/raid1/www/Hosts/bankrupt/TCREUR_Public/050831.mbx
T R O U B L E D C O M P A N Y R E P O R T E R
E U R O P E
Wednesday, August 31, 2005, Vol. 6, No. 172
Headlines
F R A N C E
* Cheap Chinese Imports Killing Local Shoemakers
G E R M A N Y
ALTUS HANDEL: Falls into Bankruptcy
AUTOHAUS BECKER: Under Bankruptcy Administration
BTU SILOTRANSPORT: Creditors Meeting Set October
CARISMA-CENTER GMBH: Proofs of Claim Due Next Month
CROMONT BAUMANAGEMENT: Frankfurt Court Appoints Administrator
DE-AL-BAU GMBH: Applies for Bankruptcy Proceedings
DICK FORMENBAU: Creditors Meeting Set October 27
EHREKE BUSBETRIEB: Declares Bankruptcy
FIRMA STILLER: Proofs of Claim Deadline Set Next Month
F.L.M. FOOD: Falls into Bankruptcy
FOURCE GMBH: Names Annette Kollmar as Interim Administrator
INFINEON TECHNOLOGY: In Talks with X-Fab over Munich Plant
J.S.L. GMBH: Creditors Have Until Next Month to File Claims
NORDEX AG: Reports Better H1 Figures; Aims for Breakeven in H2
PETER STOCKEM: Koln Court Appoints Provisional Administrator
PRIMACOM AG: First-half Losses Swell to EUR60.1 Million
RITTER DACH: Deadline for Proofs of Claim Nears
ROYAL PROJEKT-MANAGEMENT: Declared Bankrupt
TEAM K: Succumbs to Bankruptcy
WCM GROUP: Settles I. G. Farben Claims
W W T WARENHANDELSGESELLSCHAFT: Creditors Meeting Set November
I T A L Y
ALITALIA SPA: Join Strike Next Week, SULT Tells Other Unions
FIAT SPA: Sends Italian Executive to Struggling Chinese Unit
P O L A N D
ELEKTRIM SA: Wins Back Control of PTC
R U S S I A
ASHINSKIY WOOD-PROM-KHOZ: Succumbs to Bankruptcy
ASINO-GRAIN-PRODUCT: Deadline for Proofs of Claim Set September
ATLANTIC-RESOURCE: Insolvency Manager Takes over Firm
INDUSTRIAL BASE: Bankruptcy Hearing Set October 18
INZHAVINSKOYE: Under Bankruptcy Supervision
KORONA: Appoints F. Mullagulov Insolvency Manager
MBI: Undergoes Bankruptcy Supervision Procedure
OKTYABRSKOYE: Bankruptcy Hearing Resumes November
SARMAT: Insolvency Manager Enters Firm
SLAVYANSKIY: Bankruptcy Hearing Set Next Month
S W I T Z E R L A N D
BARRY CALLEBAUT: Secures EUR850 Mln Revolving Credit Facility
SWISS INTERNATIONAL: Bares Winter Schedule
T U R K E Y
ALBARAKA TURK: Receives 'B' Currency Ratings, Stable Outlook
DOGUS HOLDING: Sale of Garanti Stake to GE Prompts Review
U K R A I N E
BUZHANKA' SUGAR: Declared Insolvent
DANIS UNITED: Creditors' Claims Due this Week
ELITA: Temporary Insolvency Manager Steps in
FINIST: Declared Insolvent
KAMYANSKE: Gives Creditors Until this Week to File Claims
PERVOMAJSKE' FOOD-TASTE: Proofs of Claim Deadline Saturday
STUGNA: Court Appoints Liquidator
TEPLOGAZVODBUD: Court Freezes Debt Payments
UKRSHINSNAB: Bankruptcy Supervision Starts
VITCHIZNA: Under Bankruptcy Supervision
U N I T E D K I N G D O M
ABLE J RECRUITMENT: Members Opt for Liquidation
ARCANA DIGITAL: Files for Liquidation
BREND FINE: Furniture Maker Winding up
BUYPOINTS LIMITED: EGM Passes Winding-up Resolution
CANONBURY ASPHALTE: Goes into Liquidation
CARSON CARE: Members Decide to Wind up Firm
EFFECTIVE RECRUITMENT: In Liquidation
EURODIS ELECTRON: Takes over Swiss Company
FAUCET HEATING: Goes into Liquidation
GATE GOURMET: Offers Workers Generous Severance Pay
HERITAGE MASONRY: Members Vote on Winding-up
J HOPKINS: Court Issues Winding-up Order
LEN HEMMING: Calls in Liquidator
MACHAL LTD.: Falls into Liquidation
MACKENZIE-MACLAINE LTD.: Project Management Consultant Winds up
MAGNETIC AND MEMORY: Appoints KPMG Liquidator
METAL MINDS: Falls into Liquidation
MOTHERWELL BRIDGE: Returns with a Vengeance
MOTORCYCLE VOYAGER: Court Sanctions Liquidation
NETWORK RAIL: Pre-tax Loss Down GBP117 Million Under IFRS
PENDRAGON FURNITURE: No Bids Yet for Business
SUPERCREST ENGINEERING: Collapses into Liquidation
TELEFORCE U.K.: Winding-up Gets Go Signal
THURROCK ELECTRICAL: Files for Liquidation
TRACSPORT LTD.: Court Okays Liquidation
TROJAN CONSTRUCTION: Opts for Liquidation
*********
===========
F R A N C E
===========
* Cheap Chinese Imports Killing Local Shoemakers
------------------------------------------------
Two luxury shoe manufacturers in Romans-sur-Isere have gone to
the wall, signaling what may be the end of the country's shoe
industry, Agence France-Presse says.
Just weeks after Stephanie Kelian left more than a hundred
employees jobless, Charles Jourdan, another of the town's famous
shoemaker, also fell into receivership. AFP says the 88-year-old
Christian Dior supplier had failed to pay EUR9 million (US$11
million) in debt.
The collapse is being blamed on cheap Chinese imports swamping
the market and hurting local manufacturers. Many believe
shoemaking in France, which prides itself for fashion and
craftsmanship, is as good as dead. Right now, there's only one
shoemaker left in Romans-sur-Isere -- Robert Clergerie, a firm
started by a former Charles Jourdan employee in 1981.
CONTACT: CHARLES JOURDAN
Web site: http://www.charles-jourdan.fr/
STEPHANE KELIAN
Service Marketing - BP88 - av,
Robert Schuman - 26302
Bourg de Peage cedex France
Phone: 0142778200
Fax: 0142760597
Web site: http://www.stephane-kelian.fr/
=============
G E R M A N Y
=============
ALTUS HANDEL: Falls into Bankruptcy
-----------------------------------
The district court of Paderborn opened bankruptcy proceedings
against Altus Handel und Dienstleistung on August 8, 2005.
Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have
been automatically stayed. Creditors have until September 2,
2005 to register their claims with court-appointed provisional
administrator Dr. Wolfgang Kohler.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on September 23, 2005, 10:00 a.m. at the district
court of Paderborn, Hauptstelle, Am Bogen 2-4, 33098 Paderborn,
II at which time the administrator will present his first report
of the insolvency proceedings. The court will also verify the
claims set out in the administrator's report during this meeting,
while creditors may constitute a creditors committee and or opt
to appoint a new insolvency manager.
CONTACT: ALTUS HANDEL UND DIENSTLEISTUNG
Westring 15, 33142 Buren
Dr. Wolfgang Kohler
Marktstrasse 22, 59555 Lippstadt
Phone: 02941/979850
Fax: 02941/979870
AUTOHAUS BECKER: Under Bankruptcy Administration
------------------------------------------------
The district court of Aurich opened bankruptcy proceedings
against Autohaus Becker GmbH on Aug. 1. Consequently, all
pending proceedings against the company have been automatically
stayed. Creditors have until Sept. 7, 2005 to register their
claims with court-appointed provisional administrator Christian
Hanken.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on Sept. 8, 2005, 9:30 a.m. at Saal 115, Amtsgericht
Aurich, Schlossplatz 2, 26603 Aurich at which time the
administrator will present his first report of the insolvency
proceedings. The court will verify the claims set out in the
administrator's report on Oct. 25, 2005, 10:30 a.m. at Zimmer 24,
Amtsgericht Aurich, Schlossplatz 2, 26603 Aurich.
CONTACT: AUTOHAUS BECKER GMBH
Adeweg 31, 26529 Osteel
Contact:
Olaf Storch, Manager
Poststrasse 5, 26524 Berumbur
Christian Hanken, Administrator
Wallstrasse 3, D-26409 Wittmund
Phone: 04462/919114
Fax: 04462/919191
BTU SILOTRANSPORT: Creditors Meeting Set October
------------------------------------------------
The district court of Ludwigsburg opened bankruptcy proceedings
against BTU Silotransport GmbH on August 2, 2005. Consequently,
all pending proceedings against the company have been
automatically stayed. Creditors have until September 21, 2005 to
register their claims with court-appointed provisional
administrator Dr. Falkenstein & Partner.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on October 12, 2005, 9:30 a.m. at the district court
of Ludwigsburg, Schorndorfer Strasse 28, Palais Schuetz, Zimmer
2106, I. Stock at which time the administrator will present his
first report of the insolvency proceedings. The court will
also verify the claims set out in the administrator's report
during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors
committee and or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager.
CONTACT: BTU SILOTRANSPORT GMBH
Heidenheimer Strasse 8, 71229 Leonberg
Dr. Falkenstein & Partner
Insolvency Manager
Talstr. 108, 70188 Stuttgart
Phone: 0711/1686731
CARISMA-CENTER GMBH: Proofs of Claim Due Next Month
---------------------------------------------------
The district court of Frankfurt am Main opened bankruptcy
proceedings against Carisma-Center GmbH on Aug. 1. Consequently,
all pending proceedings against the company have been
automatically stayed. Creditors have until Oct. 8, 2005 to
register their claims with court-appointed provisional
administrator Manfred Burghardt.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on Nov. 16, 2005, 9:50 a.m. at Saal 2, Gebaude F,
Klingerstrasse 20, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, statt. at which time
the administrator will present his first report of the insolvency
proceedings. The court will also verify the claims set out in
the administrator's report during this meeting, while creditors
may constitute a creditors committee and or opt to appoint a new
insolvency manager.
CONTACT: CARISMA-CENTER GMBH
Hanauer Landstrasse 217, 60314 Frankfurt am Main
Manfred Burghardt, Administrator
Theobald-Christ-Strasse 24, 60316 Frankfurt am Main
Phone: 069/94414770
Fax: 069/94414780
CROMONT BAUMANAGEMENT: Frankfurt Court Appoints Administrator
-------------------------------------------------------------
The district court of Frankfurt am Main opened bankruptcy
proceedings against Cromont Baumanagement GmbH on Aug. 20.
Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have
been automatically stayed. Creditors have until Sept. 7, 2005 to
register their claims with court-appointed provisional
administrator Michael C. Frege.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on Oct. 19, 2005 at Saal 2, Gebaude F, Klingerstrasse
20, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, statt at which time the
administrator will present his first report of the insolvency
proceedings. The court will also verify the claims set out in
the administrator's report during this meeting, while creditors
may constitute a creditors committee and or opt to appoint a new
insolvency manager.
CONTACT: ROMONT BAUMANAGEMENT GMBH
Schmickstrasse 20-22, 60314 Frankfurt am Main
Michael C. Frege, Administrator
Barckhausstrasse 12-16, 60325 Frankfurt/Main
Phone: 069/71701300
Fax: 069/7170140410
DE-AL-BAU GMBH: Applies for Bankruptcy Proceedings
--------------------------------------------------
The district court of Frankfurt am Main opened bankruptcy
proceedings against DE-AL-Bau GmbH on July 28. Consequently, all
pending proceedings against the company have been automatically
stayed. Creditors have until Jan. 20, 2006 to register their
claims with court-appointed provisional administrator Dr. St.
