Company News in Brief

Year ended 31 December

Sykes-Pickavant, the hand tool maker, reported a fall in pre-tax profits to pounds 629,000 ( pounds 731,000). Turnover rose from pounds 18.2m to pounds 18.7m. Earnings per share improved to 6.23p (5.25p). Final dividend is 1.75p, making 4p, down from 5.75p previously.

Erith, the builders' merchants, incurred a pounds 600,000 pre-tax loss (profit pounds 24,000), caused by the sharp decline in demand for building materials in general. Group sales eased from pounds 67.5m to pounds 66.3m. Loss per share is 0.82p (earnings 0.09p).

Other

Foreign & Colonial Pacific Investment Trust declared a 1.2p final dividend, making 1.95p (1.75p) for the year to 31 January. Net asset value per share is 251.2p (232.2p).