Acquisition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 26 JULY 2005 CHEMRING GROUP PLC ACQUIRES ENERGETIC MATERIALS BUSINESS Chemring Group PLC ('Chemring') announces that it has entered into a binding agreement to acquire Comet GmbH, Pyrotechnik-Apparatebau ('Comet'), a subsidiary of Diehl Stiftung & Co KG, for a cash consideration of €9.6 million (£6.7 million). The acquisition is expected to complete in August or September 2005, subject to regulatory approval. Description of the business and reasons for the acquisition Comet, based in Bremerhaven, Germany, manufactures and supplies a range of military and marine pyrotechnics. In the year to 31 December 2004, the sales of Comet's military and marine pyrotechnics business were €16 million and the operating profit was €0.7 million. At 31 December 2004, Comet had net assets of €6.1 million. Comet's military pyrotechnics, which include a range of innovative battlefield simulation products, complement those sold by PW Defence Limited, a Chemring subsidiary based in Derby, UK. Comet's marine pyrotechnic products are complementary to the range of SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) approved marine pyrotechnics currently produced by Chemring. The acquisition strengthens significantly Chemring's ability to compete in these market areas, particularly in Europe, and is expected to be earnings enhancing in the first full financial year post-completion.* Principal terms of the acquisition The consideration of €9.6 million will be paid in cash, utilising increased bank facilities. The consideration will be subject to adjustment depending on the net assets of Comet at completion. It is anticipated that, following fair value adjustments by Chemring, the net assets of Comet will be valued at a level not substantially different to the consideration. Commenting on the acquisition, David Price, Chief Executive of Chemring, said: 'The acquisition of Comet will substantially enhance our position in both the military and marine pyrotechnic markets. This valuable addition to our Energetic Materials division offers an attractive opportunity to consolidate some of our global production activities, and to generate good volumes and market-related synergies. It represents an important initial step in our strategy to establish ourselves as a leading player in the Energetic Materials market.' * 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 Jonathan Rooper Cardew Group 0207 930 0777
UK 100

Latest directors dealings