Schlegel.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on Feb. 14, 2006, 8:35 a.m. at Saal 2, Geb. F,
Klingerstr. 20, 60313 Frankfurt, statt at which time the
administrator will present his first report of the insolvency
proceedings. The court will also verify the claims set out in
the administrator's report during this meeting, while creditors
may constitute a creditors committee and or opt to appoint a new
insolvency manager.
CONTACT: DE-AL-BAU GMBH
Kasseler Str. 11, 60486 Frankfurt
Dr. St. Schlegel, Administrator
Hauptstr. 87, 65760 Eschborn
Phone: 06196/5234092
DICK FORMENBAU: Creditors Meeting Set October 27
------------------------------------------------
The district court of Nurnberg opened bankruptcy proceedings
against Dick Formenbau GmbH on August 5, 2005. Consequently, all
pending proceedings against the company have been automatically
stayed. Creditors have until October 4, 2005 to register their
claims with court-appointed provisional administrator RA Volker
Bohm.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on October 27, 2005, 10:20 a.m. at the district court
of Nurnberg, Flaschenhofstr 35, Sitzungssaal 126/I at which time
the administrator will present his first report of the insolvency
proceedings. The court will also verify the claims set out in
the administrator's report during this meeting, while creditors
may constitute a creditors committee and or opt to appoint a new
insolvency manager.
CONTACT: DICK FORMENBAU GMBH
Boschstrasse 5, 91183 Abenberg, HRB 12201
RA Volker Bohm
Insolvency Manager
Rothenburger Strasse 241,
90439 Nurnberg
Phone: 0911/60001-0
EHREKE BUSBETRIEB: Declares Bankruptcy
--------------------------------------
The district court of Berlin-Charlottenburg opened bankruptcy
proceedings against Ehreke Busbetrieb GmbH on Aug. 3.
Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have
been automatically stayed. Creditors have until Oct. 27, 2005 to
register their claims with court-appointed provisional
administrator Stephan Mitlehner.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on Sept. 15, 2005, 10:15 at which time the
administrator will present his first report of the insolvency
proceedings. The court will verify the claims set out in the
administrator's report on Dec. 15, 2005, 10:10 a.m. at the
district court of Charlottenburg, Amtsgerichtsplatz 1, 14057
Berlin, II. Stock Saal 218.
CONTACT: EHREKE BUSBETRIEB GMBH
Klotzesteig 9, 13469 Berlin
Stephan Mitlehner, Administrator
Walter-Benjamin-Platz 6, 10629 Berlin
FIRMA STILLER: Proofs of Claim Deadline Set Next Month
------------------------------------------------------
The district court of Ludwigsburg opened bankruptcy proceedings
against Firma Stiller GmbH on August 1, 2005. Consequently, all
pending proceedings against the company have been automatically
stayed. Creditors have until September 21, 2005 to register
their claims with court-appointed provisional administrator Rolf
Friedrich.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on October 12, 2005, 10:00 a.m. at the district court
of Ludwigsburg, Schorndorfer Strasse 28, Palais Schutz, Zimmer
2103 at which time the administrator will present his first
report of the insolvency proceedings. The court will
also verify the claims set out in the administrator's report
during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors
committee and or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager.
CONTACT: Rolf Friedrich
Insolvency Manager
Silberburgstrasse 160,
70178 Stuttgart
Phone: 0711/2376873
F.L.M. FOOD: Falls into Bankruptcy
----------------------------------
The district court of Frankfurt am Main opened bankruptcy
proceedings against F.L.M. Food Logistik Muenchen GmbH on Aug. 1.
Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have
been automatically stayed. Creditors have until Oct. 8, 2005 to
register their claims with court-appointed provisional
administrator Miguel Grosser.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on Nov. 16, 2005, 9:55 a.m. at Saal 2, Gebaude F,
Klingerstrasse 20, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, statt at which time
the administrator will present his first report of the insolvency
proceedings. The court will also verify the claims set out in
the administrator's report during this meeting, while creditors
may constitute a creditors committee and or opt to appoint a new
insolvency manager.
CONTACT: F.L.M. FOOD LOGISTIK MUENCHEN GMBH
Unterortstr. 6-8, 65760 Eschborn
Miguel Grosser, Administrator
Muenchener Strasse 13, 60329 Frankfurt am Main
Phone: 069/2400650
Fax: 069/24006510
FOURCE GMBH: Names Annette Kollmar as Interim Administrator
-----------------------------------------------------------
The district court of Mannheim opened bankruptcy proceedings
against Fource GmbH on August 5, 2005. Consequently, all pending
proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed.
Creditors have until September 12, 2005 to register their claims
with court-appointed provisional administrator Annette Kollmar.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on October 24, 2005, 10:15 a.m. at the district court
of Mannheim, 68149 Mannheim, Schloss, Westfluegel (Bismarckstr.
14) Stockwerk/Raum 232, 1 at which time the administrator will
present his first report of the insolvency proceedings. The
court will also verify the claims set out in the administrator's
report during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a
creditors committee and or opt to appoint a new
insolvency manager.
CONTACT: Annette Kollmar
Insolvency Manager
L 11, 20-22, 68161 Mannheim
Phone: 0621/129430
INFINEON TECHNOLOGY: In Talks with X-Fab over Munich Plant
----------------------------------------------------------
Semiconductor manufacturer Infineon Technology is holding talks
with a local rival regarding the sale of its controversial Munich
Perlach plant, Die Welt says.
Infineon confirmed it is in talks with X-Fab, but insiders say
the negotiations have been "difficult" and it remains unclear
whether a deal would be reached. If Infineon decides to sell the
site, it could realign the closure funds to help X-Fab save as
many of the 800 jobs at the plant.
Meanwhile, trade union IG Metall has stepped up its effort to
stop the closure. The union revealed Thursday it had asked
Infineon to start talks early September. In February, Infineon
head Wolfgang Ziebart revealed plans to phase out the site in
2007, citing falling demand for the plant's special microchips
and lagging production technology.
Founded in 1999, Infineon Technologies employs around 36,000
workers worldwide. In fiscal year 2004, the group achieved
EUR7.19 billion in sales and EUR61 million in consolidated
surplus.
CONTACT: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
P.O. Box 80 09 49
D-81609 Muenchen
Phone: +49-89-234-0
Fax: +49-89-234-2-84-82
Web site: http://www.infineon.com
X-FAB SEMICONDUCTOR FOUNDRIES AG
Haarbergstrasse 67
D-99097 Erfurt
Phone: +49 361 427 6000
Fax: +49 361 427 6111
E-mail: info@xfab.com
Web site: http://www.xfab.com
J.S.L. GMBH: Creditors Have Until Next Month to File Claims
-----------------------------------------------------------
The district court of Frankfurt am Main opened bankruptcy
proceedings against J.S.L. GmbH on Aug. 1. Consequently, all
pending proceedings against the company have been automatically
stayed. Creditors have until Sept. 22, 2005 to register their
claims with court-appointed provisional administrator Miguel
Grosser.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on Oct. 13, 2005, 9:15 a.m. at Saal 1, Gebaude F,
Klingerstrasse 20, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, statt at which time
the administrator will present his first report of the insolvency
proceedings. The court will also verify the claims set out in
the administrator's report during this meeting, while creditors
may constitute a creditors committee and or opt to appoint a new
insolvency manager.
CONTACT: J.S.L. GMBH
Tabaksmuehlenweg 28b, 61440 Oberursel/Ts.
Contact:
Peter Barthel, Manager
Dillenburger Strasse 44, 60439 Frankfurt am Main
Miguel Grosser, Administrator
Muenchener Strasse 13, 60329 Frankfurt am Main
Phone: 069/2400650
Fax: 069/24006510
NORDEX AG: Reports Better H1 Figures; Aims for Breakeven in H2
--------------------------------------------------------------
In the first half of fiscal 2005 (January 1 to June 30), the
Nordex Group registered a sharp increase in order receipts over
the previous year. Thus, order receipts rose by around 38% to
EUR157.5 million (previous year: EUR113.9 million). The Company
attributes this to rising customer confidence following the
completion of the recapitalization program in the spring. In the
second quarter alone, the Company registered a 175% rise in order
receipts to EUR122.8 million (previous year: EUR44.6 million).
This was accompanied by a substantial increase in business
volumes, with revenues in the period under review climbing by 17%
to around EUR105 million (previous year: EUR89.5 million).
Whereas the first quarter had been dragged down by short-falls on
the supply side on account of the Company's weak financial
condition at that time, revenues in the second quarter doubled to
EUR65.6 million (previous year: EUR33 million). Of this, roughly
53% was generated outside Germany (previous year: 51%). At 71%,
the multi-megawatt N80/N90 turbines were the main sales driver
(previous year: 44%).
In the first half of the year, operating loss before tax,
interest and exceptionals contracted by around 21% to EUR9.3
million (previous year: EUR11.7 million) thanks in particular to
the increase in capacity utilization in the second quarter.
Operating loss in the second quarter stood at EUR2.1 million
(previous year: EUR6.5 million). In June, the month in which the
greatest revenues were generated, Nordex broke even at the
operating level with profit of EUR2.1 million (previous year:
loss of EUR2.7 million).
The Nordex Group's financial situation has been decisively
rein-forced thanks to the recapitalization program. As a result,
the equity ratio rose to 27% as of June 30, 2005 (December 31,
2004: 1.3%). At the same time, Nordex had net cash at banks of
around EUR4.2 million, replacing the net bank liabilities of
around EUR28.2 million which it had held on December 31, 2004.
To ensure efficient capacity utilization, Nordex increased its
working capital ratio to 16.8% (December 31, 2004: 7.3%) by
specifically commencing work on and pre-financing current
projects. This relatively low ratio is primarily due to the
continued high ratio of advance payments of 116.1%. Cash flow
from financing activities was positive again for the first time,
rising by EUR46.5 million to EUR35.2 million as a result of the
Company's capital increase.
Turning to fiscal 2005 as a whole, Nordex projects order receipts
of over EUR300 million (previous year: EUR237 million) and
revenues of a total of EUR280 million (previous year: EUR214
million). Thanks to the favorable capacity utilization, the
Company should post operating profit in the second half of 2005.
On the basis of its current cost structure and revenues of EUR75
million per quarter, Nordex expects to break even at the
operating level. Management reaffirms its target of a further
reduction in operating loss to around EUR2 million in fiscal 2005
as a whole.
CONTACT: NORDEX AG
Felix Losada
Phone: +49 40 500 -100
Fax: +49 40 500 - 333
PETER STOCKEM: Koln Court Appoints Provisional Administrator
------------------------------------------------------------
The district court of Koln opened bankruptcy proceedings against
Peter Stockem - Baugesellschaft mit beschrankterHaftung on Aug.
2. Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company
have been automatically stayed. Creditors have until Sept. 19,
2005 to register their claims with court-appointed provisional
administrator Dr. Christoph Niering.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on Oct. 27, 2005, 10:35 a.m. at the district court of
Koln, Hauptstelle, Luxemburger Strasse 101, 50939 Koln, 1. Etage,
Saal 142 at which time the administrator will present his first
report of the insolvency proceedings. The court will also verify
the claims set out in the administrator's report during this
meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors committee and
or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager.
CONTACT: PETER STOCKEM - BAUGESELLSCHAFT MIT
BESCHRANKTERHAFTUNG
Waldstr. 227 a, 51147 Koln
Dr. Christoph Niering, Administrator
Brabanter Str. 2, 50674 Koln
Phone: 99 22 30-0
Fax: +4922199223035
PRIMACOM AG: First-half Losses Swell to EUR60.1 Million
-------------------------------------------------------
Cable network operator Primacom failed to capitalize on higher
turnover, thus suffering another loss for the first six months of
the year, Borsen Zeitung says.
Despite a 6.8% hike in turnover to EUR110.2 million during the
period, Primacom still saw its first-half operating profit drop
to EUR5.74 million from last year's EUR11.63 million. The
results were greatly affected by the group's dismal second
quarter, booking only EUR1.83 million in operating profit, a big
drop from last year's EUR6.16 million. The group's
second-quarter EBITDA slipped 15% to EUR22.9 million.
