The RNSM announced that it had sold its old factory site for ?8.575 million, which is way above the value shown in the company accounts. It looks as if this will increase the companys Balance Sheet value by approx. 35/40%. The companys Market value (based on the current share price of 42p) is under ?10 million, whilst the Balance Sheet value will be approx. 15/16 million.
This would seem to indicate a seriously undervalued (and cash rich)company.

Its about time we got some movement up, as you say cyclist RNSM is seriously undervalued, by the number of post on this thread its not very fashionable ether. A sound investment for serious investors. regard goal.

Does any one else hold RNSM shares?

I'll talk to my self then, results out in June.

I do. Grandpa & I take Glucosamine- I believe they manufacture it.

Grandma

Yes I hold RNSM... Thought we might have had a Trading update by now, but lloks like we are going to have to wait till June.

Did you know that Glucosamine won Boots's vitamin of the year award, broker forecast... 2m pre-tax profit for the current year. RNSM loking very cheap. regards goal.

goal,just put RNSM in Stockwatch,looks good for the long term !!!!

Mega...

The final results will be next week I believe.

(Updates with details on earnings)

LONDON (AFX) - William Ransom PLC, a supplier of healthcare products, has bought Optima Healthcare Limited and Optima Health Limited for 23 mln stg.

The purchase is to be financed through 12.6 mln stg in cash and 10 mln stg through a vendor placing at 40 pence per share, with 2.6 mln stg from a new bank facility.

Optima manufactures health food supplements and cosmetics based on natural ingredients.

Ransom chairman, Tim Dye, said: 'We are delighted to be announcing the acquisition of Optima. The Acquisition represents a good strategic fit and is expected to be earnings enhancing.'

The full year turnover was 18.9 mln stg against 14.4 mln with the pretax loss to March 31 211,000 stg against 2.6 mln.

The dividend was unchanged at 1.5 pence while the full year basic loss per share was 0.46 pence against an earning per share of 10.97 mln a year earlier.

newsdesk@afxnews.com
I thought we would get a bigger reaction than we have had today or will it be delayed? The acquisition of Optima is brilliant news, your opinions please. regards goal.

THE DEAL IS GOOD BUT WHY DO THESE COMPANIES INSIST ON TWISTING THE SMALL SHAREHOLDERS. THIS DEAL WOULD BE ILLEGAL IN USA AND TO MY MIND IS TOTALLY IMMORAL. TO SUM IT UP THE INSTITUTIONS AND THE CITY CAN BUY SHARES AT 40P WE CANNOT. THE DIRECTORS WILL TELL YOU THEY ARE IN THE SAME BOAT BUT THEY ARE NOT. THEY CAN GIVE THEMSELVES CHEAP OPTIONS TO BUY THE SHARES IN THE FUTURE. IN MY MIND ONCE A COMPANY TAKES THIS ROUTE IT WILL BEND THE RULES ALL THE TIME. VOTE AGAINST EVERY FORTHCOMING RESOLUTION AND WRITE TO THE FSA.

Having a good run, up 2% at the mo.

In Money Week today, "The five tastiest stocks on Aim" pages 22/23 & of course RNSM is one of them. regards goal.

Nice +5% move this morning.

This company has had so many recommendations of late & what happens?? the price slips down.

This is because all the institutions are making a quick buck out of all the cheap shares they got from the placing.

Hi Everyone, just found this thread and yes I do hold RNSM shares also. The market PE of 62 for the year hasn't helped the share price hence slow trading volumes. The good news is though broker Numis Securities forecasts 11.79 for next year which should attract attention and place RNSM on the radar for many. With a 3% dividend yield 84.3m shares in issue RNSM is in my book still good value at its current price. Also worth noting is that RNSM has only 2.9m of debtors so is expected this year to turn a decent profit.... I am holding on this share and may well take a bigger holding whilst the price is cheap.

For Immediate Release 31 August 2005


William Ransom & Son plc ('Ransom')

Board Change


Ransom, one of the UK's leading natural healthcare companies, announces that
Jacqueline Paterson has resigned as a Non-Executive Director with effect from
today, 31 August 2005.

Jacqueline's resignation follows her decision to take a sabbatical for a year,
part of which time will be spent travelling overseas with her family

Commenting on Jacqueline's departure, Timothy Dye, Ransom's Chairman said,

"Jack has contributed strongly to the development of Ransom which, during her
time on the Board, has grown substantially and made three acquisitions, most
recently of Optima Healthcare for 23m.

The Board is most grateful for her contribution and wishes her well for the
future."

- ENDS -

Ex-dividend date: 7 sept, payment date: 3 oct. regards goal.

This was tipped in the Business Weekly as a Strong Buy over the weekend, so am a little supprised that it did not tick up in price so far this week.

AGM is on September 16th.

Notifier Holding
Fred Whitcomb 11,806,929
Steve Quinn 11,806,929
David Wilkie 3,413,793
Tim G Dye 974,472
C J Clark 750,000
William J N Nabarro 80,000
Robert Howard 79,623

explosive,if Tim Dye dont come up with the goods in this company after taking over Optima etc the top 3 names on this list could have him out because they own over 25% of the company and as the sp aint moved for them,they want to protect there interest.Me thinks the witham move aint working to plan either and think there contract manufacturing is way off beam and could show up in the next update on rnsm !!!
EverythingClothes

Please not THESE ARE ONLY MY VIEWS,dyor nag etc

Mega...

Mega Bucks, what makes you think that Tim Dye might not come up with the goods and that the plant move isn't working out then?

The shares are only down 2% on the year, considering all the change thats been made this result isn't too bad. Next year I think will be the teller when the new plant is fully opperational and in full swing..

Explo

Interims due on the 15th. Both Numis Securities and Fyshe Horton Finney Ltd have strong buy recommendations. Good news maybe on the way!

Ransom(William) & Son PLC
15 November 2005


For Immediate Release 15 November 2005

WILLIAM RANSOM & SON PLC

INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2005

William Ransom & Son plc ("Ransom"), one of the UK's leading natural healthcare
companies, today announces its interim results for the six months ended 30
September 2005.

Ransom's objective is to establish itself as the UK's leading natural product
based consumer healthcare Company through both strong organic growth and
acquisition.

Highlights:

Sales increased by 38% to 13.4 million (2004: 10.89 million)

Group profit before tax, amortisation of goodwill and exceptional items
up 63% to 1.3m (2004: 0.8m)

Earnings excluding exceptional items per share of 0.57p (2004: 0.79p)

Gross margins improved from 36% to 40%

Exceptional costs of 0.6m arose due to low output in new production
units, as new processes took longer than planned to bed in

Manufacturing order books at record levels

6th and largest acquisition in 4 years - Optima, performing well;
integration benefits expected in H2

Timothy Dye, Chairman and Chief Executive of William Ransom & Son plc,
commenting on the interim results said,

"Our consumer healthcare business, which now accounts for 75% of the Group's
sales, continues to grow well. The successful integration of Optima and the very
positive US glucosamine trials should drive further consumer healthcare growth
in the second six months and beyond. Order books for contract manufacturing are
at record levels and should translate into a stronger performance in this area
too. Following the site move and recent acquisitions, the Group is well on track
in the implementation of its strategic objective to transform itself into one of
Europe's leading natural healthcare companies."

For further information please contact:

William Ransom & Son plc On the day: 020 7466 5000
Tim Dye - Chairman & Chief Executive Thereafter: 01462 437615
Robert Howard - Finance Director

Buchanan Communications 020 7466 5000
Charles Ryland / Mark Court / James Strong

Chairman's statement

It has been another exciting and important six months of development for the
company, during which time considerable progress has been made. Our largest
acquisition so far, in June, of Optima Health ("Optima"), has established the
Group as one of the largest players in the UK's natural consumer healthcare
market and has greatly improved our product range and distribution capability.
Integration of the businesses has proceeded rapidly and effectively and Optima
is performing well. Good levels of growth have continued at Health Perception
and have been restored in the rest of the consumer healthcare business.
Production efficiencies at the new manufacturing sites are improving and both
units are set for a very busy second half, with botanical extract and contract
manufacturing order books at record levels.

The appointment of Optima's founders - Steve Quinn and Fred Whitcomb - and
Health Perception's founder David Wilkie as directors has made a highly
effective executive Board. As I announced in August, Jacqueline Paterson
resigned as a non-executive director to take a year's sabbatical overseas. I am
grateful to her for her contribution to the development of the Group's
fast-growing consumer healthcare business. We are currently seeking an
additional non-executive director in her place.

Results

In the six months to 30 September 2005, Group profit before tax, amortisation of
goodwill and exceptional items, but after interest and integration costs, rose
to 1.3m (2004: 0.8m). Operating profit was slightly lower at 0.4m (2004:
0.5m), after charging 0.6m of exceptional costs relating to low throughput as
the new plants came on line. Basic loss per share was 0.13p (2004: earnings of
1.15p) and excluding exceptional items the earnings were 0.57p (2004: 0.79p).
Group sales increased by 38%, to 13.4m (2004: 10.9m), of which Optima
contributed three months' sales totalling 3.7m following its acquisition by the
company in June. The Board has declared an unchanged dividend of 0.50p per
share, payable on 11 January 2006 to all shareholders on the register on 16
December 2005.

