HAMP.L Regulatory News (HAMP)

16 Jun 2008 07:00



16 June 2008

Directorate Changes

Hampson Industries PLC ("Hampson"), the international aerospace and precision engineering group, announces that Paul Gismondi has been appointed as independent non-executive Director and that Jonathan Palmer is retiring from the Board, with immediate effect.

Paul Gismondi (52) is a Managing Director of Lazard and has over thirty years' experience in the banking industry. He leads Lazard's Capital Markets Advisory business in London and is responsible for advising, acting as sponsor and acting as placement agent on a wide range of securities offerings and private placements both in London and internationally. He is also a non-executive Director of Panmure Gordon & Co. plc. 

At the same time, Jonathan Palmer will retire from the Board after more than five and a half years as a non-executive director of Hampson to devote more time to his growing portfolio of commercial interests in South Africa and its neighbouring territories.

Commenting on the board changes, Chairman Chris Geoghegan said: 

"Jonathan Palmer has played a key role in the development and evolution of the Hampson group over the last five and a half years. His financial acumen and entrepreneurial insight have made a significant contribution to the formulation and execution of our growth strategy. The Board would like to place on record its sincere gratitude to Jonathan and wishes him well with his future endeavours. 

"We are delighted to welcome someone of Paul Gismondi's calibre, with proven financial expertise and industry experience at this exciting time in our development as we have repositioned into higher growth sectors."

There are no other disclosures relating to Paul Gismondi's appointment under Listing Rule 9.6.13 (1) to (6).

Ends

For further information:

Kim Ward, Chief Executive +44 (0)1384 472941

Howard Kimberley, Finance Director +44 (0)1384 472946

Marylene Guernier/Jonathan Gollins, M:Communications +44 (0)7776 303 788

About Hampson:

The Group's operations are structured into three business segments, serving primarily the global commercial and military aerospace and specialist engineering markets from manufacturing facilities in the UK, North America and India.

Approximately 90% of the Group's sales are derived from its aerospace activities, the balance from the market for automotive turbocharger components.

In June 2008, Hampson completed the acquisition of Odyssey Industries, Inc. and Global Tooling Systems, Inc. for a total consideration of up to USD314 million, partly financed through a £65 million placing and open offer. The Group now employs over 2,400 people. 

Hampson Industries PLC is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange (Symbol: HAMP).  For more information on Hampson: www.hampsongroup.com