According to Borsen Zeitung, Primacom's results were greatly
affected by its costly financial restructuring. The group's
first-half net loss ballooned to EUR60.1 million from EUR52
million. Primacom's consolidated debt currently stands at
EUR999.6 million with liquid funds set at EUR396,000. The
group's negative equity also deepened from EUR198.4 million to
EUR258.5 million. The group can still avail of the remaining
EUR448.3 million from a EUR1 billion credit line acquired in
2000.
CONTACT: PRIMACOM AG
An der Ochsenwiese 3
D-55124 Mainz
Phone: +49(0)6131 944 522
Fax: +49(0)6131 944 508
E-mail: investor@primacom.de
Web site: http://www.primacom.de
RITTER DACH: Deadline for Proofs of Claim Nears
-----------------------------------------------
The district court of Koln opened bankruptcy proceedings against
Ritter Dach GmbH on July 21, 2005. Consequently, all pending
proceedings against the company have been automatically stayed.
Creditors have until Sept. 15, 2005 to register their claims with
court-appointed provisional administrator Christoph Gerhards.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on Oct. 6, 2005, 9:15 a.m. at the district court of
Koln, Hauptstelle, Luxemburger Strasse 101, 50939 Koln, 1. Etage,
Saal 142 at which time the administrator will present his first
report of the insolvency proceedings. The court will also verify
the claims set out in the administrator's report during this
meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors committee and
or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager.
CONTACT: RITTER DACH GMBH
Venloer Str. 849, 50827 Koln
Christoph Gerhards, Administrator
Else-Lang-Str. 1, 50858 Koln
Phone: 285547-0
Fax: +4922128554729
ROYAL PROJEKT-MANAGEMENT: Declared Bankrupt
-------------------------------------------
The district court of Frankfurt am Main opened bankruptcy
proceedings against Royal Projekt-Management GmbH on July 29.
Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have
been automatically stayed. Creditors have until Oct. 4, 2005 to
register their claims with court-appointed provisional
administrator Andreas F. Netzer.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on Nov. 3, 2005, 8:55 a.m. at Saal 2, Geb. F,
Klingerstr. 20, 60313 Frankfurt, statt. at which time the
administrator will present his first report of the insolvency
proceedings. The court will also verify the claims set out in
the administrator's report during this meeting, while creditors
may constitute a creditors committee and or opt to appoint a new
insolvency manager.
CONTACT: ROYAL PROJEKT-MANAGEMENT GMBH
Frankfurter Str. 115, 61118 Bad Vilbel
Andreas F. Netzer, Administrator
Hermannstrasse 18, D-60318 Frankfurt am Main
Phone: 069/59790163
TEAM K: Succumbs to Bankruptcy
------------------------------
The district court of Trier opened bankruptcy proceedings against
Team K Agentur fuer Kommunikation und Media GmbH on August 4,
2005. Consequently, all pending proceedings
against the company have been automatically stayed. Creditors
have until Oct. 21, 2005 to register their claims with
court-appointed provisional administrator Bernhard C. Seibel.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on October 5, 2005, 9:15 a.m. at the district court
of Trier, Raum 306 at which time the administrator will present
his first report of the insolvency proceedings. The court will
also verify the claims set out in the administrator's report on
Nov. 2, 2005, 12:00 noon at Raum 306, while creditors may
constitute a creditors committee and or opt to appoint a new
insolvency manager.
CONTACT: TEAM K AGENTUR FUR KOMMUNIKATION UND MEDIA GMBH
Zuckerbergstrasse 23,
54290 Trier (AG Trier, 14 HRB 3636)
Bernhard C. Seibel
Insolvency Manager
Bohmerstrasse 16, 54290 Trier
Phone: 0651/975900
Fax: 0651/9759090
WCM GROUP: Settles I. G. Farben Claims
--------------------------------------
WCM hereby reports that the insolvency administrator of I.G.
Farbenindustrie AG i. I. and Ammoniakwerke Merseburg GmbH
(lawyer: Ms. Amend, Kronberg) have reached a final agreement on
I.G. Farbenindustrie's claims. The original claim of EUR17
million (as disclosed in the WCM Annual Report 2004 on pages 46
and 89) has been settled for EUR0.5 million.
About the Company
Headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, WCM was founded in 1766 as a
textile company, but has since then transformed into a real
estate investment group. Its fortunes slumped dramatically in
2003 when it reported an EUR861 million loss after being forced
to write down the value of many of its shareholdings amidst a
slump in the stock market. It is now trying to pay debt and sell
assets.
CONTACT: WCM BETEILIGUNGS- UND GRUNDBESITZ-AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
Opernplatz 2
60313 Frankfurt
Phone: +49 (0) 69 90026-0
Fax: +49 (0) 69 90026-110
E-mail: info@wcm.de
Web site: http://www.wcm.de
W W T WARENHANDELSGESELLSCHAFT: Creditors Meeting Set November
--------------------------------------------------------------
The district court of Muenster opened bankruptcy proceedings
against W W T Warenhandelsgesellschaft mbH on August 11, 2005.
Consequently, all pending proceedings against the company have
been automatically stayed. Creditors have until October 13, 2005
to register their claims with court-appointed provisional
administrator Manfred Vellmer.
Creditors and other interested parties are encouraged to attend
the meeting on Nov. 3, 2005 at the district court of Muenster,
Gebaudeteil Eingang B, Gerichtsstrasse 2 - 6, 48149 Muenster, I.,
Saal 101 B at which time the administrator will present his first
report of the insolvency proceedings. The court will
also verify the claims set out in the administrator's report
during this meeting, while creditors may constitute a creditors
committee and or opt to appoint a new insolvency manager.
CONTACT: W W T WARENHANDELSGESELLSCHAFT MBH
Wersetimpen 134, 48157 Munster
Manfred Vellmer
Insolvency Manager
Rothenburg 20/21, 48143 Munster
Phone: 0251/511801
Fax: +492519277785
=========
I T A L Y
=========
ALITALIA SPA: Join Strike Next Week, SULT Tells Other Unions
------------------------------------------------------------
Cabin crew union Sindicato Unitario Lavoratori Transporti (SULT)
is urging workers in the transport sector all over the country to
join in their strike on Sept. 6-7, The Associated Press says.
The union representing Alitalia's flight attendants called on
flight controllers, railway and mass transit employees to join
the two-day strike to protest the carrier's refusal to include
the union in current labor talks.
Originally scheduled for this week, the strike had to be delayed
to avoid violating a ban on transport strikes during the summer
season. In a last ditch effort, labor minister Roberto Maroni
tried to mediate between the two contending parties last week,
but had to give up when Alitalia stood firm on its decision.
Alitalia accuses SULT of violating labor agreements. Already, it
has suspended arrangements like direct deduction of union dues
from paychecks, saying it couldn't honor such schemes since SULT
has not been acting in good faith during contract renewal
negotiations. SULT denies the allegations.
CONTACT: ALITALIA S.p.A.
Viale A. Marchetti 111
00148 Rome, Italy
Phone: +39 06 6562 2151
Fax: +39 06 6562 4733
Web site: http://www.alitalia.it
FIAT SPA: Sends Italian Executive to Struggling Chinese Unit
------------------------------------------------------------
Fiat S.p.A. has appointed the first Italian executive ever to
head its struggling carmaking joint venture in China, according
to the Financial Times. Paulo Massi is to become chief executive
of Nanjing Fiat.
Nanjing Fiat is operated with Nanjing Auto, one of China's oldest
carmakers. The enterprise failed to take off with the rapid
growth in the Chinese car market over the past five years.
AFX notes that the appointment follows Nanjing Auto's decision to
acquire failed U.K. carmaker MG Rover. It could suggest Nanjing
Auto is pushing to sell cars independently, the report said.
Nanjing Fiat's vehicle sales fell 45% to 3,590 in the first
quarter of the year. Its market share in 2004 was 1.4%.
Fiat S.p.A., headquartered in Turin, is one of the largest
industrial groups in Italy and the fourth largest European-based
automobile manufacturer. It reported revenues of EUR34.2 billion
for the 9-month period to 30 September 2004. The founding
Agnelli family owns about 30% of the Company.
CONTACT: FIAT SPA
via Nizza, 250 - 10126 Torino
Phone: +39 011 00 63088
Fax: +39 011 00 63798
E-mail: mediarelations@fiatgroup.com
Web site: http://www.fiatgroup.com
===========
P O L A N D
===========
ELEKTRIM SA: Wins Back Control of PTC
-------------------------------------
Elektrim Telekomunikacja (ET) has reclaimed ownership of Polish
mobile telecoms operator PTC, according to Reuters.
A Polish court has handed back control of east Europe's biggest
mobile operator to ET, a joint-venture controlled by Vivendi and
an affiliate. The ruling is Vivendi's first victory after ET
lost its 48% stake in PTC in February.
Vivendi still stands to face several cases to secure the holding.
The company and troubled conglomerate Elektrim S.A. have been
fighting with Deutsche Telekom, a 49% shareholder, over PTC. The
legal battles for the control of the firm are now pending before
the arbitration chambers and public courts in four European
countries. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the
British House of Lords had previously figured in the dispute.
Elektrim S.A. is a public holding company quoted on the Warsaw
Stock Exchange since 1992. Its most valuable assets are Elektrim
Telekomunikacja Sp. z o.o., and Elektrownia Patnow-Adamow-Konin
S.A. Since 1999 Elektrim has implemented a far-reaching
restructuring program to improve its operational efficiency and
strengthen its position in the market. It plans to concentrate
in two industries -- telecommunications and power.
CONTACT: ELEKTRIM S.A.
Panska 77/79
00-834 Warszawa
Public relations:
Ewa Bojar
Company Spokesman
Phone: (+48 22) 432 89 55
Fax: (+48 22) 432 87 99
E-mail: ewa_bojar@elektrim.pl
Investor relations:
Phone: (+48 22) 432 87 75
Fax: (+48 22) 432 87 99
Web site: http://www.elektrim.pl
===========
R U S S I A
===========
ASHINSKIY WOOD-PROM-KHOZ: Succumbs to Bankruptcy
------------------------------------------------
The Arbitration Court of Chelyabinsk region commenced bankruptcy
proceedings against Ashinskiy Wood-Prom-Khoz after finding the
open joint stock company insolvent. The case is docketed as
A76-10793/03-32-406. Mr. N. Shalaev has been appointed
insolvency manager. Creditors may submit their proofs of claim
to 454092, Russia, Chelyabinsk region, Kurchatova Str. 19A - 83.
CONTACT: Mr. N. Shalaev
Insolvency Manager
454092, Russia, Chelyabinsk region,
Kurchatova Str. 19A - 83
ASINO-GRAIN-PRODUCT: Deadline for Proofs of Claim Set September
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Arbitration Court of Tomsk region commenced bankruptcy
proceedings against Asino-Grain-Product after finding the open
joint stock company insolvent. The case is docketed as
A67-4700/04. Mr. S. Edygenov has been appointed insolvency
manager.
Creditors have until Sept. 30, 2005 to submit their proofs of
claim to Russia, Tomsk-50, Post User Box 70.
CONTACT: ASINO-GRAIN-PRODUCT
Russia, Tomsk region,
Asino, Goncharova Str. 1
Mr. S. Edygenov
Insolvency Manager
Russia, Tomsk-50, Post User Box 70
ATLANTIC-RESOURCE: Insolvency Manager Takes over Firm
-----------------------------------------------------
The Arbitration Court of Arkhangelsk region commenced bankruptcy
proceedings against Atlantic-Resource after finding the close
joint stock company insolvent. The case is docketed as
A05-21177/04-8. Mr. A. Tarasov has been appointed insolvency
manager. Creditors have until Sept. 30, 2005 to submit their
proofs of claim to 163061, Russia, Arkhangelsk, K. Marksa Str.
31, Building 1, Office 56.
