This statement is in relation to Guinness Peat Group (GPG) plc’s stock exchange announcement ‘GPG announces update on value realisation programme and proposed structure’, released 25 October 2012 NZDT.
Coats is the world’s leading industrial thread and textile crafts business, at home in more than 70 countries, employing 20,000 people across six continents. One in five garments on the planet is held together with Coats’ thread and it is the largest player in the textile crafts market. Revenues in 2011 were US$1.7bn.
There has been a period of substantial investment by GPG over a number of years in developing Coats’ world class manufacturing footprint and, more recently, under CEO Paul Forman and his executive management team, a focus on new product development, digital technology and enabling assets.
Coats’ CEO, Paul Forman said:
‘While today’s announcement is welcome in setting out a timeline for when Coats’ will return to being a stand-alone entity, the management team and employees remain focused on providing outstanding customer service and accelerating profitable growth. Our robust business model is based on our unrivalled global footprint, a strong presence in our chosen markets, deep customer relationships and breadth of products and services.
‘Our pioneering history and culture underpin our growth strategy and we continue leading the way around the world: providing complementary and value added products and services to the apparel and footwear industries; extending the crafts offer into new markets and online; and applying innovative techniques to develop products in specialty areas such as tracer threads and aramids.’
ENDS