REG-Hardide PLC Update and Strategic Review
Released: 01/05/2009
com:20090501:RnsA6203R
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RNS Number : 6203R
Hardide PLC
01 May 2009
Hardide plc ('Hardide' or 'the Company')
Update and Strategic Review
The Board of Hardide (AIM: HDD), the provider of unique metal surface
engineering technology, announces that constructive discussions continue with
the Company's major customers regarding the effects of the global economic
outlook on their production levels and resultant demand for Hardide's product.
As previously noted, there has been no reduction in sales as a result of
customer dissatisfaction with Hardide or its coating technology, and the Board
believes that the reduced level of ordering caused by the downturn in production
by its customers is affecting a number of similar suppliers operating in the
same market.
In light of the above, and as referred to the announcement of 3 March 2009, the
Group has now implementedsome cost reductions, which have included hibernating
the US plant and temporarily moving production back
to the UK.
Further, the Board is now undertaking a strategic review of the options which
may be available to the Group, which may include an equity fundraising or a
trade sale, and will provide a further update as soon as it is in a position to
do so.
For further information:
Hardide plc
Graham Hine, Chief Executive Officer Tel: +44 (0) 1869 353 830
Jackie Robinson, Head of Communications
jrobinson@hardide.com www.hardide.com
Seymour Pierce Limited
Nicola Marrin, Corporate Finance Tel: +44 (0) 20 7107 8000
nicolamarrin@seymourpierce.com
The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the information contained
in this announcement. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the Directors
of the Company (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the
case) the information contained in this announcement is in accordance with the
facts and does not omit anything likely to impact the import of this
announcement.
Seymour Pierce Limited ('Seymour Pierce'), which is regulated in the United
Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority, is acting for Hardide in relation
to the matters described in this announcement and is not advising any other
person, and accordingly will not be responsible to anyone other than Hardide for
providing the protections afforded to customers of Seymour Pierce or for
providing advice in relation to the matters described in this announcement.
Relevant Securities in Issue
In accordance with Rule 2.10 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, Hardide
confirms that it currently has in issue 189,642,236 ordinary shares of 1p each.
The International Securities Identification Number for Hardide's ordinary shares
is GB00B069T034.
Dealing Disclosure Requirements
Under the provisions of Rule 8.3 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the
'Code'), if any person is, or becomes, 'interested' (directly or indirectly) in
1% or more of any class of 'relevant securities' of the Company, all 'dealings'
in any 'relevant securities' of the Company (including by means of an option in
respect of, or a derivative referenced to, any such 'relevant securities') must
be publicly disclosed by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the London
business day following the date of the relevant transaction. This requirement
will continue until the date on which the offer becomes, or is declared,
unconditional as to acceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or on which
the 'offer period' otherwise ends. If two or more persons act together pursuant
to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire an
'interest' in 'relevant securities' of the Company, they will be deemed to be a
single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3. Under the provisions of Rule 8.1 of
the Code, all 'dealings' in 'relevant securities' of the Company by the offeror
or the Company, or by any of their respective 'associates', must be disclosed by
no later than 12.00 noon (London time) on the London business day following the
date of the relevant transaction. A disclosure table, giving details of the
companies in whose 'relevant securities' 'dealings' should be disclosed, and the
number of such securities in issue, can be found on the Takeover Panel's website
at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. 'Interests in securities' arise, in summary,
when a person has long economic exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to
changes in the price of securities. In particular, a person will be treated as
having an 'interest' by virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by
virtue of any option in respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities.
Terms in quotation marks are defined in the Code, which can also be found on the
Panel's website. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required
to disclose a 'dealing' under Rule 8, you should consult the Panel.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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