Operating Review

Following its acquisition in June, integration of the Optima business was a key
operational priority which gave rise to approximately 0.2m of additional
one-off costs. The Group's UK consumer sales and marketing activities, exports
and new product development functions have already been integrated. In the UK,
we now have one of the largest dedicated natural healthcare product sales forces
of 25 sales professionals, with teams covering national accounts (grocery,
wholesalers and multiple chemists), independent pharmacy and independent health
food retailers. The cross-selling opportunities, distribution capability and
market knowledge which this provides in the natural healthcare market is very
powerful and should benefit our UK consumer product portfolio in the second
half. Similarly, the combination of the Group's consumer export activities
offers further good cross-selling potential which we have already begun to
exploit.

Optima's early performance, before the benefits of integration and a strong new
product introduction pipeline which are expected to accrue, is promising, with
sales rising by 6% to 3.7m for the three months since June compared with the
comparable three months last year. Health Perception continued its good sales
growth, with sales rising on a like-for-like basis by approximately 14% to
3.9m, again before the expected integration benefits. The balance of the
consumer brands grew by 9% to 2.7m due to very strong performances again from
Metanium and Radian B export.

Manufacturing throughput at the new production facilities did not reach target
levels in the first six months, but is scheduled to do so in the second half,
now that the new plant and equipment is bedded in and operators are becoming
more familiar with it. Sales for the combined areas in the first six months were
3.3m compared with 4.6m for the same period last year. Exceptional operating
costs resulting from the low throughput as the new plants came on stream fully
amounted to 0.6m. Current pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging volumes
are at their highest levels since the relocations. For the second half, orders
for both botanical extracts and for contract manufactured pharmaceuticals are
also at record levels, in part due to the carry-over of orders unfulfilled in
the first half, but also driven by our success in winning major new business
based on the new facilities.

Financial Review

Gross margins in the group improved again from 36% to 40%, reflecting
principally the greater emphasis of the business on branded consumer healthcare
products following the acquisition of Optima. In continuing operations, gross
margin also rose, by two percentage points, from 36% to 38%, despite exceptional
operating costs of 607k. Selling costs in continuing operations rose by 436k,
reflecting increased advertising within Health Perception and increased
distribution costs to our export markets.

There was a net cash outflow from operating activities of 418k. Stocks rose by
346k within Optima due in part to new product launches and also to the
tremendous success of our manuka honey products. These are sourced from New
Zealand and are seasonal, which results in a long supply chain and high stocks
at certain times. Debtors increased by 915k, reflecting the higher export sales
and the higher level of sales from continuing operations compared to the second
half of last year. Creditors fell by 332k, partly due to tax payments on
account of 121k which were not required in previous years.

The acquisition of Optima in June 2005 resulted in a cash outflow of 13.3m. To
finance the purchase, the Company drew down a further 5.0m senior term loan and
issued 25 million new shares in a Vendor Placing to raise an additional 10.0m.

Outlook

The consumer healthcare business has grown well in the first half and we expect
it to continue to do so both in the UK and overseas in the second six months. It
should benefit additionally from a full six months of an integrated sales and
marketing team with all of the cross-selling, market knowledge and distribution
advantages which that brings. The announcement this week at the American College
of Rheumatology of the details of the extremely positive results of the US
government-funded ("GAIT") clinical trials of the effect of glucosamine on
arthritic pain relief may also further promote sales of Health Perception, which
has a leading position in the UK glucosamine market. Botanical extracts and
contract manufacturing which, combined, now account for only a quarter of the
Group's sales, are expected to improve considerably in the second half due to an
anticipated high level of throughput and record order book levels. Achievement
of the Group's target financial results for the year is dependent on maintaining
the required higher level of output at the new facilities to meet this demand.

We have built a good portfolio of consumer healthcare brands, supported by
strong distribution, manufacturing and technical capabilities in a natural
healthcare market which we believe is set to continue to grow with an ageing
population which increasingly self-medicates using natural products. Organic
growth in the medium term should therefore be good, and can be complemented in a
fragmented market by appropriate acquisition opportunities, which we continue to
seek. We are well on track in the implementation of our strategic objective, set
out five years ago, to transform the Group into a dynamic, market-leading
natural healthcare company.

Timothy Dye
Chairman and Chief Executive

Group Profit and Loss Account
For the six months ended 30 September

For the
Current year
Continuing year Total ended
operations acquisitions Group 31 March
2005 2005 2005 2004 2005
'000 '000 '000 '000 '000

Turnover 9,715 3,711 13,426 10,893 19,771

Cost of sales (5,392) (2,024) (7,416) (6,974) (12,092)
Exceptional
Cost
of Sales (607) - (607) - -
---------------- ----------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
Total Cost of sales (5,999) (2,024) (8,023) (6,974) (12,092)
---------------- ----------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
---------------- ----------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------

Gross profit 3,716 1,687 5,403 3,919 7,679

Selling and
distribution (2,560) (242) (2,802) (2,124) (4,613)
costs
Administrative
expenses (1,259) (984) (2,243) (1,275) (3,065)
---------------- ----------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------

Operating profit (103) 461 358 520 1

Costs of
fundamental
reorganisation - - - (119) (98)
Profit on sale
of discontinued
operations 245 -
---------------- ----------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------

Profit / (loss)
after
exceptional items (103) 461 358 646 (97)

Net interest payable (177) (33) (114)
-------------- -------------- ---------------

Profit / (loss)
before
taxation 181 613 (211)

Tax on profit /
(loss)
on ordinary activities (261) (209) 53
-------------- -------------- ---------------

(Loss) / profit after
taxation (80) 404 (158)

Dividends on
equity
shares (908) (179) (536)
-------------- -------------- ---------------

Transfer (from)
/ to reserves (988) 225 (694)
============== ============== ===============


Earnings per share:
Basic (0.13p) 1.15p (0.46p)
Diluted (0.13p) 1.15p (0.46p)
Excluding exceptional items 0.57p 0.79p 0.79p

Balance Sheet

at 30 September at 31 March
2005 2004 2005
'000 '000 '000

Fixed assets
Intangible assets 30,387 12,026 11,703
Tangible assets 6,487 4,803 6,251
--------------- --------------- -----------------

36,874 16,829 17,954
--------------- --------------- -----------------
Current assets
Stocks 7,623 3,709 3,368
Debtors 6,907 4,011 2,967
Investments - 25 -
Cash at bank and in hand 105 2,011 229
--------------- --------------- -----------------

14,635 9,756 6,564

Creditors:
Amounts falling due
within one year (9,230) (5,867) (5,293)
--------------- --------------- -----------------

Net current assets 5,405 3,889 1,271
--------------- --------------- -----------------

Total assets less 42,279 20,718 19,225
current liabilities

Creditors:
Amounts falling due after more
than one year (5,671) (2,007) (1,514)

Provision for (281) (251) (218)
liabilities and charges
--------------- --------------- -----------------

Net assets 36,327 18,460 17,493
=============== =============== =================

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 8,433 3,572 3,572
Share premium account 21,979 7,018 7,018
Profit and loss account 5,915 7,870 6,903
------------------ ------------------ ------------------

Equity shareholders' funds 36,327 18,460 17,493
================== ================== ==================

Cash Flow Statement

For the For the
six months year
ended ended
30 September 31 March
2005 2004 2005
'000 '000 '000

Net cash outflow / inflow from
operating activities (418) 995 1,888
--------------- -------------- ---------------
Returns on investment and servicing of finance
Interest received - 29 42
Interest paid (177) (61) (156)
--------------- -------------- ---------------

(177) (32) (114)
--------------- -------------- ---------------
Taxation received
UK corporation tax paid (247) (244) (242)
--------------- -------------- ---------------
Capital expenditure and financial
investment
Payments to acquire tangible (112) (1,850) (4,105)
fixed assets
Payments to acquire intangible - (45) -
assets
Receipts from sale of tangible - - 557
fixed assets
--------------- -------------- ---------------

(112) (1,895) (3,548)
--------------- -------------- ---------------

Acquisitions and disposals
Payments to acquire trade (23,077) - (58)
Purchase of subsidiary - (3,598) (8,018)
undertaking
(Overdraft) / cash balances (521) - 875
acquired
Reorganisation of the business - (869) (1,664)
Receipts from sale of trade - 290 -
--------------- -------------- ---------------

(23,598) (4,177) (8,865)
--------------- -------------- ---------------

Equity dividends paid - - (536)
--------------- -------------- ---------------

Cashflow before use of liquid (24,552) (5,353) (11,417)
resources
--------------- -------------- ---------------

Management of liquid resources
Decrease in liquid resources - 3,000 3,000
--------------- -------------- ---------------

Financing
Proceeds from new bank loans 4,900 2,000 1,984
Issue of ordinary share capital 20,390 250 3,749
Issue expenses for shares (568) (73) (73)
Repayment of bank loans (250) - -
--------------- -------------- ---------------

24,472 2,177 5,660
--------------- -------------- ---------------

(Decrease) in cash (80) (176) (2,757)
=============== ============== ===============

Notes on the financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2005

1. Basic earnings per share are based on the profit on ordinary activities
after taxation and on 60,692,397 shares (2004: 35,047,706 shares), the weighted
average number of shares in issue during the period. The diluted earnings per
share are the same as the basic earnings per share.

