Company Profile For Cookson Group Plc

Cookson Group plc is a materials science company that provides materials, processes and services to customers worldwide. The Company operates in three divisions: Ceramics, Electronics and Precious Metals. Trading under the Vesuvius and Foseco brand names, the Ceramics division is engaged in the supply of advanced consumable products and systems, and is a supplier of specialist ceramic products to the glass and solar industries. The Electronics division is a supplier of advanced surface treatment and plating chemicals and assembly materials. It comprises two product lines: Assembly Materials and Chemistry. The Precious Metals division is a supplier of fabricated precious metals (primarily gold, silver and platinum) to the jewelry industry. Products include alloy materials, semi-finished jewelry components and finished jewelry. On December 23, 2008, the Company disposed of its Hi-Tech Ceramic filters business (Hi-Tech) to companies owned by Sud-Chemie AG.

BRIEF: For the six months ended 30 June 2009, Cookson Group PLC's revenues decreased 12% to £929.4M. Net loss from continuing operations totaled £97.6M vs. an income of £48.2M. Revenues reflect an decrease in sales from the Electronics, Ceramics and Precious Metals segments of the Group. Higher loss reflects an increase in manufacturing costs, higher other costs and a rise in administration selling & distribution expenses.