CONTACT: ATLANTIC-RESOURCE
163030, Russia, Arkhangelsk region,
Revolyutsii Str. 4, Building 1
Mr. A. Tarasov
Insolvency Manager
163061, Russia, Arkhangelsk region,
K. Marksa Str. 31, Building 1, Office 56
INDUSTRIAL BASE: Bankruptcy Hearing Set October 18
--------------------------------------------------
The Arbitration Court of Chuvashiya republic has commenced
bankruptcy supervision procedure on limited liability company
Industrial Base (TIN 2129048549, KPP 212901001). The case is
docketed as A79-4346/2005. Mr. A. Saperov has been appointed
temporary insolvency manager.
Creditors may submit their proofs of claim to 428000, Russia,
Chuvashiya republic, Cheboksary, Gagarina Str. 41-90. A hearing
will take place on Oct. 18, 2005, 11:00 a.m.
CONTACT: INDUSTRIAL BASE
428000, Russia, Chuvashiya republic,
Cheboksary, Zavodskaya Str. 2
Mr. A. Saperov
Insolvency Manager
428000, Russia, Chuvashiya republic,
Cheboksary, Gagarina Str. 41-90
Phone: 21-28-01
INZHAVINSKOYE: Under Bankruptcy Supervision
-------------------------------------------
The Arbitration Court of Tambov region has commenced bankruptcy
supervision procedure on corporation of state unitary enterprise
Inzhavinskoye. The case is docketed as A64-1416/05-21. Mr. Y.
Pronin has been appointed temporary insolvency manager.
Creditors may send their proofs of claim to 392030, Russia,
Tambov region, Energetikov Str. 30.
CONTACT: INZHAVINSKOYE
Russia, Tambov region, Inzhavino
Mr. Y. Pronin
Temporary Insolvency Manager
392030, Russia, Tambov region,
Energetikov Str. 30
The Arbitration Court of Chelyabinsk region:
454000, Russia, Chelyabinsk region,
Vorovskogo Str. 2
KORONA: Appoints F. Mullagulov Insolvency Manager
-------------------------------------------------
The Arbitration Court of Bashkortostan republic has commenced
bankruptcy supervision procedure on furniture factory Korona.
The case is docketed as A07-14997/05-G-MOG. Mr. F. Mullagulov
has been appointed temporary insolvency manager. A hearing will
take place on Sept. 28, 2005, 11:00 a.m. located at Russia, Ufa,
Oktyabrskoy Revolyutsii Str. 63a.
CONTACT: KORONA
Russia, Bashkortostan republic, Meleuz
Mr. F. Mullagulov
Insolvency Manager
453050, Russia, Bashkortostan republic,
Gafuriyskiy region, Krasnousolskoye,
Tergeneva Str. 16
MBI: Undergoes Bankruptcy Supervision Procedure
-----------------------------------------------
The Arbitration Court of Adygeya republic has commenced
bankruptcy supervision procedure on commercial and industrial
company MBI. The case is docketed as A01-B-1396-2005-8. Mr. A.
Pchegatluk has been appointed temporary insolvency manager. A
hearing will take place on Oct. 10, 2005 at the Arbitration Court
of Adygeya republic located at 385000, Russia, Maykop,
Krasnooktyabrskaya Str. 15, Room 17.
CONTACT: MBI
385000, Russia, Adygeya republic,
Maykop, Komsomolskaya Str. 236
Mr. A. Pchegatluk
Temporary Insolvency Manager
385007, Russia, Adygeya republic, Maykop,
Proletarsakaya Str. 2, Office 2
OKTYABRSKOYE: Bankruptcy Hearing Resumes November
-------------------------------------------------
The Arbitration Court of Krasnodar region has commenced
bankruptcy supervision procedure on open joint stock company
Oktyabrskoye. The case is docketed as A-32-13356/2005-46/209-B.
Mr. P. Kulchitskiy has been appointed temporary insolvency
manager. A hearing will take place on Nov. 28, 2005, 4:15 p.m.
CONTACT: Mr. P. Kulchitskiy
Temporary Insolvency Manager
101000, Russia, Moscow,
Libyanskiy Pr. 5, Building 1
SARMAT: Insolvency Manager Enters Firm
--------------------------------------
The Arbitration Court of Orenburg region has commenced bankruptcy
supervision procedure on Orskiy Factory Of Tractor's Trailers
Sarmat. The case is docketed as A47-17529/2004-14 GK. Mr. A.
Moshenko has been appointed temporary insolvency manager.
Creditors have until Sept. 30, 2005 to submit their proofs of
claim to temporary 460000, Russia, Orenburg, Post User Box 2943.
CONTACT: SARMAT
462432, Russia, Orenburg region,
Orsk, 7th location
Mr. A. Moshenko
Temporary Insolvency Manager
460000, Russia, Orenburg region,
Post User Box 2943
Phone: (3532) 59-69-25
SLAVYANSKIY: Bankruptcy Hearing Set Next Month
----------------------------------------------
The Arbitration Court of Krasnodar region has commenced
bankruptcy supervision procedure on mechanical plant Slavyanskiy.
The case is docketed as A-32-11613/2005-27/147 B. Mr. S.
Shamugiya has been appointed temporary insolvency manager. A
hearing will take place on Sept. 21, 2005.
CONTACT: SLAVYANSKIY
Russia, Krasnodar region, Slavyansk-na-Kubani,
Druzhby Narodov Str. 13
Mr. S. Shamugiya
Temporary Insolvency Manager
353560, Russia, Krasnodar region, Slavyansk-na-Kubani,
Druzhby Narodov Str. 13
=====================
S W I T Z E R L A N D
=====================
BARRY CALLEBAUT: Secures EUR850 Mln Revolving Credit Facility
-------------------------------------------------------------
Barry Callebaut AG, the world's leading manufacturer of
high-quality cocoa and chocolate products, said that it has
signed the previously announced Revolving Credit Facility with a
group of 15 banks. This facility replaces the EUR575 million
Term and Revolving Facility in place since March 2003 and July
2004, respectively. With EUR850 million, the facility is EUR110
million higher than initially planned, following the great
response from the banking market. The company will cancel other
financing arrangements to compensate for the increased amount.
The facility was initially underwritten by ING, ABN AMRO, Fortis
and Natexis Populaires and subsequently offered to the syndicated
loan market.
The agreement consist of three parts:
(a) A Revolving Credit Facility of EUR435 million with a minimal
tenor of 5 and a maximum of 7 years
(b) A Revolving Credit Facility of EUR250 million with a minimal
tenor of 3 and a maximum of 5 years, serving as back-up for
the company's Commercial Paper program
(c) A Revolving Credit Facility of EUR165 million with a minimal
tenor of 5 and a maximum tenor of 7 years to refinance the
High Yield Bond 2003-2010 as from March 2007. The cost
reduction as from fiscal year 2007/08 will be approximately
CHF14 million p.a.
The margin of the new facility is linked to a rating grid and
starts with an applicable margin of 82.5bps for the first period
until November 2005. The commitment fee is 35% of the margin.
However, as from December 2005 onwards, Barry Callebaut expects
to benefit from a lower applicable margin of 65bps.
"The new agreement is a milestone in our commitment to strengthen
our Balance Sheet and will greatly enhance our financial
flexibility and security," said Dieter Enkelmann, Barry
Callebaut's CFO. "The oversubscription of more than 50% of the
facility based on terms typically found in the investment grade
syndicated loan market is evidence of the confidence the
financial community has in our operational performance and market
position."
The syndicate consists of ABN AMRO Bank NV (books), Fortis Bank
NV (books), ING Belgium NV (books), Natexis Banques Populaires as
Underwriters/MLA's, KBC Bank NV, Lloyds TSB Bank plc,
Cooperatieve Centrale Rabobank B.A. as MLA's, BNP Paribas, Credit
Suisse, Mizuho Corporate Bank Nederland NV as Lead Arrangers,
Banque LBLux SA, NIB Capital Bank NV, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking
Corporation as Arrangers and Dexia Bank
Belgium SA, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc as Co-arrangers.
With annual sales of more than CHF4 billion for fiscal year
2003/04, Zurich-based Barry Callebaut is the world's leading
manufacturer of high-quality cocoa, chocolate and confectionery
products - from the cocoa bean to the finished product on the
store shelf. Barry Callebaut operates more than 30 production
facilities in 22 countries and employs more than 8,000 people.
The company serves the entire food industry, from food
manufacturers to professional users of chocolate (such as
chocolatiers, pastry chefs or bakers), to global retailers. It
also provides a comprehensive range of services in the fields of
product development, processing, training and marketing. Fiscal
year 2004/05 will close on August 31, 2005. Results for fiscal
year 2004/05 will be published on November 10, 2005 (press
conference and analysts' conference).
* * *
In July, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'BB+'
long-term corporate credit ratings on Switzerland-based cocoa and
chocolate products supplier Barry Callebaut AG and its Belgian
subsidiary Barry Callebaut Services N.V. The outlook remains
stable.
At the same time, Standard & Poor's assigned its 'BB+' long-term
senior unsecured bank loan rating to Barry Callebaut's proposed
EUR740 million credit facility, which is currently fully
repayable in 2010.
CONTACT: BARRY CALLEBAUT AG
Dieter A. Enkelmann, CFO
Investors and Financial Analysts:
Phone: +41 43 204 04 20
Fax: +41 43 204 04 00
E-mail: dieter_enkelmann@barry-callebaut.com
Media:
Gaby Tschofen
Phone: +41 43 204 04 60
Fax: +41 43 204 04 00
E-mail: gaby_tschofen@barry-callebaut.com
SWISS INTERNATIONAL: Bares Winter Schedule
------------------------------------------
Swiss International Air Lines will be offering flights to 42
European and 27 intercontinental destinations in its 2005/06
winter schedules. The new timetable sees the further development
of SWISS' growing collaboration with Lufthansa and Star Alliance
members TAP Portugal and Austrian Airlines. SWISS will operate
its winter schedules with a 70-aircraft fleet. In view of market
conditions in the Basel region, SWISS will be substantially
reducing its services to and from EuroAirport
Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg.
SWISS and Lufthansa will be harmonizing their services between
Switzerland and Germany from the start of the 2005/06 winter
schedules on October 30. All Lufthansa and all SWISS flights
between the two countries will be operated on a code share basis.
The new arrangement offers substantial benefits and added value
for customers of the two partners, in the form of more
frequencies, additional destinations and better connections
(through coordinated timetables) at the three hubs of Zurich,
Frankfurt and Munich. SWISS and Lufthansa are also working to
create additional code share services, which will be gradually
introduced between their hubs and further European and
intercontinental destinations.
SWISS is also expanding the code share services it operates
together with Star Alliance members TAP Portugal and Austrian
Airlines. All flights between Switzerland and Portugal (from
Zurich to Lisbon and from Geneva to Lisbon and Porto) will now
operate as code shares with TAP Portugal, and all services to
Vienna from Basel, Geneva and Zurich will be operated as code
shares with Austrian Airlines. Further code share agreements are
currently being planned. Details of these will be communicated
in due time.
SWISS will offer its own services to a total of 69
destinations -- 27 intercontinental and 42 European -- in its new
winter schedules. These will be operated by a fleet of 70
aircraft.
SWISS' own service pattern to and from Zurich will remain
virtually unchanged, with a network of 41 European and 27
intercontinental destinations. SWISS' own operations will be
supplemented by numerous code share services to various points in
Europe and farther a field. All SWISS services between
Switzerland and Germany will be harmonized with those of
Lufthansa. In cases in which the two carriers previously
competed against each other with almost simultaneous departures,
these flights will now be spread out, offering customers a denser
overall network of frequencies throughout the day. SWISS
customers will enjoy no fewer than 54 daily services between
Zurich and Germany, compared with the present 35.
Service from Geneva will see the addition of Frankfurt, Munich,
Dusseldorf, Vienna and Porto to the SWISS network, through code
share agreements with Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and TAP
Portugal. Flights to Lisbon will be operated solely by TAP
Portugal from the beginning of September onwards, following the
introduction of the new code share agreement between the carrier
and SWISS. Service will be withdrawn from the Geneva-Rome route
at the beginning of October. Otherwise, SWISS' Geneva-based
service pattern remains unchanged for the winter schedules.