2. The results for the six months ended 30 September 2005 and 30 September
2004 are unaudited. They have been prepared on the basis of accounting policies
expected to be adopted for the year ended 31 March 2006. The figures for the
year ended 31 March 2005 have been extracted from the full accounts for that
year which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and on which the
auditors have given an unqualified report.

3. Exceptional cost of sales resulted from lower than planned recoveries as
manufacturing output fell below anticipated levels due to the new plant taking
longer than expected to reach full production levels.

4. Acquisition of Optima Healthcare Limited and Optima Health (Ireland)
Limited
On 29 June 2005 the Company acquired the entire share capital of Optima
Healthcare Limited and Optima Health (Ireland) Limited. On the same day the
trade, assets and liabilities of Optima Healthcare Limited were transferred to
the Company. The consideration was paid as 12,109,903 in cash, 500,000
deferred consideration and 10,390,097 in ordinary shares of the Company. To
assist in financing the acquisition, a total of 25,000,000 shares were placed by
Numis Securities Ltd with several UK institutional investors for a consideration
of 10,000,000 net of expenses. The assets and liabilities at acquisition were:

Optima Optima
Healthcare Health
Ltd (Ireland) Ltd Total
'000 '000 '000

Tangible fixed assets 371 18 389
--- --- ---
Stock 3,909 - 3,909
Debtors 2,886 139 3,025
Cash - 81 81
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Total current assets 6,795 220 7,015

Creditors:
amounts falling due within (2,858) (173) (3,031)
one year
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net current assets 3,937 47 3,984
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Total assets less current 4,308 65 4,373
liabilities

Provision for liabilities (32) - (32)
and charges
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Assets 4,276 65 4,341

Positive goodwill 19,201 35 19,236
----------------- ----------------- -----------------

23,477 100 23,577
----------------- ----------------- -----------------

Cash consideration paid 12,110 - 12,110
Deferred cash 500 - 500
consideration
Shares issued 10,290 100 10,390
Costs arising on 577 - 577
acquisition
----------------- ----------------- -----------------

23,477 100 23,577
----------------- ----------------- -----------------

5. Reconciliation of operating profit / (loss) with net cash inflow from
operating activities:

For the For the
six months year
ended ended
30 September 31 March
2005 2004 2005
'000 '000 '000

Operating profit 358 520 1
Depreciation 265 259 595
Amortisation and impairment of 552 312 660
intangibles
Loss / (profit) on sale of - - (15)
tangible fixed assets
(Increase) / decrease in stocks (346) 162 444
(Increase) / decrease in debtors (915) (157) 436
Decrease in creditors (332) (101) (233)
-------------- -------------- ---------------

(418) 995 1,888
============== ============== ===============

6. Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt:

For the For the
six months year
ended ended
30 September 31 March
2005 2004 2005
'000 '000 '000

Decrease in cash (80) (176) (2,757)
New finance leases and higher
purchase contracts - - 1
Cash inflow from decrease in - (3,000) (3,000)
liquid resources
Cash inflow from increase in (4,615) (2,000) (1,984)
net debt
--------------- ------------- ------------------
Change in net debt resulting (4,695) (5,176) (7,740)
from cash flows
Opening net (debt) / funds (2,609) 5,187 5,187
Net debt acquired - - (56)
--------------- ------------- ------------------

Closing net (debt) / funds (7,304) 11 (2,609)
=============== ============= ==================

Represented by:

Cash at bank and in hand 105 2,011 229
Bank overdraft (755) - (799)
--------------- ------------- ------------------
(650) 2,011 (570)
Debt within one year (983) (250) (525)
Debt after one year (5,671) (1,750) (1,514)
--------------- ------------- ------------------

Closing net (debt) / funds (7,304) 11 (2,609)
=============== ============= ==================

7. Copies of this interim report are being sent to shareholders. Further
copies can be obtained from the Company's registered office at Alexander House,
40a Wilbury Way, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 0AP.



This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange


Mega looks oK to me, about what was expected considering everything... Order book a bonus though!!

This goes Ex-Dividend tomorrow

ive just bought into rnsm because they look an attractive takeover possibility
maybe bodyshop would fit the bill!
any comments?

Nidefarm - Why do you think that? Personally can't see why Bodyshop would be interested in Ransom unless they are looking for expansion into different market sectors!!

seems they are both into natural health and cleanliness inside and out would be catchy!

This is true and yes I agree sounds catchy!! However they could also aquire Champneys Health Resorts and promote the body shop in luxury settings..

brilliant pre close statement, can see 50pence plus very shortly.

UK smallcap opening - Wm Ransom in favour as sales increase by 40 pct
AFX


LONDON (AFX) - William Ransom & Son shares were up 2 pence at 42 after it said in a pre-close update that sales to March 31 are seen at 18.7 mln stg, up 40 pct on the first half.

After a slow start in the first half at two new production sites, manufacturing is now fully functional at both locations, allowing the group to achieve high sales levels in the second half, the company said.

newsdesk@afxnews.com

bk/vjt



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Been a poor performer for me last 12 months, but patience perhaps about to be rewarded.Profits will be affected by increased goodwill amortisation after acquisitions, but imo should still make min eps 3p next 12 months and cash generation should improve. On projected decent growth path, that suggests imo they look cheap under 50p, but always dyor.

Ransom(William) & Son PLC
24 March 2006


For Immediate Release 24 March 2006


William Ransom & Son plc

Pre-Close Update


William Ransom & Son ("Ransom" or the "Group"), one of the UK's leading natural
healthcare companies, today provides a pre-close period update ahead of its
preliminary results announcement on 13 June 2006.

Sales for the six months ended 31 March 2006 are expected to be not less than
18.7m, an increase of 40% over the first half. After a slow start in the first
half at the two new production sites, manufacturing is now fully functional at
both locations. This is allowing the Group to achieve high sales levels in the
second half, driven by the record order books announced at the time of the
interims. Sales have been particularly strong in the current quarter, in all
parts of the business, establishing a good growth trend for the next financial
year.
Subject to any unforeseen audit adjustments, the Group expects profit before
tax, amortisation of goodwill and exceptional items for the second half to be
not less than 2.1m (an increase of 62% from the first half figure of 1.3m),
making a total for the full year of not less than 3.4m (2005: 1.0m).


Tim Dye, Chief Executive, commented:

"Now that manufacturing is performing as planned, the Group is producing a good
level of profitability. The natural consumer healthcare market continues to grow
well and the integration of Optima and its management team has been pleasing,
providing real cross-selling benefit.

The year to 31 March 2006 will mark the successful completion of the
modernisation of our manufacturing base and the integration of our largest
acquisition. It should provide a platform for good growth in the coming
financial year."


For further information, please contact:

William Ransom & Son plc:
Tim Dye, Chief Executive 01462 443527
Robert Howard, Finance Director 01462 477070

Buchanan Communications:
James Strong / Susanna Gale 020 7466 5000




This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

Now finally looks set for some good growth an likewise profits!!

Movement today - almost back to my entry price!

Lucky you, I have wait for the mid 50's to say the same... Target is 75 though and I'm comfortable seeing this one out

We need news!!!

results should be out the start of next month... Tonker

I have a load of free ones issued to me from 77p :-(

What do you mean a load of free ones?

I worked for them for 14 years :-))

I own a wholefood shop and stock some of there products... deal with optina health

I was based at Hitchin for 13 years and took redundance,and taken on straight away to transfer there production to witham,the package they gave me set me up trading full time from last december :-)

spread on these is deadly... hope it narrows, and price rises... should go up in the run up to results, health industry is going well at the mo, thats if my shop is anything to go by...

It was a very good move for Tim Dye to take them over long term i think,but what concerned me and i cannot say to much for reasons,is that they issued a lot of new stock to fund most of the the expansion but that dilutes the existing s/p,the biggest problem they had was the witham production took a lot longer to ramp up production to anything like normal !!!The 3 biggest share holders own about 25% of the company and since they took the shares the value has not risen a great amount-yet,long term it will come good,i still say they should have got more for the hitchin site value wise!!!Just under 5 acres right in the town centre it should have been more that 8.6million !!!

Anyway,because mine were given to me over the years and held them long enough,i can sell them any time,but will leave it for a bit longer.

Sorry i cannot add much more,but i think you will undestand why !!!

Mega...

Thanks for your time mate.... changing the subject, as a bee keeper can you tell me why some honey crystalizes, i know honey from Kent does it a lot? Cheers Tonker

Tonker,hope this helps !!!!

