanting to
focus more actively on our fast growing animal health and additives businesses.
The proceeds of this sale will be used principally to invest in these businesses
and also, in due course, to acquire the 50% of ECO Animal Health Ltd that we do
not already own, subject to their shareholders' agreement, thus re emphasising
our commitment to our core business'
1 April 2004
Contacts:
Peter Lawrence
Chairman, Lawrence plc
020 8336 2900
Anthony Spiro
Spiro Financial
020 8949 0428
Philip Davies
Charles Stanley & Co. Limited
020 7953 2000
Lawrence plc is a leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of
principally specialist chemical and pharmaceutical products for the animal
health and farming markets worldwide. Our products for these growth markets
incorporate natural ingredients to promote well being and sustainability. We
achieve our financial goals through the careful and responsible application of
science to generate value for our shareholders.
Our corporate web site www.lawrenceplc.com includes our press releases together
with general information about the company and its subsidiaries. Each subsidiary
also has a web site, which gives further information about that business and its
products.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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