Strong sterling and BSE hit H&C feed sales

10 September 1997

Strong sterling and BSE hit H&C feed sales

The continuing impact of BSE on UK cattle feed sales and sterlings strength on the malts business more than halved interim operating profits at Harrisons & Crossfields food and agriculture division to £7.7m.

Total pre-tax profits at the underperforming conglomerate slid to £38.6m from £64m. This included a £17.9m contribution from the sale of the Papua New Guinea plantation business.

It said it was willing to break itself up in a bid to reverse the alarming
decline in its share price. Its food and agriculture business could be among
those sold.