Highlights
Group Highlights
· A return to profitable growth with a 16% increase in operating profits to £108.4m
· Revenue and profit growth in all regions of Africa, Asia and Europe
· Post year end announcement of the acquisition of Australian baby food brand Rafferty's Garden for £42.2m in cash
· Commissioning of the palm oil refinery in Nigeria as part of the joint venture with Wilmar with a new consumer brand being launched
· Exchange of contracts for the sale of the Polish Home Care brands for £46.6m with completion expected shortly
· Supply chain optimisation project announced last year on budget and almost complete
· Group structure and systems project under way to optimise the Group's organisation design and IT systems for the future
· A return to a net funds position following strong cash flow from operations
· Total dividend increased 10% year on year marking the 40th anniversary of consecutive year on year increases
