7th Mar 2013 07:00
7 March 2013
Fenner PLC ("Fenner")
Pre-Close Trading Statement
Fenner PLC today provides an update on trading for the six months ended 28 February 2013. The Group expects to report its half year results on 24 April 2013.
Trading in the second quarter of the financial year has been in accordance with management expectations.
Our ECS business in Australia enjoyed strong trading during the first quarter but saw lower demand and the anticipated price pressure from the mining industry through the holiday period in our second quarter. In North America, while demand from the coal industry across the period was below historic levels, some early but encouraging signs of improved activity have been evident in recent weeks. Elsewhere in this division, trading is robust and progress has been achieved in expanding our product range and our presence in emerging markets.
Our Advanced Engineered Products division has performed well in challenging traditional markets whilst making progress in new applications and emerging markets. We have seen some higher order levels in many business units as customers re-stock and position for recovery although it is too early to establish trends at this stage.
The four bolt-on acquisitions (American Industrial Plastics, Norwegian Seals, Mandals and Australian Conveyor Engineering), which were completed in the first quarter, are performing well during these initial months of ownership. Prior acquisitions, some of which are part owned, continue to perform strongly.
Net borrowings are approximately £175m after acquisition payments of approximately £60m, seasonal outflows and adverse exchange rate movements.
As the Group enters the second half of its financial year, we are well positioned to respond to generally improving demand drivers and now look forward to continuing to make progress through our traditionally stronger trading period.
- Ends -
For further information please contact:
Fenner PLC | 01482 626501 |
Nick Hobson, Chief Executive | |
Richard Perry, Finance Director | |
Weber Shandwick Financial | 020 7067 0700 |
Nick Oborne / Stephanie Badjonat |
Notes to editors:
Fenner PLC is a leading global provider of local, engineered solutions for performance critical applications. The group operates through two divisions:
Engineered Conveyor Solutions. The ECS division, trading under the Fenner Dunlop, Fenner and Dunlop brand names, is a recognised leader in the global conveying market. The division offers a unique, comprehensive suite of products and services, which cover the conveying needs of mining, power generation and bulk handling markets.
Advanced Engineered Products. The AEP division excels at solving customers' most challenging application problems. Drawing from an unprecedented array of polymer, elastomer and textile technologies, the division routinely develops innovative performance- critical components for OEM customers in markets from underground oil exploration/mining to satellites/aircraft, speciality off-road vehicles to implantable medical devices, and from bank note dispensers to wind turbines. The Division's trading names are recognised globally and include Hallite, CDI Energy Products, EGC Critical Components, FAST, Fenner Precision, Fenner Drives, James Dawson, Secant Medical and Xeridiem.
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