CRYSTALISED AND RUNNY HONEY

Laboratory analysis of honey shows:- Water 17.0% Levulux 39.0% Dextrose 34.0% Sucrose 1.0% Dextrine 0.5% Proteins 2.0% Wax 1.0% Plant Acids 0.5% Salts 1.0% Undetermined Residue 4.0%

The bees collect a very watery nectar from the flowers which they carry in their honey sacs, during this time enzymes are added. In the hive the nectar is deposited in empty combs and he high temperature of the hive, plus the fanning action of the bees wings reduced the water content to 17% when the cell containing the honey is sealed in the cell with a cap of wax.

In the high temperature of the hive ( approximately 85%C) the honey will usually stay liquid. Taken out of the hive, the honey will slowly crystalize and become solid in the jar. The length of time it takes to solidify will depend on the type of nectar. Ivy Honey and Oil seed rape will crystallize in days, other honeys will take years. Solid honey can be converted back to liquid by gently warming on a radiator, but it must not be heated over 100C or it begins to breakdown into a chemical which has harmful properties. Try 2 mins in a microwave.

Crystalised honey will often in time produce a frosting on the inside of the jar. This is quite normal and does not mean that the honey has deteriorated.

Honey will ferment if the water content exceeds 20%. This is how mead is made. Fermenting honey has a very sweet smell, and becomes more liquid and will overflow the pot. It has a slightly different but pleasant taste. It is possible for honey to ferment as it crystalizes. The sugars are absorbed into the crystals, and the water content of the remaining solution increases until it starts to ferment.

The Oilseed rape coming out at the moment is great for qauntity of honey,usually about 20lbs of honey a week from a super,but it tastes very bitty and you only have about week maximum to get it off the hive other wise it sets like concrete and you have to throw a lot of frames away,once it in the plastic storage buckets you can keep it for as long time,but then you warm it and mix it with say clover honey to make it taste better.

Hope this helps your question !!!
Mega...

thanks for the above info, i think it is normally the clearer honeys that crystalize, with the solid being different altogether... or is it that the "solid" honey is actually crystalized but the crystals are too fine to feel? I know you can also get creamed honey, which is (I think!) crystalized honey that has been whipped up, thus smashing the crystals into tiny pieces...

Tonker - shame I didn't know you last year when bees moved into my garden shed. I ended up paying the council to remove them, it was like a scene from ET at the end. I thought they'd just come and capture the queen rather then what looked like a mass extermination.

I would have been glad to help, never nice to have a hive in your garden... unless your a bee keeper! Have you seen the "get together" thread... you should come along, London is not too far from the South Coast (that all depends on where on coast you live...), think I will be going

Hi Tonker, no offense but I'd rather not attend a "get together", I've had some experience of these events and there not really for me.

Why is that?

I have found those at meetings that are normal people, those that pry, those that boast, those that try and convince you to buy shares they hold, whos got the most money, best job, best standing in life. I suppose its OK if your like minded..

I see, maybe it will not be for me, I like genuine people, can not stand glory hunters... Or rampers... I like facts and figures

Me too tonker, if you have never been before then of course you should attend. It may also be a good idea to see what investments others have made. At least you'll have an idea of what topics might be discussed. Nothing worse than having and oil and mining potfolio to find everyone else holds services or manufacturing. Other than that it's always worth checking portfolio sizes to ensure your not wasting your time with big players who make their money on small margin gains.

Other than that you'll have to grin and bear the glory hunters and those who just want to show off their new toys. Havng said this there alot of decent people at events who if you've spoken to previously on the BBs are nice to meet and put a face to the alis.

Wm Ransom FY pretax trebles as it raises dividend, sees sunny year ahead
AFX


LONDON (AFX) - William Ransom & Son PLC said pretax profits trebeled in the year to March 31, with higher sales in all areas of the business and an omtimistic outlook for the current year giving it the confidence to boost its dividend by 7 pct.

Full-year pretax profit before exceptional items rose to 3.4 mln stg from 1.1 mln the year earlier.

Sales climbed to 32.5 mln stg from 19.8. Of these, sales at its fully integrated Optima unit contributed 11.2 mln stg.

The total dividend was raised to 1.6 pence from 1.5.

'Sales were up across all areas of the business, the new manufacturing units began to perform well in the second half and the integration of Optima is producing some real sales and cost benefits,' Chairman and Chief Executive Tim Dye said.

'I expect the high level of momentum which we achieved at the end of last

year to be sustained throughout the current financial year, and early

indications are that this will be the case,' he added.

Ransom(William) & Son PLC
13 June 2006

For Immediate Release 13 June 2006


WILLIAM RANSOM & SON PLC

PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2006

SALES GROWTH IN ALL AREAS DELIVERS SUBSTANTIAL PROFITS RISE

William Ransom & Son plc ("Ransom"), one of the UK's leading natural healthcare
companies, today announces its unaudited preliminary results for the year ended
31 March 2006.

Highlights:

Sales increased by 64%, to 32.5 million (2005: 19.8m)

Organic sales growth of 12%, to 21.3 million (2005: 18.9m)

Group profit before tax* up 209%, to 3.4 million (2005: 1.1m)

Earnings* per share up 30%, to 3.43p (2005: 2.64p)

Gross margins improved to 41.5% (2005: 38.8%)

Consumer healthcare sales growing at 15% p.a.

6th and largest acquisition in 4 years - Optima - underlying sales
growth of 10% p.a.

Integration of sales and marketing yielding cross-selling benefits

New manufacturing units performing to plan

Total dividend up 7%, to 1.6p (2005: 1.5p)

* before amortisation and exceptional items


Tim Dye, Chairman and Chief Executive of Ransom, commenting on the preliminary
results and outlook said,

"It's been a very good year. Sales were up across all areas of the business, the
new manufacturing units began to perform well in the second half and the
integration of Optima is producing some real sales and cost benefits. As a
result, profitability has increased greatly, with further upside potential.

The growth of the natural consumer healthcare market, driven by demographics and
social trends, continues to outstrip the standard over-the-counter healthcare
market. I expect the high level of momentum which we achieved at the end of last
year to be sustained throughout the current financial year, and early
indications are that this will be the case."


For further information please contact:

William Ransom & Son plc On the day: 020 7466 5000
Tim Dye - Chairman & Chief Executive Thereafter: 01462 437615
Robert Howard - Finance Director

Buchanan Communications 020 7466 5000
Charles Ryland / James Strong / Simon Potter



Chairman's Statement


The year to 31 March 2006 was a very good one for the Group. Our largest
acquisition to date, of Optima Health and Nutrition, was completed in June 2005
and its integration proceeded quickly and effectively, bringing benefits across
the Group. Both of the newly-constructed manufacturing facilities achieved their
planned levels of productivity by the end of the year and contributed to a very
strong Group performance in the second half and a good performance overall.

Results

Group profit before tax, amortisation and exceptional items rose substantially,
by 209%, to 3.4 million (2005: 1.1m). Group sales rose by 64%, to 32.5
million (2005: 19.8m), of which Optima contributed 11.2 million. Excluding
Optima and discontinued operations, underlying sales rose by 12%, to 21.3
million (2005: 18.9m). Earnings per share (after amortisation and exceptional
items) rose to 1.03p (2005: loss of 0.46p). Before amortisation and exceptional
items, earnings per share rose by 30%, to 3.43p (2005: 2.64p). The Group's net
debt at the end of the year was 6.8 million (2005: 2.6m). Interest cover
(EBITA:net interest) for the period was a comfortable 7.6 times (2005: 4.9
times).

Dividend

The Board proposes to pay a final dividend of 1.10p, bringing the total dividend
to 1.60p, an increase of 7% over last year (2005: 1.50p). Once approved, the
dividend will be payable on 2 October 2006 to all shareholders on the register
on 1 September 2006.

People

I would like to thank staff throughout the Group for their contribution to the
success of Ransom during the year. Particular thanks go to those involved and
affected by the integration of Optima's sales and marketing functions and to
manufacturing staff, who in many cases 'went the extra mile' to get the new
production units operating at target levels.

The appointment to the Board in June 2005 of three new executive directors -
Steve Quinn, Fred Whitcomb and David Wilkie - has introduced additional and
valuable high level sales, marketing, national account and supply chain
management expertise. I would like to thank again William Nabarro, who resigned
in March 2006, for his excellent contribution over two-and-a-half years as a
non-executive director. He has been replaced by Tim Bridge, who brings great
experience of profitably growing a long-established business, organically and
through acquisition.

Outlook

The Group has built itself a strong position in the natural consumer healthcare
market, whose growth, driven by demographics and social trends, continues to
outstrip the standard over-the-counter healthcare market. Based on continued
market growth, integration benefits from Optima and on further recent natural
product contract manufacturing success, I expect the high level of momentum
which we achieved at the end of last year to be sustained throughout the current
financial year, and early indications are that this will be the case.

