Growth of revenues to £2,184m (up 6.3%) and profits £343m (up 2.2%) masked some tough conditions. In the chemicals and pharma division revenues edged forward 2% on a like for like basis and contribution was slightly down. Seven acquisitions in 2013 costing a total of £122m will provide a strong pipeline for 2014.
Cosmetic testing France was was a bright spot helping to counter extremely tough times in the general European chemicals and plastics markets. As a consequence there will be restructuring within this division with more focus on the profitable areas.
Dividend was increased 12.2% to 46p per share.