SWISS will thus offer seven of its own and 13 code share
destinations from Geneva. The code share flights to the
Lufthansa hubs of Frankfurt and Munich will substantially expand
the range of connecting services available to customers from the
Geneva region.
Basel: SWISS announced back in January 2005 that, for economic
reasons, it is no longer able to maintain its services to and
from Basel in their present form. In the current competitive
environment, small regional aircraft cannot be viably operated.
In view of this, the planned collaboration with regional carriers
has also proved impossible. As a result of these developments,
SWISS has redefined its Basel-based services. From October 30
onwards, SWISS will serve London City, Brussels and Amsterdam
from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg using one Embraer 145
and one Avro RJ100. Frankfurt, Munich and Dusseldorf will also
be served from Basel through a code share agreement with
Lufthansa, and Vienna will be similarly served via a code share
with Austrian Airlines.
CONTACT: SWISS INTERNATIONAL
Corporate Communications
P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel
Phone: +41 (0) 848 773 773
Fax: +41 61 582 35 54
E-mail: communications@swiss.com
===========
T U R K E Y
===========
ALBARAKA TURK: Receives 'B' Currency Ratings, Stable Outlook
------------------------------------------------------------
Fitch Ratings assigned Turkey's Albaraka Turk Ozel Finans Kurumu
A.S. Long-term foreign and local currency ratings of 'B'.
Additionally, the agency has assigned ratings of Short-term
foreign and local currency 'B', Individual 'D', National
Long-term 'BBB (tur)' and Support '5'. The Outlook on all
Long-term ratings is Stable.
The ratings reflect ABTFH's enhanced profitability and asset
quality as well as its stable funding structure. These are
balanced by its relatively low (albeit improved) capital and
small size within the Turkish financial system.
Profitability improved markedly in 2004 through reduced
provisions and operating costs and a higher contribution from
fees and commissions. This resulted in better efficiency
measures. ABTFH also benefited from a non-recurring gain on sale
of real estate and absence of a tax provision due to an
investment allowance attributable to leasing. Non-performing
loans declined by 45% in absolute terms to 4.02% of funds granted
with 73% reserve at end-2004 compared with 8.11% and 53%,
respectively, in the previous year. The bank has a stable,
customer-sourced funding structure. Because of better-retained
earnings, the company's Tier 1 capital ratio improved to 13.47%
at end-2004 from 10.77% at end-2003.
ABTFH is the third-largest special finance house in Turkey, with
a market share of approximately 20% among its immediate
competitors. The bank focuses on retail credit, most recently in
mortgages, in addition to leasing and trade facilities. ABTFH is
68%-owned by Albaraka Banking Group, a financial holding company
based in Bahrain with affiliate banks throughout the Middle East.
As a special finance house, it does not pay or accept interest.
A detailed report will be available at
http://www.fitchratings.com.
CONTACT: FITCH RATINGS
Ed Thompson, New York
Phone: +1 212 908 0364
Turda Ozmen
Gulcin Orgun, Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 279 1065
Banu Cartmell, London
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7417 4373
Media Relations:
Jon Laycock, London
Phone: +44 20 7417 4327
DOGUS HOLDING: Sale of Garanti Stake to GE Prompts Review
---------------------------------------------------------
Fitch Ratings put Dogus Holding A.S.'s Senior Unsecured foreign
and local currency 'B+' ratings on Rating Watch Positive for
possible upgrade.
The rating action follows the 25 August announcement of Dogus to
sell a stake of 25.5% of Turkiye Garanti Bankasi (Garanti, rated
'BB-') to GE Consumer Finance. Dogus currently holds a share of
around 55.96% in Garanti and plans to retain a c.25.5%
shareholding in Garanti as a strategic holding. Earlier this
month, Dogus announced that it had reached an agreement with Koc
Holding and Migros regarding the sale of its 70.77% stake in its
Food Retail business, Tansas. Of Dogus's 70.77% stake in Tansas,
approximately 27.2% is held via Garanti, while the remainder is
held by Dogus and its group companies. The transactions remain
subject to regulatory approval.
Those two transactions will lead to a sizeable cash inflow. GE
Consumer Finance has agreed to pay more than US$1.5 billion for
the stake of 25.5% in Garanti. In addition, US$250 million will
be received from the sale of 49.2% of the founder's shares in
Turkiye Garanti Bank.
"Following discussions with Dogus management, Fitch anticipates
that the proceeds will eliminate the entire debt at the level of
Dogus Holding AS and within its other non-financial services
operation, turning it into a net-cash positive group," said
Karsten Frankfurth, Director in Fitch's Corporate Group in
Frankfurt. The cooperation with GE Capital is expected to
strengthen Garanti's business profile.
Fitch's report on the company in June defined the de-leveraging
at the holding level as a potential factor that could lead to a
change in its ratings. Also, the current ratings of Dogus were
below that of Garanti due to structural subordination that
lenders in Dogus have compared to those in Garanti.
Fitch aims to resolve the Rating Watch status following a more
detailed review of the future dividend base of Dogus, its
strategy going forward and having received evidence that the
proceeds are used to repay debt. Potential rating upgrades
(local and foreign currency ratings) in order to resolve the
Ratings Watch are likely to remain at a level of a single notch.
Turkey's sovereign rating is presently 'BB-') Outlook Stable.
CONTACT: FITCH RATINGS
Karsten Frankfurth, Frankfurt
Phone: +49-69-7680-76170
Guzin Durmus, Istanbul
Phone: +90-212-279-1065
Media Relations:
Alex Clelland, London
Phone: +44 20 7862 4084
=============
U K R A I N E
=============
BUZHANKA' SUGAR: Declared Insolvent
-----------------------------------
The Economic Court of Cherkassy region commenced bankruptcy
proceedings against Buzhanka' Sugar Plant (code EDRPOU 00373630)
on July 14, 2005 after finding the open joint stock company
insolvent. The case is docketed as 14/08/3503. Mr. Valerij
Pavlenko (License Number AA 630055) has been appointed
liquidator/insolvency manager. The company holds account number
26001060002929 at Privatbank, Cherkassy regional branch, MFO
354347.
Creditors have until September 3, 2005 to submit their proofs of
claim to:
(a) BUZHANKA' SUGAR PLANT
Ukraine, Cherkassy region,
Lisyanskij district, Buzhanka,
Zavodska Str. 1
(b) Mr. Valerij Pavlenko
Liquidator/Insolvency Manager
Ukraine, Kyiv region,
Porik Avenue, 15/60
(c) ECONOMIC COURT OF CHERKASSY REGION
18005, Ukraine, Cherkassy region,
Shevchenko Avenue, 307
DANIS UNITED: Creditors' Claims Due this Week
---------------------------------------------
The Economic Court of Kyiv region commenced bankruptcy
supervision procedure on CJSC Danis United Company (code EDRPOU
30056377) on May 27, 2005. The case is docketed as 44/312-B.
Mr. T. Chekshturin (License Number AA 630039) has been appointed
temporary insolvency manager. The company holds account number
26003310056701 at JSCB Novij, Kyiv region branch, MFO 322670.
Creditors have until September 3, 2005 to submit their proofs of
claim to:
(a) DANIS UNITED COMPANY
03187, Ukraine, Kyiv region, a/b 122
(b) Mr. T. Chekshturin
Temporary Insolvency Manager
02068, Ukraine, Kyiv region,
Sribnokilska Str. 14/126
(c) ECONOMIC COURT OF KYIV REGION
01030, Ukraine, Kyiv region,
B. Hmelnitskij Boulevard, 44-B
ELITA: Temporary Insolvency Manager Steps in
--------------------------------------------
The Economic Court of Sumi region commenced bankruptcy
supervision procedure on Scientific-Production Association LLC
Elita (code EDRPOU 31498640) on June 17, 2005. The case is
docketed as 7/64-05. Ms. Tetyana Atamanova (License Number AB
216921) has been appointed temporary insolvency manager.
CONTACT: ELITA
42400, Ukraine, Sumi region,
Trostyanets district, Boromlya,
Kirov Str. 18
Ms. Tetyana Atamanova
Temporary Insolvency Manager
40004, Ukraine, Sumi region,
Suprun Str. 3/2
ECONOMIC COURT OF SUMI REGION
40011, Ukraine, Sumi region,
Shevchenko Avenue, 18/1
FINIST: Declared Insolvent
--------------------------
The Economic Court of Kyiv region commenced bankruptcy
proceedings against Finist (code EDRPOU 01049054) on July 11,
2005 after finding the open joint stock company insolvent. The
case is docketed as 23/228-b. Mr. I. Gusar (License Number AA
719858) has been appointed liquidator/insolvency manager. The
company holds account number 26006301290043 at Prominvestbank,
Kyiv region branch, MFO 322108.
Creditors have until September 3, 2005 to submit their proofs of
claim to:
(a) FINIST
03164, Ukraine, Kyiv region,
Akademik Bulahovskij Str. 2
(b) Mr. I. Gusar
Liquidator/Insolvency Manager
01030, Ukraine, Kyiv region, a/b 29
(c) ECONOMIC COURT OF KYIV REGION
01030, Ukraine, Kyiv region,
B. Hmelnitskij Boulevard, 44-B
KAMYANSKE: Gives Creditors Until this Week to File Claims
---------------------------------------------------------
The Economic Court of Cherkassy region has commenced bankruptcy
supervision procedure on OJSC Kamyanske (code EDRPOU 00387430).
The case is docketed as 01/2520. Mr. Oleg Krivoshej has been
appointed temporary insolvency manager.
Creditors have until September 3, 2005 to submit their proofs of
claim to:
(a) KAMYANSKE
20800, Ukraine, Cherkassy region,
Kamyanka, Radgospna Str. 1
(b) Mr. Oleg Krivoshej
Temporary Insolvency Manager
Ukraine, Cherkassy region,
Engels Str. 243/1, Room 510
(c) ECONOMIC COURT OF CHERKASSY REGION
18005, Ukraine, Cherkassy region,
Shevchenko Avenue, 307
PERVOMAJSKE' FOOD-TASTE: Proofs of Claim Deadline Saturday
----------------------------------------------------------
The Economic Court of AR Krym region commenced sanction procedure
on Pervomajske' Food-Taste Factory (code EDRPOU 00378885) on June
23, 2005. The case is docketed as 2-8/10836-2005. Mr. Garry
Vudud has been appointed temporary insolvency manager. The
company holds account number 2600110687 at JSPPB Aval, Simferopol
branch, MFO 324021.
Creditors have until September 3, 2005 to submit their proofs of
claim to:
(a) PERVOMAJSKE' FOOD-TASTE FACTORY
96300, Ukraine, AR Krym region,
Pervomajske, Promislova Str. 13
(b) Mr. Garry Vudud
Temporary Insolvency Manager
95048, Ukraine, AR Krym region,
Simferopol, a/b 2769
(c) THE ECONOMIC COURT OF AR KRYM REGION
95000, Ukraine, AR Krym region,
Simferopol, Karl Marks Str. 18
STUGNA: Court Appoints Liquidator
---------------------------------
The Economic Court of Kyiv region commenced bankruptcy
proceedings against Stugna (code EDRPOU 21583112) on June 29,
2005 after finding the limited liability company insolvent. The
case is docketed as 23/30-b. Ms. Ruban Tetyana (License Number
AA 783057) has been appointed liquidator/insolvency manager. The
company holds account number 2600830004701 at JSCB Rostok Bank,
Kyiv region branch, MFO 322692.
CONTACT: STUGNA
03113, Ukraine, Kyiv region,
Vasilenko Str. 2
Ms. Ruban Tetyana
Liquidator/Insolvency Manager
08133, Ukraine, Kyiv region,
Vishneve, a/b 11
ECONOMIC COURT OF KYIV REGION
01030, Ukraine, Kyiv region,
B. Hmelnitskij Boulevard, 44-B
TEPLOGAZVODBUD: Court Freezes Debt Payments
-------------------------------------------
The Economic Court of Donetsk region commenced bankruptcy
supervision procedure on LLC Teplogazvodbud (code EDRPOU
32441841) on June 6, 2005 and ordered a moratorium on
satisfaction of creditors' claims. The case is docketed as 15/95
B. Ms. Diana Kozlovska (License Number 116265) has been
appointed temporary insolvency manager. The company holds
account number 26006301550804 at Prominvestbank, Konstantinivka
branch, MFO 334550.