We continue to look for acquisition opportunities in what is still a fragmented
market, but it is not imperative that we make further purchases. Our
infrastructure is well-matched to our business and we will not be drawn into
over-paying for acquisitions, especially because our in-house new product
development and distribution capability can themselves provide good organic
growth.

Operating and Financial Review

From having no presence at all in consumer healthcare in 2000, Ransom has
established itself as one of the largest independent companies in the UK natural
consumer healthcare market.

At the same time, the Group has fundamentally reorganised and updated its
production capabilities and now has two modern niche manufacturing facilities,
specialising in natural healthcare product formulation and manufacture.

The key operating issues over the course of the year to 31 March 2006 were the
attainment of the targeted levels of productivity at the new manufacturing units
and the integration of the Group's largest acquisition to date, Optima Health
and Nutrition, following its purchase in June 2005. By the end of the year,
after a slow start, the new production facilities were operating to their
planned levels of productivity. Optima's sales and marketing teams were
integrated immediately post-acquisition, with consequent cross-selling benefits
and operational cost savings.

The result was a good financial performance across the Group, with sales rising
by 64%, to 32.5 million (2005: 19.8m), of which Optima contributed 11.2
million. Excluding Optima and discontinued operations, underlying sales rose by
12%, to 21.3 million (2005: 18.9m). Group profit before tax, amortisation and
exceptional items rose substantially, by 209%, to 3.4 million (2005: 1.1m).

Consumer Healthcare

Consumer healthcare sales, which are comprised of branded healthcare products,
grew by 113%, to 24.4 million (2005: 11.5m); in its nine months as part of the
group, Optima accounted for 11.2 million of this growth. Excluding Optima, the
underlying growth rate of consumer healthcare brands was 15%.

Within the good level of consumer healthcare growth, there was a very strong
performance in exports of Radian B, which rose by 73% to 1.9 million (2005:
1.1m) and in UK sales of Metanium, which grew by 25% to 0.9 million (2005:
0.7m). Radian B's UK sales were disappointing, declining to 0.6 million (2005:
0.8m), although early indications are in the current financial year that the
decline may have been reversed in response to new promotional efforts. Health
Perception's sales rose by 7%, to 7.4 million (2005: 6.9m), and produced a
greater improvement in profitability resulting from sales cost savings arising
from the Optima acquisition. Some of the smaller brands, such as Snufflebabe,
saw very high percentage growth rates from a small base.

Optima's performance in its first nine months with the Group was good. On a
like-for-like basis, over the twelve months to 31 March 2006, combined UK and
Eire sales grew by 10% and other export sales grew by 11%.

The Optima, Health Perception and Ransom sales and marketing teams were
integrated directly after Optima joined the Group in June. Some long-term cost
savings were made in the process. We now have sales teams for each of national
accounts (such as multiple pharmacy, multiple healthfood stores and multiple
grocery), independent pharmacy, and independent healthfood stores, giving us
what is probably the most comprehensive distribution of natural healthcare
products in the UK market. The benefit of cross-selling products into the
different channels is already being realised with, for example, brands such as
Optima's Allergenics products now being sold by Ransom's pharmacy sales team.

Exports of consumer healthcare products rose by 176% to 4.7 million (2005:
1.7m), of which 2.1 million arose from Optima products. Excluding Optima,
exports grew by 53%. Export markets and agents for Ransom and Optima consumer
healthcare products, the management of which was also integrated in June, have
also proven to be complementary, giving rise to further cross-selling benefits.
Radian B's success in the Middle East accelerated following the integration. The
Group already has good distribution in the Middle East and in countries such as
USA, France, Italy and Eire and the export distribution network is growing fast.

There is a full new product development pipeline and several new natural
healthcare products were introduced in the course of the year, with many more
planned for the current year. New product development supported by strong
distribution is key to sustaining growth in this market.

The recent implementation of the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive
(THMPD) in the UK, which allows companies until 2011 to register their herbal
products with appropriate manufacturing and stability data should, we believe,
favour our company, given our special combination of botanical and
pharmaceutical expertise.

Ransom Pharmaceuticals

Ransom Pharmaceuticals manufactures the Group's own MHRA (Medicines and
Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)-licensed products as well as
pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter products for third parties. Sales to third
parties grew by 7% to 4.6 million (2005: 4.3m), and were skewed significantly
towards the second half. The second half bias reflects the new manufacturing
unit reaching its target level of output in the second six months, as well as
underlying growth in the business both through higher volume of existing
contracts and as a result of winning new business. Now that the plant is
operating at its planned level of throughput, we expect that the modern facility
will enable us to win further new contract business.

Ransom Natural Products

Ransom Natural Products ('RNP') principally manufactures botanical extracts for
use in finished products made by Ransom Pharmaceuticals, as well as for sale to
third parties. These extracts are typically used as Active Pharmaceutical
Ingredients ('APIs') by pharmaceutical companies or as nutraceutical ingredients
by food and drink manufacturers. Sales to third parties rose by 16% to 3.6
million (2005: 3.1m, on an equivalent basis).

RNP's sales were also weighted towards the second half, which again reflected
the site reaching its target output in the second six months, although much of
the growth reflects fulfillment of the order backlog which arose during the
move. Now that outstanding customer orders have been satisfied, RNP is seeking
to develop new business and customers, especially in the functional food sector.

RNP's participation in the EU-funded cannabis consortium continued in the year.
The consortium is seeking to develop extracts of cannabis for the treatment of
migraine and rheumatoid arthritis.

Financial

The greatly-improved financial performance in the year reflects the overall
consumer healthcare performance (including 9 months of Optima) and a net
contribution, in the second half only, from the new manufacturing units.

Sales of continuing operations rose by 64%, to 32.5 million (2005: 18.9m).
Underlying sales growth was responsible for 12 percentage points of this rise,
with a contribution of 9 months' sales from Optima comprising the remainder.
Exports accounted for 22% of sales, up from 18% in 2005, due principally to the
good export performance of consumer healthcare brands.

Gross margin improved to 41.5% (2005: 38.8%), and in the absence of the
exceptional cost of sales attributed to slow commissioning of the new
manufacturing plants, would have reached 43.3%.

Operating expenses, excluding the bad debt provision relating to Food Brokers
Ltd, rose by 62%, to 11.6 million (2005: 7.2m). Optima's operating expenses of
3.2 million and goodwill amortisation of 0.7m relating to the acquisition
accounted for 3.9 million of this rise. The balance of 0.5 million was due
principally to increased advertising and promotion. A settlement with the
administrator of Food Brokers Ltd produced a net reimbursement of 80,000
against last year's bad debt provision. We expect to receive a further, smaller
payment as an ordinary creditor in the current year.

Interest costs rose to 0.4 million (2005: 0.1m) due to the increase in the
term and overdraft facilities with Barclays Bank plc, which were used to
part-finance the acquisition and working capital requirements relating to
Optima.

Operating profit before amortisation and exceptional items rose by 209% to 3.8
million (2005: 1.2m), producing an operating margin of 11.9% (2005: 5.9%).

Basic earnings per share rose to 1.03p (2005: loss of 0.46p). Before
amortisation and exceptional items, earnings per share rose by 30% to 3.43p
(2005: 2.64p).

Net cash inflow from operating activities was 2.6 million (2005: 0.2m). Stocks
fell by 0.3 million in the year, with the major reduction being due to seasonal
factors at Optima. Debtors rose by 1.7 million due to the very high sales
levels in the final quarter.

Capital expenditure in the year amounted to 0.7 million as the Group completed
its investments in the new manufacturing facilities. Proceeds of 0.1 million
were received from the sale of fixed assets.

Optima Health and Nutrition was acquired in June 2005 for a total cost of 23.0
million. At the time of the acquisition, Optima had an overdraft of 0.5
million, which was also acquired. The acquisition was funded in part by the
issue of new shares, which raised net proceeds of 19.8 million, and the
increase in bank term facilities of 4.9m, of which 0.8 million was repaid in
the year. Reorganisation costs of 0.1 million were paid in the year.

At the end of the year the group had net debt of 6.8 million (2005: net debt
2.6m) and shareholders' funds of 37.3 million (2005: 17.5m).

RNS Number:6854L
Ransom(William) & Son PLC
07 November 2006


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7 November 2006



William Ransom & Son plc


Notification of Interim Results



William Ransom & Son plc, one of the UK's leading natural healthcare companies,
will announce its Interim Results for the six months ended 30 September 2006 on
Thursday 16 November 2006.


For further information please contact:


Buchanan Communications

Charles Ryland / James Strong / Ben Romney +44 (0)20 7466 5000






This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange


Lets see if these are going to be as good as expected. Small tick up today.

Another penny rise. Maybe sentiment is changing!!

and i thought this was the company that made the Rolls Royce of lawn mowers

Really cynic lol, its Optima Health & Nutrition that I think will do very well with increased offerings in the high street shops like Holland & Barrett, Boots, GNC, superdrug and the superstores Tesco and Waitrose. Look for the label when your doing your Christmas shop and you may well be surprised!!

