Further re Ludowici offer

Further re Ludowici offer

THE WEIR GROUP PLC

29 February 2012

Weir applies for review of Australian Takeovers Panel decision

The Weir Group PLC ("Weir") has today submitted an application to the Review Panel of the Australian Takeovers Panel.  This follows the declaration made by the Initial Panel of unacceptable circumstances in relation to statements made by FLSmidth & Co ("FLSmidth") during its bid for Australian Exchange listed company Ludowici Limited ("Ludowici").  

Weir has carefully reviewed the Initial Panel's Determination and Orders. Weir believes it is appropriate to make submissions to the Review Panel that the initial Orders be set aside and that new orders be made to hold FLSmidth to its No Increase statement under the Australian "truth in takeovers" policy.

Weir is being advised by UBS and Freehills.  Weir will update its shareholders on material developments as appropriate.

Contact details:  The Weir Group PLC
Vicky Ferrier, Head of IR and Communications
Tel:  + 44 141 308 3782
Jonathan Milne, Communications ManagerTel:  + 44 141 308 3781 / + 44 771 378 9536
The Maitland Consultancy
Tel:  + 44 207 379 5151
Peter Ogden/Rowan Brown
Cosway Australia
Tel:  + 61 2 9929 8344
Ben Wilson
Tel:  + 61 407 966 083
Fleur Jouault
Tel:  + 61 405 669 632       

About Ludowici Limited

Ludowici was established in 1858 to provide equipment to the coal mining markets of Queensland Australia. The business manufactures and services a range of minerals processing equipment, including vibrating screens and feeders, centrifuges, classifiers and associated wear products including wear linings, screens media, seals and rubber products. Headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, Ludowici has over 20 locations globally including manufacturing facilities in Australia, India, China, Chile and the United States.  In the year to 30 June 2011, Ludowici reported revenues of A$211.9 million.

See www.ludowici.com.au for further information.

About Weir in Australia

Weir Minerals Australia employs around 1,300 people across 27 manufacturing, sales and service facilities across Australia. The business has revenues of approximately A$500 million, having grown by over 85% in the past five years including the acquisitions of Multiflo and Linatex.  

About The Weir Group PLC

Weir, a FTSE 100 company founded in 1871 and headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland, is a global provider of engineering solutions to the minerals, oil and gas and power sectors. Our commitment to engineering excellence, research and customer focus extends equipment wear life and operational capability in some of the world's most challenging environments.

Weir is committed to going where our customers go, with a worldwide network of more than 140 manufacturing facilities and service centres. The business has a presence in more than 70 countries, with over 13,000 staff around the world working in three divisions; Minerals, Oil & Gas and Power & Industrial. Weir's customer base includes the world's largest mining houses, major oil services businesses and nuclear and conventional power generation companies.

Annual revenues were more than £1.65 billion in 2010, of which more than half came from the provision of services and aftermarket support. Emerging markets contributed 39% of overall Group revenues.

Weir Minerals is the global leader in supply and service of slurry handling equipment to the minerals processing industry.  The division also produces a wide range of associated mill circuit and mine dewatering products, including cyclones, spools and wear resistant liners.  In 2010 the division, which has over 7,000 staff, reported revenues of £901 million.




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