Grampian profit dips

Exceptional restructuring costs of pounds 3m took pre-tax profits at Grampian Holdings from pounds 11.3m to pounds 5.6m in 1993, writes Diane Coyle.

Sales fell 4 per cent to pounds 139m, although turnover at continuing businesses held steady.

The diversified group reorganised its pharmaceuticals division, which makes vaccines and sheep dip, with the closure of two factories and the loss of 120 jobs. The division's profits were almost unchanged at pounds 5.6m. Safety concerns led the Government to stop making dipping compulsory two years ago. However, new safety procedures and the rising number of cases of sheep scab helped orders.

The sporting goods division made losses of pounds 398,000. Grampian has sold the licence to market its Patrick football gear outside the US and UK to LJO International.

Grampian merged its Woollen Mills retail business with Edinburgh Woollen Mills in return for 25 per cent of the enlarged company. Operating profits more than doubled to pounds 1.6m. The transport division nearly doubled its profits, to pounds 2.7m. The shares closed down 2p at 167p.