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Pretoria Portland Cement Company Limited - Chairman's Statement

Release Date: 25/01/2002 16:13
Code(s): PPC
Wrap Text
Pretoria Portland Cement Company Limited
25 January 2002
Outlook

Trading for the first quarter is ahead of last year and the Company is still expecting to report modest growth in operating profits and operating cash flows in 2002.
In line with its strategy, the Company is currently evaluating offers for its investments in Natal Portland Cement Company Limited and Ash Resources (Pty) Limited. These transactions will not materially affect earnings per share.
I have nothing (further) to add to my Chairman's Review in the annual financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2001 published late last year. Special resolution The following special resolution was passed :
a. The directors of the company were authorised to acquire from time to time issued shares on the ordinary share capital of the company on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa 'open market' at a price no greater than 10% above the weighted average of the market value for the securities for the five previous business days immediately preceding the date on which the transaction was agreed or at a bid price no greater than the current trading price of the share; and the purchase by any of the company's subsidiaries of shares in the company in the manner contemplated by and in accordance with the provisions of section 89 of the Companies Act, 1973, and other provisions which may be applicable.
b. The authorisation granted in terms of (a) above shall remain in force from the date of registration of these special resolutions by the Registrar of Companies until the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the company and, in any event, no later than 15 months from the date on which they were passed.
c. The repurchase by the company of its own securities in terms of (a) above may not exceed 20% of the company's issued ordinary share capital in the aggregate in any one financial year or in the case of acquisition by any of the company's subsidiaries, 10% of the issued ordinary share capital in the aggregate.
d. The company's intention regarding the utilisation of the authority in terms of (a) above, is to utilise surplus cash available from time to time to repurchase shares in the company with the aim of increasing shareholder value. Auditors
The Chairman advised, "KPMG have advised the Company that they will not be standing for reappointment as our external auditors.
This concludes a long and happy association with KPMG, one which commenced with the appointment of Aiken & Carter as auditors of PPC on 21 November 1913. After a series of mergers Aiken & Carter subsequently merged with Peat Marwick Mitchell in 1987 and the combined firm then became KPMG. We at PPC would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to KPMG both for their professionalism and their support over all these years." Deloitte & Touche, currently the worldwide auditors of Barloworld Limited, have been appointed as auditors of PPC, with the necessary resolution having been passed. Ends Issued by:Andrea Visser Meropa Communications Tel:(011) 772-1000 On behalf of:PPC Contact:John Gomersall Tel:(011) 488-1700 Sponsor Broker:Cazenove Contact:Gina Gibson Tel:(011) 2807906

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