I hold a GNC gold card and these products seam to be on the increase, well get more shelf space which in my eyes tells me that they must be selling. Lecithin seams to be popular and I expect more so after xmas with people wanting to shed the extra pounds with a product that contains no chemicals etc.

This company is under valued IMO, a conservative estimate 70p+. Yes I am a share holder.

I agree with that estimate Goal, 75ish was my estimate, nice to see I'm not the only person on money am holding!

Cynic, what do you mean? I thought this company was involved in the health food/ supplements market.. Or am I missing one of your bad jokes lol

explosive, I own a health shop, and the trade i do with optima health is massive... As you said Lecithin granuals sell but the biggest seller is Organic Choice 3,6,9 and Pommegranate juice.....

One day people will wake up & see what a bargain William Ransom & Sons really is @ around 50p.

Tonker was mearly going on what I see when I visit my local GNC, very pleased to know though that you do trade with Optima and also other Optima products sell well.

Ransom(William) & Son PLC
16 November 2006




For Immediate Release 16 November 2006



WILLIAM RANSOM & SON PLC


INTERIM RESULTS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2006



IMPROVED LEVELS OF PROFITABILITY

ACROSS THE GROUP


William Ransom & Son plc ('Ransom'), one of the UK's leading natural healthcare
companies, today announces its unaudited interim results for the six months
ended 30 September 2006.


Financial Highlights:


Group sales increased by 32% to 17.7m (2005: 13.4m)
Profit before tax and amortisation of goodwill up over 170% to 1.9m
(2005: 0.7m)
EPS excluding amortisation of goodwill and exceptional items increased by
12%, to 1.63p (2005: 1.46p)

Gross margins improved from 40.2% to 42.5%


Operational Highlights:


Improved levels of profitability in all areas of the business
Development of several exciting new products due for launch in the second
half of the year
New export markets with local distribution partners and new Italian
subsidiary established
Move to a new centralised 52,000 square foot distribution centre in
Bradford completed


Tim Dye, Chairman and Chief Executive of Ransom, commenting on the interim
results and outlook, said,


'It is encouraging to see further improved levels of profitability in all areas
of the business. The key objectives that we set ourselves for the first half of
the year have been met and the Group continues to trade in line with our
expectations. Our normal second half bias should be further enhanced by the
effect of new product introductions, export business development and anticipated
additional operational efficiencies.


With the key elements of the acquired businesses now integrated, and
manufacturing performing to target, we are again able to consider expansion
opportunities in both the UK and overseas. The Board believes that the short and
medium term outlook for the Group is good.'


For further information please contact:

William Ransom & Son plc On the day: +44 (0)20 7466 5000
Tim Dye - Chairman & Chief Executive Thereafter: +44 (0)1462 437615
Robert Howard - Finance Director

Buchanan Communications +44 (0)20 7466 5000
Charles Ryland / James Strong / Ben Romney




Chairman's Statement



Results



In the six months to 30 September 2006, group profit before tax and amortisation
of goodwill rose significantly, to 1.9m (2005: 0.7m). Operating profit
increased to 1.3m (2005: 0.3m). Basic earnings per share rose to 0.63p (2005:
loss of 0.15p) and excluding amortisation of goodwill and exceptional items,
earnings increased by 12% to 1.63p (2005: 1.46p). Group sales increased to
17.7m (2005: 13.4m). The Board declared an unchanged dividend of 0.50p per
share, payable on 10 January 2007 to all shareholders on the register on 15
December 2006.


Operating Review


It has been very pleasing to see further improved levels of profitability in all
areas of the business alongside the attainment of key operational objectives in
the first half of the year.


We have worked hard to maintain a high level of new product innovation and have
developed several exciting new products due for launch in the second half, as
well as having introduced earlier this year an extensive range of new products
for export markets. We expect the new product launches to benefit from the
cross-selling opportunities which the enlarged Group provides.


Our innovative and dynamic range of natural consumer healthcare products has
enabled us to establish new export markets with local distribution partners. The
selection of suitable partners and adaptation of packaging to suit local
requirements is time-consuming and can be costly, but it will yield benefit in
the second half and beyond. Additionally, at the beginning of the year, in
Italy, which is a highly developed market for natural healthcare products such
as ours, we invested in the establishment of our own marketing office, with a
range of 60 products specifically selected and packaged for the Italian market.
After a slightly slow start, the business is now growing well. Branded consumer
healthcare exports to the Middle East have not yet reached the exceptionally
high sales rates of last year, but some pick-up is expected in the second half,
driven in part by new product range extensions.


Growth in the UK glucosamine market, which until recently had been very high
through all channels, has become more patchy, although it is still a very
attractive market overall. In part the change is due to a degree of uncertainty
caused by a potentially shifting regulatory environment for glucosamine, which
we are monitoring carefully. Under our Health Perception and Optima brands, we
have responded to the changing market with an adapted and expanded product range
which seems, initially at least, to be showing very positive effects.


Margins in consumer healthcare have seen further benefit in the first half from
the integration of more processes of the acquired businesses. The move earlier
this month to the Group's new 52,000 square foot centralised distribution centre
in Bradford took considerable planning and will realise additional gains from
the fourth quarter forwards.


Manufacturing volumes and efficiency have improved steadily in the year to date,
as we have continued to optimise production processes against a background of a
growth in new contract manufacturing business.


Financial Review


Gross margins again improved, from 40.2% to 42.5%, which reflected a greater
emphasis on branded consumer healthcare products following the acquisition of
Optima, as well as a general improvement in gross margin in all activities
across the Group. Expenses rose by 1.2m as a result of the effect of
consolidating Optima for the full six months, compared with three months for the
comparable period. Underlying expenses fell slightly. Operating margin improved
to 7.3% (2005: 2.6%).


There was a net cash inflow from operating activities of 2.0m (2005: outflow of
0.4m). Stocks rose by 0.4m principally within the manufacturing divisions as
core stock levels were rebuilt following the very high sales at the end of the
last financial year. Debtors rose by less than 0.1m, while creditors fell by
0.3m.


Capital expenditure of 0.3m was within the depreciation figure of 0.5m.
Overall net debt was reduced by 0.9m to 5.8m after the repayment of 0.5m of
the senior term loan.



Outlook


The Group continues to trade in line with our expectations and the Board
believes that its short and medium term outlook is good. The beneficial impact
in the second half of the seasonal bias of our business should be further
enhanced by the effect of new product introductions, export business development
and anticipated operational efficiencies. In the slightly longer term, the
shifting UK regulatory situation regarding glucosamine presents opportunities
and threats to which we shall remain alert.


The natural healthcare market fundamentals remain very attractive and are, we
believe, conducive to sustained long-term growth in the sector. With the key
elements of the acquired businesses now integrated, and manufacturing performing
to target, we have begun again to consider opportunities for expansion in the UK
and overseas by acquisition in what are still fragmented markets. Growth in the
natural healthcare markets has attracted some high M&A multiples, but we remain
cautious in our approach and will not be drawn into over-paying. As I have
mentioned in previous announcements, we are also actively seeking another
suitably-qualified independent non-executive director to strengthen further our
Board for what promises to be an exciting period of further expansion.



Tim Dye

Chairman and Chief Executive





Consolidated Profit and Loss Account

For the six months ended For the year
30 September ended 31
March
2006 2005 2006
'000 '000 '000
Restated Restated

Turnover 17,744 13,426 32,510

Cost of sales (10,201) (7,416) (18,417)
Exceptional cost of sales - (607) (607)

Total cost of sales (10,201) (8,023) (19,024)



Gross profit 7,543 5,403 13,486

Selling and distribution costs (3,598) (2,802) (6,632))

Administrative expenses (2,641) (2,256) (4,994)
Provision for bad debt - - 80

Group operating profit 1,304 345 1,940

Net interest payable (211) (177) (439)


Profit before taxation 1,093 168 1,501

Tax on profit / (loss) on ordinary
activities (561) (261) (780)

Profit / (loss) after taxation 532 (93) 721

Equity minority interests 3 - 2

Profit / (loss) attributable to
shareholders 535 (93) 723





Earnings per share:
Basic earnings / (loss) per share 0.63p (0.15p) 1.00p
Diluted earnings / (loss) per share 0.63p (0.15p) 1.00p


Statement of total
recognised gains and
losses

Reported profit / (loss) 535 (93) 723
attributable to
shareholders

Exchange adjustments (7) - 2
offset in reserves


Total recognised gains / 528 (93) 725
(losses) for the period

Prior year adjustment (60) - -


Total gains and losses
recognised since the 468 (93) 725
last annual
report




Balance Sheet



At 30 September At 31 March
2006 2005 2006
'000 '000 '000
Restated Restated
Fixed assets
Intangible assets 28,701 30,387 29,548
Tangible assets 5,998 6,487 6,263

34,699 36,874 35,811

Current assets
Stocks 7,334 7,623 6,970
Debtors 7,664 6,907 7,616
Cash at bank and in hand 920 105 2,220

15,918 14,635 16,806

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one (8,440) (9,230) (9,521)
year