CONTACT: TEPLOGAZVODBUD
Ukraine, Donetsk region,
Konstantinivka, Kalinin Str. 40/92
Ms. Diana Kozlovska
Temporary Insolvency Manager
83086, Ukraine, Donetsk region,
Pershotravneva Str. 12, Office 501
ECONOMIC COURT OF DONETSK REGION
83048, Ukraine, Donetsk region,
Artema Str. 157
UKRSHINSNAB: Bankruptcy Supervision Starts
------------------------------------------
The Economic Court of Kyiv region has commenced bankruptcy
supervision procedure on LLC Ukrshinsnab (code EDRPOU 31997300).
The case is docketed as 250-2 b. Mr. Oleksij Lugovij (License
Number AA 783122) has been appointed temporary insolvency
manager. The company holds account number 2600230181970 at
Prominvestbank, Bila Tserkva branch, MFO 321057.
Creditors have until September 3, 2005 to submit their proofs of
claim to:
(a) UKRSHINSNAB
09108, Ukraine, Kyiv region,
Bila Tserkva, Levanevskij Str. 91
(b) Mr. Oleksij Lugovij
Temporary Insolvency Manager
Ukraine, Kyiv region,
Kutuzov Str. 6/50
(c) ECONOMIC COURT OF KYIV REGION
01032, Ukraine, Kyiv region,
Komintern Str. 165
VITCHIZNA: Under Bankruptcy Supervision
---------------------------------------
The Economic Court of Zaporizhya region has commenced bankruptcy
supervision procedure on LLC Agrofirm Vitchizna. The case is
docketed as 21/196. Mr. Vitalij Kozachok (License Number AA
779246) has been appointed temporary insolvency manager.
Creditors have until September 3, 2005 to submit their proofs of
claim to:
(a) VITCHIZNA
71700, Ukraine, Zaporizhya region,
Tokmak, Volodarskij Str. 732
(b) Mr. Vitalij Kozachok
Temporary Insolvency Manager
71700, Ukraine, Zaporizhya region,
Tokmak, Lenin Str. 25/26
(c) ECONOMIC COURT OF ZAPORIZHYA REGION
69001, Ukraine, Zaporizhya region,
Shaumyana Str. 4
===========================
U N I T E D K I N G D O M
===========================
ABLE J RECRUITMENT: Members Opt for Liquidation
-----------------------------------------------
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of Able J
Recruitment Limited, duly convened and held at 100-102 St James
Road, Northampton NN5 5LF, on 11 August 2005, the following
Extraordinary Resolution was duly passed:
"That it has been proved to the satisfaction of this Meeting that
the Company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its
business, and that it is advisable to wind up the same, and
accordingly that the Company be wound up voluntarily, and that
Gary Steven Pettit and Peter John Windatt, of BRI Business
Recovery and Insolvency, 100-102 St James Road, Northampton NN5
5LF, be and they are hereby appointed Joint Liquidators for the
purpose of the winding-up."
N Ashby, Director/Chairman
* * *
Able J. Recruitment is a privately owned company operating from
two offices based in Northamptonshire, Woodford Halse and Long
Buckby. It provides temporary and permanent staff to industrial
& commercial clients in Banbury, Daventry Northampton and
surrounding areas.
CONTACT: ABLE J RECRUITMENT LIMITED
22 Station Road
Woodford Halse
Nr. Daventry
NN11 3RB
Phone: 01327 260472
Fax: (01327) 262220
2 High Street
Long Buckby
Northants
NN6 7RD
Phone: 01327 844833
E-mail: info@able-j-recruitment.co.uk
Web site: http://www.able-j-recruitment.co.uk/
BRI BUSINESS RECOVERY AND INSOLVENCY
100-102 St James Road,
Northampton NN5 5LF
Phone: 01604 754352
Fax: 01604 751660
E-mail: pwindatt@briuk.co.uk
ARCANA DIGITAL: Files for Liquidation
-------------------------------------
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of Arcana
Digital Limited, duly convened and held on 10 August 2005, at
11:00 a.m., the following Resolutions were duly passed as an
Extraordinary Resolution and as an Ordinary Resolution
respectively:
"That it has been proved to the satisfaction of this Meeting that
the Company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its
business, and that it is advisable to wind up the same, and
accordingly that the Company be wound up voluntarily, and that
Richard Howard Toone and Kevin Anthony Murphy both of Chantrey
Vellacott DFK LLP, Russell Square House, 10-12 Russell Square,
London WC1B 5LF, be and are hereby appointed Joint Liquidators of
the Company for the purpose of the voluntary winding-up to act
jointly and severally."
J Fox, Chairman/Director
CONTACT: ARCANA DIGITAL LIMITED
Phone: 44 20 8466 0655
Fax: 44 20 8466 6610
E-mail: info@arcanadigital.com
Web site: http://www.arcanadigital.com
CHANTREY VELLACOTT DFK
Russell Square House,
10-12 Russell Square,
London WC1B 5LF
Phone: 020 7509 9000
Fax: 020 7436 8884
Web site: http://www.cvdfk.com
BREND FINE: Furniture Maker Winding up
--------------------------------------
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of Brend Fine
Furniture Limited, duly convened and held at 5-6 The Courtyard,
East Park, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 6AG, on 12 August 2005, the
following Resolutions were duly passed as an Extraordinary
Resolution and as an Ordinary Resolution respectively:
"That it has been proved to the satisfaction of this Meeting that
the Company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its
business, and that it is advisable to wind up the same, and
accordingly that the Company be wound up voluntarily, and that
Julie P Vahey and Graham P Petersen of Benedict Mackenzie, 5-6
The Courtyard, East Park, Crawley, West Sussex, be and are hereby
appointed Joint Liquidators for the purposes of such winding-up."
J E Brend, Chairman
CONTACT: BREND FINE FURNITURE LIMITED
Kingswood East
Tandridge Lane
Lingfield
RH7 6LP
Surrey
Phone: 01342 893009
BENEDICT MACKENZIE
4 The Courtyard
East Park
Crawley
West Sussex RH10 6AG
Phone: 01293 410333
Fax: 01293 428530
E-mail: m.fillmore@benemack.com
BUYPOINTS LIMITED: EGM Passes Winding-up Resolution
---------------------------------------------------
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of Buypoints Limited, duly
convened and held at the offices of J M Marriott & Co, 12 Sun
Street, Lancaster LA1 1EW, on 16 August 2005, at 10:00 a.m., the
following Extraordinary Resolution was duly passed:
"That it has been proved to the satisfaction of this Meeting that
the Company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its
business, and that it is advisable to wind up the same, and
accordingly that the Company be wound up voluntarily, and that
Jonathan M Timmis of J M Marriott & Co, 12 Sun Street, Lancaster
LA1 1EW, be and he is hereby appointed Liquidator for the
purposes of such winding-up."
P Rhind, Chairman
CONTACT: BUYPOINTS LIMITED
Phone: 0800 085 4701
Web site: http://www.buypoints.co.uk/faq.html
CANONBURY ASPHALTE: Goes into Liquidation
-----------------------------------------
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of Canonbury Asphalte Co.
Limited, duly convened, and held at the offices of Valentine &
Co., 4 Dancastle Court, 14 Arcadia Avenue, London N3 2HS, on
Thursday 11 August 2005, the following Resolutions were duly
passed as an Extraordinary Resolution and as Ordinary Resolutions
respectively:
"That it has been proved to the satisfaction of the Meeting that
the Company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its
business, and that the Company be wound up voluntarily, that
Robert Valentine and Mark Reynolds, of Valentine & Co, 4
Dancastle Court, 14 Arcadia Avenue, London N3 2HS, be appointed
Joint Liquidators of the Company for the purposes of the
voluntary winding-up, and that the Joint Liquidators be
authorized to act jointly and severally in the Liquidation."
A Noble, Chairman
CONTACT: CANONBURY ASPHALTE CO. LIMITED
The Street
Sheering
Bishops Stortford
CM22 7LY
Hertfordshire
Phone: 01279 734077
Fax: 01279 734568
VALENTINE & CO.
4 Dancastle Court
14 Arcadia Avenue, London N3 2HS
Phone: 020 8343 3710
Fax: 020 9343 4486
Web site: http://www.valentine-co.com
CARSON CARE: Members Decide to Wind up Firm
-------------------------------------------
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of Carson Care
Homes Limited, duly convened, and held at 30 Derby Street,
Ormskirk, Lancashire L39 2BY, on 9 August 2005, the following
Resolutions were duly passed as an Extraordinary Resolution and
as an Ordinary Resolution respectively:
"That it has been proved to the satisfaction of this Meeting that
the Company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its
business, and that it is advisable to wind up the same, and
accordingly that the Company be wound up voluntarily, and that
Eileen T F Sale, of Sale Smith & Co. Ltd., 30 Derby Street,
Ormskirk, Lancashire L39 2BY, be and she is hereby appointed
Liquidator for the purposes of such winding-up."
At a subsequent Meeting of Creditors held later that day and at
the same venue the above Resolutions were also approved.
P F Carson, Director
CONTACT: CARSON CARE HOMES LIMITED
93 Salisbury Road, Wavertree
Liverpool, Merseyside L15 2HU
Phone: 01512220490
EFFECTIVE RECRUITMENT: In Liquidation
-------------------------------------
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of Effective
Recruitment Limited, duly convened, and held at Menzies Baron
Court Hotel, Walsall Wood, Walsall Road, Walsall, West Midlands
WS9 9AH, on 10 August 2005, the following Resolutions were duly
passed as an Extraordinary Resolution and as an Ordinary
Resolution respectively:
"That it has been proved to the satisfaction of this Meeting that
the Company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its
business, and that it is advisable to wind up the same, and
accordingly that the Company be wound up voluntarily, and that
Peter Anthony Jackson, be and he is hereby appointed Liquidator
for the purposes of such winding-up."
V J Antoni, Director
CONTACT: EFFECTIVE RECRUITMENT LIMITED
Quay West, Trafford Wharf Road
Manchester M17 1PL
Phone: 0161 872 0222
Fax: 0161 872 5012
Web site: http://www.effectiverecruitment.com/
JACKSON GREGORY & CO
14 Wood Street, Bolton BL1 1DZ
EURODIS ELECTRON: Takes over Swiss Company
------------------------------------------
The agreed management buyout of Eurodis Electronics Schweiz AG
and parent Eurodis Electron plc has successfully been completed
on August 19. The registrar of companies has approved the
renaming of the firm to Ineltro AG on August 29. The deal
includes the takeover of the company's liabilities and business
address in Regensdorf.
The transaction follows a similar agreement between Eurodis
Electron plc and Austrian Eurodis Electronics. This new company
trades under the name Ineltro Electronics GmbH.
On 15 July 2005, Neville Barry Kahn and Nicholas Guy Edwards (of
Deloitte & Touche LLP) were appointed as joint administrators of
Eurodis Electron PLC. The subsidiaries included in the filing
are Eurodis Electronics plc, Eurodis Information Systems Limited,
Eurodis Electronics U.K. Limited, Eurodis Electron Holding B.V.,
Eurodis Distribution Services B.V., Eurodis Texim Electronics
B.V., and Eurodis Texim Electronics.
A company profile is available free of charge at
http://bankrupt.com/misc/EurodisElectron.htm
CONTACT: EURODIS ELECTRON PLC
43 London Road Reigate,
Surrey RH2 9PW
Phone: +44 (0) 1737 242464
Fax: +44 (0) 1737 229600
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Athene Place
66 Shoe Lane
London EC4A 3BQ
Phone: 00 44 (0) 207 936 3000
Fax: 00 44 (0) 207 779 4001
Web site: http://www.deloitte.com
FAUCET HEATING: Goes into Liquidation
-------------------------------------
Company Name: FAUCET HEATING & PLUMBING LIMITED
Westgate Chambers,
8A Elm Park Road, Pinner,
Middlesex, HA5 3LA
Phone: 01516323069
Registration Number: 04446538
Court: Bristol District Registry
Date of Filing Petition: May 5, 2005
No. of Matter: 2034 of 2005
Date of Winding-up Order: July 27, 2005
CONTACT: Official Receiver
2nd Floor, Cunard Building,
Pier Head,
Liverpool, L3 1DS
Phone: 0151 236 9131
Fax: 0151 2437800
GATE GOURMET: Offers Workers Generous Severance Pay
---------------------------------------------------
Ailing caterer Gate Gourmet said Sunday it has reached a deal
that might end the dispute with employees, The Associated Press
says.
