Merrydown Share Discussion Threads

[gateside] 29/11/2004 16:29

Nigel Freer, chief executive of Merrydown PLC, was
tight-lipped on the possibility of the company succumbing to a takeover bid.
The company, which markets the Shloer and Merrydown Vintage cider brands,
had announced on Nov 10 it was in discussions which could lead to an offer.
Today it said takeover talks remain at a "very early stage" and reiterated
there is "no certainty" a formal offer will result.
Freer refused to elaborate, maintaining: "I'm absolutely sworn to secrecy."
The suitor remains a mystery although AG Barr PLC, Britvic (owned by
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC and Allied Domecq PLC), Interbrew SA,
SABMiller PLC and Premier Foods PLC have all been talked about as possible
bidders, as has private equity.
Freer's reticence came as Merrydown reported widening interim pretax losses
but a swing to its first profit at the operating level for four years.
For the six months to Sept 30 the company made a pretax loss of 1.3 mln stg
compared to a loss of 75,000 stg last time.
Exceptional costs of 2.2 mln stg were taken in relation to the closure of
the Horam cider works. Because of this no interim dividend was proposed.
Turnover increased 8 pct to 8.88 mln stg, with Shloer turnover up 14 pct
compared to growth of 6 pct for the total adult soft drinks market, and turnover
of Merrydown Vintage up 15 pct in a declining overall UK cider market.
Merrydown made an interim operating profit of 0.78 mln stg compared to an
operating loss of 0.10 mln stg last time.
At the end of the half Merrydown had net cash of 1.86 mln stg, up from 1.68
mln stg.
"The company's transformation into a focused brand development company nears
its completion and we look forward with enthusiasm to tackling the important
Christmas period," said Freer.
Next spring Merrydown will launch its first new product for six years to
complement its Shloer, Merrydown Vintage, Posh Squash and Sorelle brands.
"We've come up with what we think is a very attractive and catchy brand
name," said the chief executive, but he wouldn't say what it is.
At 3.17 pm shares in Merrydown were unchanged at 126-1/2 pence -- a five
year high -- valuing the company at 27.3 mln stg.

[gateside] 26/11/2004 10:25

Results out on Monday

[ntv] 21/11/2004 19:34

i hear more than one party interested

[gateside] 11/11/2004 15:16

EIRE: C&C not in talks with Merrydown - report
11 Nov 2004
Source: just-drinks.com editorial team




The Irish drinks and snack food group C&C is not in discussions to acquire the UK cider maker Merrydown, according to press reports.

The Irish Independent today (11 November) quoted sources close to the company in its report.
Merrydown announced yesterday that it was in talks which may lead to an offer. However, the group did not name any company.

"C&C would not comment yesterday but it is understood the Maurice Pratt-led group has no interest in Merrydown, which generates most of its sales from soft drinks and sells much of its cider at a discount," The Independent story said.

[barnetpeter] 10/11/2004 22:28

Well done all - your patience is rewarded. Never did manage to get back in this one.

[gateside] 10/11/2004 22:01

Interesting link to C & C Group who are interested in bidding for Merrydown

[daza70] 10/11/2004 19:36

DL - lol! Ive had this for so long, the day i finally sell it moves big time!

[davidlloyd] 10/11/2004 18:36

daza75,

Agreed - just funny to see share price action straight after your post. Good luck with MRG.

DL

[ntv] 10/11/2004 17:03

nice tick up today

[daza75] 10/11/2004 16:25

doh - profit is a profit patience is a virtue! lol

Gonna put everything into MRG for 2005. Target 70p

[davidlloyd] 10/11/2004 15:07

daza75,

DOH!

[gateside] 10/11/2004 14:48

10 November 2004


For immediate release


Merrydown plc ('Merrydown' or 'the Company')


Further to the recent share price movement, the Board of Merrydown confirms that
it is currently in discussions which may or may not lead to an offer for the
Company. These discussions are at an early stage and there is no certainty that
a formal offer will result.

Shareholders are recommended to take no action at this stage. A further
announcement will be made in due course.

The Board of Merrydown is being advised by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

[daza75] 10/11/2004 10:47

sold - putting some more into MRG

[daza75] 10/11/2004 10:03

Excellent - Christmas will be good this year!

[gateside] 10/11/2004 08:51

A little bit of background to the Irish C & C Group


Irish cider could sparkle in Britain
By Harry Wallop (Filed: 12/10/2004)


Pub drinkers in Britain are to be introduced to the delights of Magners next year, a premium, packaged, apple-based long alcoholic drink - posh bottled cider, to the uninitiated.



C&C, the Irish drinks and snacks group, claims to have revolutionised the cider market in Ireland and is keen to do the same in Britain.

Maurice Pratt, chief executive, says that a move into Northern Ireland and a trial in Scotland has convinced him English drinkers are ready. "I know people think that cider is drunk by vagrants behind the school yard, swigged from two-litre bottles. But in the last 10 years we have transformed the product."

Magners, or Bulmers as it is known in Ireland, is served in bottles alongside a pint glass with ice in it. Punters "perform the pouring ritual themselves," says Mr Pratt. This gimmick has helped C&C win a 10pc share of the beer, cider and alcopop market in Ireland, and a 5pc share in Northern Ireland. Analysts reckon the assault on England stands a good chance.

Liam Igoe, at Goodbody Stockbrokers in Dublin, says: "Bulmers is absolutely at the top end of the market. About a month ago, after a round of golf, I noticed 12 of the 20 drinkers at the clubhouse's bar were drinking the stuff."

C&C was reporting maiden interim results following its flotation in London in May. Half-year pre-tax profit increased 60pc to 24.4m, on turnover down 2pc to 386m.

[ntv] 10/11/2004 08:51

bid talk sounds good to me

[gateside] 10/11/2004 08:30

LONDON (AFX) - Buyers pursued Merrydown, 5-1/2 pence better at 108, amid talk that the cider maker could be a takeover target for Irish drinks company C&C Group.

[ntv] 10/11/2004 08:29

nice break up today

[gateside] 10/11/2004 08:18

This has taken off this morning...

There has been no news so can only assume that it has been tipped, or some BIG buys that have yet to be reported.

[daza70] 04/11/2004 22:14

my pick for 2005 in Mercury Recyling, a small recycling company with legislation on its side! I hope this performs as well as our stocks mentioned!

Also sticking with sgi, myw, ffy, hrn, all from a while back! solid stuff

[gateside] 04/11/2004 20:34

Hi daza70... good to know that you are still around and holding some MYW

I still have a number of shares in MYW and FFY, which have done very well, but have sold my holding in SGI.

I like WYN and RNSM for 2005.

Good Luck with your investments.