Net current assets 7,478 5,405 7,285

Total assets less current liabilities 42,177 42,279 43,096

Creditors: Amounts falling due after more
than (4,745) (5,671) (5,283)
one year
Provision for liabilities and charges (668) (281) (659)

Net assets 36,764 36,327 37,154

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 8,433 8,433 8,433
Share premium account 21,978 21,979 21,978
Profit and loss account 6,358 5,915 6,745

Total equity shareholders' funds 36,769 36,327 37,156

Equity minority interests (5) - (2)


Capital employed 36,764 36,327 37,154




Cash Flow Statement

For the six months ended For the year
30 September ended 31 March
2006 2005 2005
'000 '000 '000
Restated Restated

Net cash inflow / (outflow) from
operating activities 2,005 (418) 2,609

Returns on investment and servicing of
finance
Interest received 1 - 13
Interest paid (208) (177) (415)
Interest element of finance lease
rental payments (4) - (10)

(211) (177) (412)

Taxation received
UK corporation tax paid (78) (247) (745)

Capital expenditure and financial
investment
Payments to acquire tangible fixed
assets (278) (112) (662)
Receipts from sale of tangible fixed
assets 9 - 78
Receipts from sale of intangible
fixed assets - - 5

(269) (112) (579)

Acquisitions and disposals
Purchase of subsidiary undertaking - (23,077) (12,569)
Overdraft balances acquired - (521) (524)

- (23,598) (13,093)

Equity dividends paid - - (1,265)

Cashflow before use of liquid
resources 1,447 (24,552) (13,485)

Financing
Proceeds from new bank loans - 4,900 4,900
Issue of ordinary share capital - 20,390 10,000
Issue expenses for shares - (568) (569)
Repayment of bank loans (500) (250) (750)
Capital element of finance lease
rental payments 26 - 24

(474) 24,472 13,605

Increase / (decrease) in cash 973 (80) 120





Notes on the financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2006


1. The results for the six months ended 30 September 2006 and
30 September 2005 are unaudited. They have been prepared on the basis of
accounting policies expected to be adopted for the year ended 31 March 2007. The
figures for the year ended 31 March 2006 have been extracted from the full
accounts for that year which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies
and on which the auditors have given an unqualified report.
During the year the Group adopted FRS 20 'Share - based Payment'. The adoption
of this standard constitutes a change in accounting policy therefore the impact
has been reflected as a prior year adjustment in accordance with FRS 3
'Reporting financial performance'.


The standard requires that where shares or rights to shares are granted to third
parties,including employees, a charge should be recognised in the profit and
loss account based on the fair value of the shares at the date the grant of shares
or right to shares is made.


The effect of the adoption of FRS 20 on prior year comparatives is to reduce the
profit attributable to shareholders by 13,000 in the six months to 30 September
2005 and by 25,000 in the year to 31 March 2006.


2. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share are based on the profit on ordinary activities after
taxation and on 84,335,207 shares(2005 : 60,692,397 shares), the weighted
average number of shares in issue during the period. The diluted earnings per
share are the same as the basic earnings per share.

For the six months For the year
ended 30 September ended 31 March
2006 2005 2006

Basic earnings / (loss) per share 0.63p (0.15p) 1.00p
Diluted earnings / (loss) per share 0.63p (0.15p) 1.00p
Basic earnings per share excluding
exceptional items 0.63p 0.55p 1.51p
Diluted earnings per share excluding
exceptional items 0.63p 0.55p 1.51p
Basic earnings per share excluding
exceptional items and amortisation 1.63p 1.46p 3.41p
Diluted earnings per share excluding
exceptional items and amortisation 1.63p 1.46p 3.41p


Profit per share excluding all exceptional items, which are disclosed to reflect
the underlying performance of the Company, is calculated on a profit of 535,000
(2005: 332,000).


Profit per share excluding all exceptional items and amortisation, which are
disclosed to reflect the effect of amortisation charges on the performance of
the Company, is calculated on a profit of 1,376,000 (2005: 884,000)


3. Reserves
Share Profit
premium and loss
account account
'000 '000

At 1 April 2006 21,978 6,745
Retained profit - 535
Share option scheme issues 13
Unrealised exchange difference - (7)
Dividends - (928)


At 30 September 2006 21,978 6,358



4. Reconciliation of operating profit with net cash inflow /
(outflow) from operating activities:

For the six months For the year
ended 30 September ended 31 March
2006 2005 2006
'000 '000 '000

Operating profit 1,304 345 1,940
Depreciation 538 265 1,030
Amortisation and impairment of
intangibles 841 552 1,378
Share based remuneration 13 13 25
(Profit) / loss on sale of tangible
fixed assets (4) - 14
(Increase) / decrease in stocks (364) (346) 307
Increase in debtors (48) (915) (1,669)
Decrease in creditors (275) (332) (330)
Cashflows relating to fundamental
reorganisation - - (86)

2,005 (418) 2,609




5. Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt:

For the six months For the year
ended 30 September ended 31
March
2006 2005 2006
'000 '000 '000

Increase / (decrease) in cash 973 (80) 120
New finance leases and higher
purchase contracts (28) - (80)
Amortisation of loan cost (9) - (28)
Cash inflow from increase in net
debt - (4,615) (4,174)

Change in net debt resulting from
cash flows 936 (4,695) (4,162)
Opening net (debt) / funds (6,771) (2,609) (2,609)

Closing net (debt) / funds (5.835) (7,304) (6,771)


Represented by:

Cash at bank and in hand 920 105 2,220
Bank overdraft (919) (755) (2,670)

1 (650) (450)
Bank and other loans (5,671) (6,654) (6,162)
Finance leases (163) - (159)

Closing net debt (5.835) (7,304) (6,771)





6. Copies of this interim report are being sent to
shareholders. Further copies can be obtained from the Company's registered
office at Alexander House, 40a Wilbury Way, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 0AP.



This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

Well I'm happy with that.

Nice move today.

Interim dividend was paid today

:-)

Ransom(William) & Son PLC
16 January 2007


Acquisition of shares for the William Ransom & Son plc Share Incentive Plan


William Ransom & Son (the 'Company') announces that WR Trustees Company Limited,
a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has today acquired a total of 172
shares in the Company on behalf of the William Ransom & Son plc Share Incentive
Plan (the 'Plan') at an average price of 54.0p per share. The Plan is an
employee share scheme open to all employees and directors of the Company. The
Company requires that any dividends payable in respect of shares held within the
Plan be used to buy more shares and for the shares to be purchased, by the
Trustee, within 30 days of the dividend being paid. Following that acquisition
of shares, Robert Howard, Finance Director of the Company is now the beneficial
owner of an additional 34 ordinary shares bringing his total beneficial
ownership to 83,290 shares representing 0.1 % of the Company's issued share
capital and Timothy Dye, Chairman of the Company is now the beneficial owner of
an additional 8 ordinary shares bringing his total beneficial ownership to
975,388 shares representing 1.16 % of the Company's issued share capital.




This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

LONDON (AFX) - Healthcare company William Ransom & Son PLC said executive chairman Timothy Dye bought 100,000 shares at 40 pence each, lifting his total stakeholding in the company to 1.075 mln shares or about 1.28 pct.
This is a good sign.

Sold by RHPS causing the fall. Well done Mr Bullford, think I'll hold though.

The market seem to like this news.
LONDON (AFX) - William Ransom & Son PLC said it has signed a ten-year deal to market and distribute a branded glucosamine product in the UK, based on Navamedic ASA's Glucomed/Flexove product.

Ransom paid the Norwegian pharmaceutical company 0.6 mln stg and guaranteed minimum purchases for two years, in exchange for exclusive rights to the UK's first licensed pharmaceutical glucosamine, expected to be launched in the second half this year.

Chairman Tim Dye said, 'The prescription market for glucosamine continues to expand rapidly as a result of the product's excellent safety profile compared to other drugs for the treatment of arthritis and other chronic diseases.'

And so it should goal, this licensed product not only provides revenue but will also provide reasurance to GP and patient alike. I just hope its priced competivly to ensure that similar un-licensed products don't push it out of the market. Very good news from Ransom, I hope to see a return sp of 50 at least within the next few weeks.

Preliminary Results look good to me.

Would Foot and Mouth affect this companies exports?

Natural products getting banned perhaps.

Hello brianboru, it is looking like that to me because I can't see any other reason for the recent drop in the price.

Me neither goal, 20% in around a week, tempted to start buying at these prices..

Yes, very tempting.

10% of the the company 'appeared' to change hands this a.m. (8,800,000 shares) at 39.5 - it would appear to be inter broker dealing but even so quite a lot!!

Edit - I dipped my toe in and bought last Thursday - the F&M scare seems to be over.

LONDON (Thomson Financial) - William Ransom & Son PLC said it has formed a multi-channel retail joint venture with MDY Healthcare PLC to sell a range natural healthcare products direct to consumers via internet, mail order and telesales.

The natural healthcare company said the products will be primarily sourced or manufactured by Ransom, while MDY Healthcare will provide up to 3 mln stg to finance the joint venture, as well as management support and project management services.

