Reorganisation benefits Acatris parent

Company results continue today with the Dutch Royal Schouten Group (RSG) - comprised of the four divisions Acatris, Orffa, Schouten Products and Nutrilab - reporting a strong financial performance for 2002, benefiting from the completion of an extensive reorganisation of the company.

Company results continue today with the Dutch Royal Schouten Group (RSG) - comprised of the four divisions Acatris, Orffa, Schouten Products and Nutrilab - reporting a strong financial performance for 2002, benefiting from the completion of an extensive reorganisation of The Netherlands-based company.

In 2001 RSG restructured, merging four of its food and health ingredients businesses - Daminco, Orffa Health & Nutrition, Schouten USA and SoyLife Nederland - to form Acatris.

"The past year was a transitional year for all divisions with the Royal Schouten Group," commented Prof Dr Bert Piëst, CEO of RSG. "The reorganisation and consequently the focus on the RSG's spearheads as well as the divestments of the non-core activities contributed substantially to the results of 2002."

Net result for the year rose 21 per cent from €4.7 million in 2001 to €5.7 million in 2002. Total turnover of the group reached €353 million, lower than the previous year, but operating and net result both grew in 2002 by 8.5 and 21.1 per cent amounting to €9.5 million and €5.7million respectively. RSG's return on investment rose to 24 per cent in 2002 compared to the 21.8 per cent in 2001.

Active in the markets for ingredients and additives for human and animal health and nutrition, Bert Piëst this week confirmed RSG's commitment to a leading position in these markets. "Our European sales network in the feed markets and our strong niche positions in the food markets are an excellent platform for further sustainable and profitable growth," he concluded on Wednesday.