Gate Gourmet, owned by U.S. private equity firm Texas Pacific
Group, is offering employees two weeks' pay for each year of
service, more than twice the British statutory level for
redundancy pay.
It said in a statement, "It is Gate Gourmet London's hope that
the results of this voluntary program and compensation payment
plan, coupled with a possible compulsory program and work rule
changes, will reduce its work force to levels agreed upon by the
union which will restore the company to economic viability."
Gate Gourmet sacked around 660 employees after staging a walkout
over the hiring of temporary staff, prompting sympathy action by
British Airways ground crew on August 11. The walkout forced the
carrier to cancel hundreds of flights, stranding more than
100,000 travelers.
The caterer earlier warned of bankruptcy if the contract with
British Airways is not renewed. The carrier has agreed to renew
the contract but on the condition that Gate Gourmet resolves its
dispute with workers. Gate Gourmet has refused to reinstate all
the fired employees, earning the ire of unions, which have
threatened to stage another strike.
CONTACT: GATE GOURMET U.K. & IRELAND
Phone: 0208 5135013
Mobile: 07810 561816
Web site: http://www.gategourmet.com
HERITAGE MASONRY: Members Vote on Winding-up
--------------------------------------------
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of Heritage
Masonry Limited, duly convened, and held at 2nd Floor, 65 London
Road, Gloucester GL1 3HF, on 16 August 2005, the following
Resolutions were duly passed as an Extraordinary Resolution and
as an Ordinary Resolution respectively.
"That it has been proved to the satisfaction of this Meeting that
the Company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its
business, and that it is advisable to wind up the same, and
accordingly, that the Company be wound up voluntarily, and that
David Exell, of David Exell Associations, PO Box 1601, Broad
Street, Wrington, Bristol BS40 5WA, be and he is hereby appointed
Liquidator for the purposes of such winding-up."
There being no further business the Meeting concluded.
M K Heather, Chairman
CONTACT: HERITAGE MASONRY LIMITED
Catbrain Quarry, The Beacon, Stroud, Gloucestershire
GL6 6SU
Phone: 01452814421
J HOPKINS: Court Issues Winding-up Order
----------------------------------------
Company Name: J HOPKINS MANUFACTURING CO LTD.
Unit 2A, Park Road, Halesowen,
West Midlands, B63 2RH
Phone: +44 1384 567100
Fax: +44 1384 567112
Web site: http://www.jhopkins.co.uk
Registration Number: 02897572
Court: Birmingham District Registry
Date of Filing Petition: May 18, 2005
No. of Matter: 2476 of 2005
Date of Winding-up Order: August 15, 2005
CONTACT: Official Receiver
3rd Floor East, Ladywood House,
45/6 Stephenson Street
Birmingham, B2 4UP
Tel: 0121 698 4147
Fax: 0121 698 4408
LEN HEMMING: Calls in Liquidator
--------------------------------
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of Len Hemming And Sons
Limited duly convened and held at Butcher Woods, on 11 August
2005, the following Resolutions were duly passed as an
Extraordinary Resolution and as an Ordinary Resolution
respectively:
"That it has been proved to the satisfaction of this Meeting that
the Company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its
business, and that it is advisable to wind up the same, and that
accordingly, the Company be wound up voluntarily, and that
Roderick Graham Butcher, of Butcher Woods, 79 Caroline Street,
Birmingham B3 1UP, be and is hereby appointed Liquidator of the
Company for the purpose of the voluntary winding-up."
At a Meeting of Creditors held on 11 August 2005, the Creditors
confirmed the appointment of Roderick Graham Butcher as
Liquidator, and that anything required or authorised to be done
by the Liquidator be done by him.
I Hemming, Chairman
CONTACT: LEN HEMMING AND SONS LIMITED
Unit 31, Bilton Industrial Estate, Birmingham
West Midlands B38 9TS
Phone: 01214511029
BUTCHER WOODS
79 Caroline Street
Birmingham
West Midlands
E-mail: rod.butcher@butcher-woods.co.uk
Phone: 0121 236 6001
Fax: 0121 236 5702
MACHAL LTD.: Falls into Liquidation
-----------------------------------
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of Machal
Ltd., duly convened, and held at 6 Ridge House, Ridgehouse Drive,
Festival Park, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST1 5TL, on 17
August 2005, the following Resolutions were duly passed as an
Extraordinary Resolution and as an Ordinary Resolution
respectively:
"That it has been proved to the satisfaction of this Meeting that
the Company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its
business, and that it is advisable to wind up the same, and that
accordingly, that the Company be wound up voluntarily, and that M
H Abdulali, of Moore Stephens, 6 Ridge House, Ridgehouse Drive,
Festival Park, Stoke on Trent ST1 5TL, be and he is hereby
appointed Liquidator for the purposes of such winding-up."
A Detheridge, Director
CONTACT: MACHAL LTD.
40 Hotchkiss Way, Binley, Coventry
West Midlands CV2 2XJ
Phone: 02476450222
MOORE STEPHENS
6 Ridge House
Ridge House Drive
Festival Park
Stoke on Trent
Staffordshire
ST1 5TL
E-mail: mustafa.abdulali@uk.pkf.com
Phone: 01782 201120
Fax: 01782 201599
MACKENZIE-MACLAINE LTD.: Project Management Consultant Winds up
---------------------------------------------------------------
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of Mackenzie-Maclaine Ltd.,
duly convened, and held at the offices of Valentine & Co., 4
Dancastle Court, 14 Arcadia Avenue, London N3 2HS, on 12 August
2005, the following Resolutions were duly passed as an
Extraordinary Resolution and as Ordinary Resolutions
respectively:
"That it has been proved to the satisfaction of the Meeting that
the Company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its
business, and that the Company be wound up voluntarily, and that
Robert Valentine and Mark Reynolds of Valentine & Co., 4
Dancastle Court, 14 Arcadia Avenue, London N3 2HS, be appointed
Joint Liquidators of the Company for the purposes of the
voluntary winding-up, and that the Joint Liquidators be
authorised to act jointly and severally in the liquidation."
C G Mcleod, Chairman
CONTACT: MACKENZIE-MACLAINE LTD.
Kinetic Business Centre,
Theobald Street,
Borehamwood,
Herts,
WD6 4PJ
E-mail: enquiries@mmltd.uk.com
Phone: 0208 387 1221
Fax: 0208 387 4004
Web site: http://www.mmprojectmanagement.co.uk/
VALENTINE & CO.
4 Dancastle Court
14 Arcadia Avenue, London N3 2HS
Phone: 020 8343 3710
Fax: 020 9343 4486
Web site: http://www.valentine-co.com
MAGNETIC AND MEMORY: Appoints KPMG Liquidator
---------------------------------------------
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of Magnetic and Memory
Technology Limited, duly convened, and held at KPMG LLP, Altius
House, One North Fourth Street, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
MK9 1NE, on 29 July 2005, the following Resolutions were duly
passed as an Extraordinary Resolution and as an Ordinary
Resolution respectively:
"That it has been proved to the satisfaction of this Meeting that
the Company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its
business, and that it is advisable to wind up the same, and
accordingly that the Company be wound up voluntarily, and that
James Douglas Ernle Money and Mark Jeremy Orton, of KPMG be and
are hereby appointed Joint Liquidators, for the purpose of such
winding-up. Any act required or authorized under any enactment to
be done by one of them."
J S Dimmock, Director
* * *
Magnetic & Memory Technology Limited was established in 1984,
primarily as technology transfer consultants and turnkey project
engineers specializing in recording media manufacturing. MMT has
since diversified by investment and acquisition into
manufacturing and other international activities through its
subsidiaries. In addition to general consultancy and equipment
supply contracts, MMT also undertake Turnkey Projects and these
have included a videocassette plant in Hungary and a complete
videotape plant in India.
MMT is now a holding company for it's diverse interests in
plastic injection molding, recording media manufacturing
equipment and materials, medical software and garden products.
CONTACT: MAGNETIC AND MEMORY TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
3 Crossness Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 0HY, UK
E-mail: jim@lairinternational.co.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 208 4774477
Fax: +44 (0) 208 5940390
Web site: http://www.mmtgroup.com/magnetic/
KPMG
37 Hill Road, Cambridge CB2 1XL
Web site: http://www.kpmg.co.uk
METAL MINDS: Falls into Liquidation
-----------------------------------
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of Metal Minds
Limited, duly convened, and held at the offices of Singla & Co,
12 Devereux Court, Strand, London WC2R 3JL, on 16 August 2005,
the following Extraordinary Resolution was duly passed:
"That it has been proved to the satisfaction of this Meeting,
that the Company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue
its business, and that it is advisable to wind up the same and,
accordingly, that the Company be wound up voluntarily and that
Surjit Kumar Singla, of Singla & Co, 12 Devereux Court, Strand,
London WC2R 3JL, be and is hereby appointed Liquidator for the
purpose of such winding-up."
N D Wallbridge, Chairman
* * *
Established in May 1999, Metal Minds is a privately held U.K.
company formed to concentrate on the development of next
generation Internet products.
Metal Minds' most recent product innovation is called jetNEXUS.
It dramatically improves Web page and SSL download times,
significantly reduces bandwidth requirements as well as improving
bandwidth restricted server and SSL performance.
CONTACT: METAL MINDS LIMITED
St Mary's Court
Amersham
Bucks HP7 0UT
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0) 1494-582 044
Fax: +44 (0) 1494-582 444
E-mail: info@metalminds.com
sales@metalminds.com
techsupport@metalminds.com
recruitment@metalminds.com
Web site: http://www.metalminds.com/
SINGLA & CO.
12 Devereaux Court
Strand
London WC2R 3JL
Phone: 020 7353 6922
Fax: 020 7583 4126
E-mail: andrew.rosler@idealcorporatesolutions.co.uk
MOTHERWELL BRIDGE: Returns with a Vengeance
-------------------------------------------
One of the most famous names from Scotland's industrial past,
Motherwell Bridge, has been resurrected two years after the
original company collapsed.
MB Engineering Solutions, which was formed from the remnants of
the heavy engineering concern, announced it had bought back the
rights to use the Motherwell Bridge name as it revealed a strong
set of results for the year to June 2005, its first full year of
trading.
Chairman Hugh Hayes and his team have produced the turnaround in
less than two years from the collapse of the old Motherwell
Bridge Holdings group, and he sees the return of the Motherwell
Bridge name as fitting now that the group is trading profitably.
Trading in the year generated a profit before tax of GBP3.2
million, on turnover of GBP93 million. Mr. Hayes noted that each
of the operating subsidiaries traded profitably in the year, in
some cases producing their best results for some time.
He said the management team and the 1,200 employees, most of whom
had been employed by the old company, had all made a major
contribution towards the results and could be justifiably proud
of what had been achieved so far. The restoration of the
Motherwell Bridge name helped underline the recovery and gave the
group credibility, and this generated further confidence within
the customer base.
Mr. Hayes said: "Trading has been good and the robust business
disciplines introduced to the group have seen us generate a lot
of cash this year.
"We've paid GBP2.1 million off our term loans this year, paid
GBP1.5 million to the old Motherwell Bridge Group Pension scheme,
we've bought the Motherwell site for cash, and we've also spent
another GBP900,000 on other capital projects. Deferred
consideration of GBP1.9 million relating to the acquisition of
the subsidiaries was also paid this year. All in all, it was a
year of good progress for the new company."
