Farsons Group improved its profitability during 2009 as a result of a number of remedial measures by the group that helped mitigate the ongoing recessional factors and difficult economic environment, group CEO Louis Farrugia said.
Mr Farrugia was speaking during his last address to shareholders at the 63rd annual general meeting of Simonds Farsons Cisk plc.
Although relinquishing responsibilities for the day-to-day running of the group, Mr Farrugia will take on an overseeing role and active part in determining the group's strategies. He will continue in his role as chairman of the group's executive board, while Bryan Gera will retain his position as chairman of the board of directors.
Mr Farrugia, who will also remain responsible for the new €14 million Brewhouse project, updated shareholders on the latest developments. He also announced that an agreement for the Brewhouse equipment has just been signed with Krones AG, a leading company in this sector. Construction is expected to commence this month, while completion is planned for 2012.
Referring to the recent €15 million 2017-2020 six per cent unsecured bond offer, which was closed within minutes due to oversubscription, Mr Farrugia said: "The response of investors is a clear signal of the support Farsons continues to enjoy and a vote of confidence in our brands and future prospects." The allocation process is now concluded.
Norman Aquilina, who was appointed chief executive officer earlier this month, said: "Our EBITDA (Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) was the highest in the past five years, registering an improvement of more than €2 million over the previous financial year and reaching €10.2 million.
"The gearing ratio, that is, the ratio of debt on equity and debt at the year end, stood at 31.4 per cent. This is also an improvement over the previous year's 34.8 per cent and the lowest in the last five years."
During his overview of 2009, Mr Aquilina said Farsons' export sales almost doubled and reached record levels in terms of volume and profitability. Today, Farsons is exporting to 12 countries in Europe, North America, north Africa and Australia, while Cisk Lager is now also available in China.
"With determination, professionalism and courage, during 2010 we will further refine our business model to make it even more dynamic and resilient, and further increase Farsons Group's profitability," Mr Aquilina added.
Addressing shareholders, Mr Gera thanked Mr Farrugia for his 31-year service as the group's chief executive. He explained that the group's turnover reached €65.1 million, while profit before tax amounted to €3.2 million.
Mr Gera also thanked all Farsons Group directors, the entire management and staff at the brewery and subsidiaries for their dedication and commitment and all the shareholders for their trust.
The AGM approved the board's recommendation of a final dividend of €1,500,000. An interim dividend of €300,000 had already been paid in October 2009.
During an extraordinary general meeting held afterwards, a number of proposed amendments to memorandum and articles of association were also approved.