Looking ahead, Mr. Hayes said that having established the
viability of each subsidiary, an operating and development
strategy had been agreed for each one, designed to help ensure
reliable, regular, and repeatable results in the medium to longer
term. These strategies varied from company to company, and would
be reviewed regularly.
In the shorter term, he noted that order books and enquiry levels
were strong and better than at this time last year. He described
the trading outlook as "generally positive," although he stressed
that the group still relied heavily on engineering contracts, the
timing of which was a critical variable and often outside the
control of the group.
He added that the group would meet all its scheduled external
commitments in the 2005/6 financial year, including term loan
repayments of a further GBP1.5 million, and the final payment of
GBP1 million due to the old pension scheme next month.
He added: "With the old history just about fully resolved now,
good management disciplines in place and sound trading results,
we can start looking to the future. We've already invested in
and restructured the Motherwell site, opened a new site in
Falkirk for MB Inspection, and will open a new site for MB
Inspection in Aberdeen this autumn.
"It's not just about financial recovery now -- it's about
investment and development. We are ambitious for the group, have
strong support from our banks, and have a whole range of options
on how we go forward, including acquisitions, or possibly by
joining forces with another company."
CONTACT: MOTHERWELL BRIDGE LTD.
PO Box 4, Logans Road
Motherwell ML13NP
United Kingdom
Phone: +44( 0)1698 266111
Fax: +44( 0)1698 269774
E-mail: info@mbgroup.com
Web site: http://www.mbgroup.co.uk/
MOTORCYCLE VOYAGER: Court Sanctions Liquidation
-----------------------------------------------
Company Name: MOTORCYCLE VOYAGER LTD.
Bridge House, 7-9 Church Road
Lawrence Hill,
Bristol, BS5 9JJ
Phone: 01371 81 12 99
Fax: 0117 9552 105
E-mail: info@motorcyclevoyager.com
Web site: http://www.motorcyclevoyager.com
Registration Number: 04380893
Court: Bristol
Date of Filing Petition: June 21, 2005
No. of Matter: 92 of 2005
Date of Winding-up Order: 11th August 2005
CONTACT: Official Receiver
4th Floor, 100 Victoria Street,
Bristol, BS1 6BD
Phone: 01179 279515
Fax: 01179 275299
NETWORK RAIL: Pre-tax Loss Down GBP117 Million Under IFRS
---------------------------------------------------------
Network Rail published its financial information for the year
ended 31 March 2005 and the opening balance sheet at 1 April
2004, restated under International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS).
For the year ended 31 March 2005 and previous financial years,
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (NRIL) prepared its financial
statements under U.K. Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (U.K. GAAP). European Union regulations require
listed companies in any member state to adopt IFRS for financial
years commencing on or after 1 January 2005.
NRIL has a regulatory requirement to report in the manner of a
listed PLC and therefore must comply with IFRS for the first time
for the year ending 31 March 2006.
The main changes to the results and financial position of Network
Rail Infrastructure Limited reported under U.K. GAAP for the year
ended 31 March 2005 are:
(a) Profit from operations of GBP539 million, GBP132 million
higher than that under U.K. GAAP;
(b) Loss before tax of GBP47 million, GBP117 lower than that
under U.K. GAAP; and
(c) Net assets of GBP3,610 million, GBP1,607 million lower than
that under U.K. GAAP.
The most significant areas of change on the transition to IFRS
are:
(a) Investment properties and fixed assets
IFRS significantly widens the definition of an investment
property. For Network Rail this now captures the majority of its
Spacia estate and a number of serviced offices. This has
required a significant reclassification from property, plant and
equipment to investment properties.
Items have been reclassified to investment properties at the same
value that they were held within property, plant and equipment.
The rationale for this is that net assets should not be increased
or decreased by the transfer, given that in setting the
Regulatory Asset Base, the Office of Rail Regulation determined a
single overall economic value for the business. GBP789 million
has been reclassified in the balance sheet at 31 March 2005.
Under IFRS movements in the fair value of investment properties
are recorded through the income statement within operating
profit, whereas currently under U.K. GAAP movements are taken
through the revaluation reserve. GBP81 million of investment
property revaluation is included within operating profit under
IFRS. Reclassifying items from property, plant and equipment
reduced the depreciation charge under IFRS for the year ended 31
March 2005 by GBP30 million.
(b) Pensions
Under IFRS the Company's share of the full pension deficit is
recognized on the balance sheet. Actuarial gains and losses in
subsequent years are recognized immediately in the balance sheet
through the statement of recognized income and expense, outside
the income statement.
The Company's share of the scheme deficit under IFRS was GBP414
million at 31 March 2005. Recognizing the Company's share of the
scheme deficit on the balance sheet reduced the income statement
charge for 2005 by GBP21 million. Previously under U.K. GAAP the
deficit was being charged to the profit and loss account over the
average remaining service lives of employees.
(c) Deferred taxation
Significant additional deferred taxation provisions are required
under IFRS, mainly due to the tax treatment of the revaluation of
the railway network. Under IFRS deferred taxation is provided in
full on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of
assets and liabilities and their carrying value in the financial
statements. The additional deferred taxation provision is
treated principally as a reduction in the revaluation reserve.
The deferred taxation provision at 31 March 2005 is GBP1,444
million, compared to GBP152 million reported under U.K. GAAP.
Deferred taxation coupled with the provision for the pension
deficit is the major reasons for the decrease in net assets under
IFRS.
(d) Financial instruments
Network Rail has taken advantage of transitional exemptions and
will adopt IAS 32 and IAS 39 in full from 1 April 2005.
Pro-forma financial information showing the impact of these
standards had they been adopted from 1 April 2004 is provided in
the published documents.
About the Company
London-based Network Rail, through subsidiary Network Rail
Infrastructure, owns, manages, and maintains 21,000 miles of
track and 40,000 bridges and tunnels in the U.K. The
not-for-profit company, was formed with backing from the U.K.
government in 2002 to acquire the former Railtrack PLC from
insolvent parent company Railtrack Group. Railtrack went into
administration in 2001 after the government withdrew funding for
the company whose reputation was wrecked by a fatal crash in 2000
at Hatfield. Its shareholders are suing the government for
"misfeasance of justice" and a breach of human rights to recover
GBP157 million.
The case ("Geoffrey Rutherford Weir and ors. v. The Secretary of
State for Transport HC03CO4185") is being held at the high court
of Mr. Justice Lindsay. Jonathan Sumption is spearheading the
government's defense. Geoffrey Weir is the shareholders' lead
claimant. Keith Rowley QC is the shareholders' barrister. The
investors are acting together as The Railtrack Private
Shareholders Action Group (RPSAG).
CONTACT: NETWORK RAIL LIMITED
40 Melton St.
London NW1 2EE,
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7557 8000
Fax: +44 20 7557 9000
Web site: http://www.networkrail.com
PENDRAGON FURNITURE: No Bids Yet for Business
---------------------------------------------
Administrators from Ernst and Young are still looking for buyers
for Bridgend-based furniture factories Pendragon Furniture
Limited and Contour, according to BBC News. The future of the
company and its 200 workers has been placed in uncertainty after
the receivership of Christie Tyler in July.
The Christie Tyler Group has already disposed of some plants,
including the Cambria Mobel plant in Pontypridd and Deeside
Furniture in Flintshire.
Don McGregor of GMB union said his group is seeking legal advise
over the way the Christie Tyler Group had been put into
receivership. The collapse placed under threat around 1,850 jobs
at a total of eight plants in Wales and England.
CONTACT: PENDRAGON FURNITURE LIMITED
Kingsway
Bridgend Industrial Estate
Bridgend
Mid Glamorgan
CF31 3RZ
Phone: 01656 766 822
Fax: 01656 659 399
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Web site: http://www.ey.com
SUPERCREST ENGINEERING: Collapses into Liquidation
--------------------------------------------------
Company Name: SUPERCREST ENGINEERING PRODUCTS LTD.
106 Wallhouse Road, Walsall,
West Midlands, WS1 2BE
Phone: 0121-328 7895
Registration Number: 04296840
Court: Bristol District Registry
Date of Filing Petition: June 15, 2005
No. of Matter: 2499 of 2005
Date of Winding-up Order: August 10, 2005
CONTACT: Official Receiver
Ground Floor, Copthall House,
King Street,
Newcastle-Under-Lyme, ST5 1UE
Phone: 1782 664100
Fax: 01782 664120
TELEFORCE U.K.: Winding-up Gets Go Signal
-----------------------------------------
Company Name: TELEFORCE (UK) LTD.
1 Haven Green, Ealing,
London, W5 2UU
Phone: 020 89989646
Registration Number: 02192467
Court: Bristol District Registry
Date of Filing Petition: 15th June 2005
No. of Matter: 2498 of 2005
Date of Winding-up Order: August 10, 2005
CONTACT: Official Receiver
21 Bloomsbury Street,
London, WC1B 3SS
Phone: 020 7637 1110
Fax: 020 7637 6390
THURROCK ELECTRICAL: Files for Liquidation
------------------------------------------
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of Thurrock Electrical
Services Limited, duly convened, and held at Tunsgate Square,
98-110 High Street, Guildford GU1 3HE, on 15 August 2005, the
following Resolutions were duly passed, as an Extraordinary
Resolution and as an Ordinary Resolution respectively:
"That it had been proved to the satisfaction of this Meeting that
the Company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its
business, and that it is advisable to wind up the same, and
accordingly, that the Company be wound up voluntarily, and that
Michael Bowell, of MBI Equity Ltd., First Floor, Suite 5,
Tunsgate Square, 98-110 High Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3HE,
be and is hereby appointed Liquidator for the purposes of such
winding-up."
At a subsequent Meeting of Creditors, duly convened, pursuant to
section 98 of the Insolvency Act 1986, and held on the same day,
the appointment of Michael Bowell was confirmed.
M Haynes, Chairman
CONTACT: THURROCK ELECTRICAL SERVICES LIMITED
Unit 7,Thurrock Enterprise Centre, Maidstone
Rd, Grays, Essex,RM17 6NF
Phone: 01375 415250
MBI EQUITY LTD.
First Floor
Suite 5
Tunsgate Square
98-110 High Street
Guildford, Surrey GU1 3HE
Phone: 0845 310 2776
Fax: 0845 450 4464
E-mail: info@mbiequity.co.uk
TRACSPORT LTD.: Court Okays Liquidation
---------------------------------------
Company Name: TRACSPORT LTD.
Berkeley House, 18 Station Road,
East Grinstead,
East Sussex, RH19 1DJ
Phone: 01327 314488
Registration Number: 02721067
Court: High Court of Justice
Date of Filing Petition: April 27, 2005
No. of Matter: 002792 of 2005
Date of Winding-up Order: August 10, 2005
CONTACT: Official Receiver
69 Middle Street,
Brighton, BN1 1BE
Phone: 01273 861300
Fax: 01273 861301
TROJAN CONSTRUCTION: Opts for Liquidation
-----------------------------------------
Company Name: TROJAN CONSTRUCTION RECRUITMENT LTD.
407B The Big Peg,
120 Vyse Street, Hockley,
Birmingham, B18 6NF
Phone: 0121 248 8880
Fax: 0121 248 7788
E-mail: accounts@trojanrecruitment.co.uk
Web site: http://www.trojanrecruitment.co.uk
Registration Number: 04967635
Court: High Court of Justice
Date of Filing Petition: June 28, 2005
No. of Matter: 004235 of 2005
Date of Winding-up Order: August 10, 2005
CONTACT: Official Receiver
3rd Floor East, Ladywood House,
45/6 Stephenson Street
Birmingham, B2 4UP
Tel: 0121 698 4147
Fax: 0121 698 4408
*********
S U B S C R I P T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N
Troubled Company Reporter -- Europe is a daily newsletter
co-published by Bankruptcy Creditors' Service, Inc., Fairless
Hills, Pennsylvania, USA, and Beard Group, Inc., Frederick,
Maryland USA. Larri-Nil Veloso, Ma. Cristina Canson, Liv Arcipe,
Julybien Atadero and Jay Malaga, Editors.
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. ISSN 1529-2754.
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