Ransom said it expects the joint venture company to launch commercial activities in 2008.

The newly created joint venture company will initially be majority-owned by MDY Healthcare, while Ransom will have an option to acquire 100 pct of the joint venture company according to an agreed timetable and valuation process.

Interesting deal, sp seams to slowly regaining lost ground. This has to be one of the safest 10% gainers over 6 months for anyone wanting to take the plunge. Just goes to show how cautious markets remain.

Well look at Ransom now. 20p - Yikes!
- Could this association be the reason?
Oh dear and such a good company (Trading abt 50p) er, until recently. However, MDY has had a chequered path, mostly downwards - remember the hype over their retractable syringes . . . oh dear, oh dear. Bargepoles.
All IMHO, and DYOR there may be other reasons and the "deal" was an attempt to absolve their errors. . . .

Gut feeling tells me they will get out of contract manufacturing before to long and concentrate on there own product ranges the profits in contract work are terrible,witham was not a good move in my opinion they should have stayed at Hitchin!!

DYOR

Mega.....

Nothing goods happened since the move, big disappointment, might well take a loss and move on... Forget how long I've been watching this one eat away at my investment..

8p today! Hope you got out, explosive....
+ Oh dear, who could have seen this drop?.....( & see my post of 8 Nov...). er, not that I think the association fact has anything to do with the bad-water issues, rather that the Move, Eyes off Ball etc. means that this management is FOUND wanting, but to let a pen-pushing Gov Inspector find something. . . . makes you kinda Proud to be British, eh?
Grief, and think I nearly invested at the 50p-mark because of their wide-ranging prospects.....er, (and other Bull that management showers us with).

No Bonus this Xmas ( except for the Directors, naturally: the greater they foul-up the greater their pay), - funny that. + Pity the poor s- who finds the blame at their door!
(for me this reinforces: "Cosmetic Co's, are always No..".)

All praise to the Gov. Inspectors, I say! - otherwise just imagine the state of the stuff our wives and girlfriends spread all over.

I am most suprised it took this long,Witham was always going to be the major problem at RNSM and without that magic piece of paper so that they can start production again it will be a financial drain on the company.
I think that the major individual share holders Wilky and co will not be very happy with Tim Dye at the moment as they all took cash and a vast amount of shares in the various take over deals.

With the shares at a low for many years,they could be a takeover target because they do have some good brand names under there belt but someone could buy the company out strip the brands out and relocate the production to other facilities who have that vital licence.

This is only my opinion,please DYOR

Mega.....

LONDON (Thomson Financial) - William Ransom staged a welcome rally, rebounding 2 pence to 12-1/2, as the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) concluded a voluntary recall of all products containing purified water from the company\'s pharmaceutical contract manufacturing facility at Witham, Essex, is no longer required.

Consequently, its Radian, Valderma and Pavacol brands are not subject to recall.

The MHRA is understood to be close to concluding its review of all the other products manufactured using purified water at the facility. It is expected a significant majority of these products will not be subject to recall.

The MHRA will also commit to an early re-inspection of the facility with a view to re-instating the manufacturer\'s licence well within the originally imposed three-month deadline.

Explosive: I bought some of these this morning as I reckon the sp should recover at least to the 20p mark fairly swiftly - only fell off a cliff because of the product recalls, which look as though they'll be sorted.

hangon what are you forecasting now? do you think toya is right or is he too pessimistic at 20p

I take interims to be short term negative but main movement this morning has been in buys, although at reduced price, then the clear out of directors .. what do others think?

The first thing that will happen is they get headhunters to find a new replacement for Tim Dye they will then figure out how much the recall will cost them ie loss of revenue and the hard cash spend down at witham on wages and loss of product.
During these uncertain times while this is happening i reckon the share prices will stay sub 15-16p but i could be wrong !!! While it is down at these levels and a pedigree of over 160 years behind it a takeover is very possible as you could pick up a potential long term sound business while it is down on its knees.

I still reckon the biggest shareholders ie Wilky and the others who had taken a large amount in shares as part of various takeover deals in recent years could not be happy with seeing there money evaporating away,neither would most people and i think they could well have asked him to step down,that is my theory anyway.

2008 is going to be interesting times for RNSM and i hope that they do turn it around to how it was a few years back.

Mega..........

tipton11,
Nice of you to ask. I don't really follow blow-by-blow although it's one I've known since TimDye was hailed as the Master of fragrances.
Clearly the co has lost its way with the Regulartory situation and the Brands appear to be somewhat tarnished and costs are increasing. Therefore, whilst it might be nice to look for 20p recovery, I cannot see any reason why - The Dividend has been stopped and their loan is costing valuable cash. Also, there was some issue with Inland Revenue - who are well known to bleed a Co dry even if it then goes under. (There seems to be no joined-up Government on this.)
If the Market over-reacted to 8p, I would still be willing to buy at that price, although I haven't bought anything since abt. Sept07....believing all stocks are "tired and weary" - and until we Punters get that "Feel-good" - all stocks will be punished. If the price is sub10p in Jan I might be tempted, but theer are other bargains out there which are close to Approval ( Like CeNes?)- so why risk it on stinking creams?
[Note Dermasalve[DRM] and Disperse(RIP) have both shown cosmetics is RISKY, although I'm a sucker for a good story - - - WHAT is the good-story for RNSM..? ]

At today's. 12p I think there is much more risk; "spread" for a start. Today's drop is TD stepping-down.
Will he be selling-out shares ( just now?), or receive a vast reward/Pension, which will add to the Co's cost-woes. They need a new bod at the top and that creates "uncertantity" - so until that's resolved the sp may drift again ( on No-News). Even then it takes 6+ Months for anything to filter through to the P&L Account...meaning that nothing good will appear in print until Dec. 2008 ! . . . . . . . . . . . Does anyone know their Cash/Debt position?

Megabucks - -I don't think the Co "Pedigree" matters, (sorry), for you could say that in that time, they should have done better. However, your points of "uncertantity" are very important and I can only see these prices being attractive to those that bought say a year ago - once Av.Dn.-ers have bought there will be little FRESH-interest in these "risky" shares.

I suspect the "rot" set-in a year ago - so you could say that the SP (then) was overvalued....which makes current prices something rather less than attractive, since we cannot know what the SP would have been, if the Market knew what was unfolding. They managed a deal with Medisys some months ago and that was what prompted me to make a comment (having lost a lot through their bungling) - and you know what? It looks like the Ransom-effect has struck this stock, as predicted in so many words.....oh dear.

hangon .... your analysis was very helpful but I think too soon to buy in even @ 8p ... not often I get it right so quickly in @ 9p and out at 14.84p seven days later.

Hi Hangon et al: Having bought on the 12th, thinking it might recover, I then noticed on L2 the following day that it might not, and so sold again at a modest profit - which I always reckon is preferable to a loss. The subsequent RNSs on the 19th confirmed that there is still some way to go before the sp heads up again (if it does!). - Sorry I don't always have the time to update here but see that Hangon has posted a good analysis.

With companies like this, there is money to be made if you have the time to keep a close eye on things - sometimes sell within hours of having bought.

In hindsight you are right; but time and time when I've attempted this I've missed the sell-point. With spread, it means I'm quickly negative...and locked-in another loser . . . . arrgh!
I cannot see why this stock is now worth 50% more than a few days ago.....( sp rise today)...it's just as likely there will be some news to dent the prospects - and whatever happens it won't be in good health for 12 months, maybe.

Bad fall again today ( due to Banking issues Worldwide), and so on. sp 9/10p with just 3600 worth traded - looks like a bit of a nasty cold.
/
Oh dear - mind-you better than the minus 30% for Pipehawk[PIP] which is a similar shambles.....and probably having even fewer customers.

The shares have been suspended pending a possible cash takeover of RNSM which was expected and way over due but the thing that really concerns me about the current situation is having to go to the banks for what is really money to keep them afloat.Because they sold the only crown jewels they had the Hitchin site they have nothing else to raise money against really without selling some possible brands,this is only my opinion could Tim Dye the former CEO be lurkin could be/maybe or neither but it is a oportunity to pick up a bargain he has contact's

Anyway in the coming days and weeks the mysteries will unfold :-)

Mega.........

Looks like a"goner" imho.

I have just consulted my Crystal ball and Ransom shares will resume tomorrow on the AIM market and this crystal ball also tells me they may have a buyer for the Witham side of things.I think they could just pull through with the new management and the changes that are happening.This is only my opinion.

Resumption of Trading= 7 Jan 09 - well and good, now let's see what the Market thinks of the rather-thin RNS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OOps A director buys 100k-worth....at the all-time low of 3.5p (ie immediately following the RNS declaring "..much more work is needed..." (or similar). Now, call me old-fashioned, but it seems to me that this should constitute (the start of)a closed-period for no-one can know what the news will do to "suspended" shares - - - as it happens this is his first purchase and the sp has risen about 2x so it's nice to know that Execs can prosper from bad times, even thought all their investors haven't.....Grr.


. . . . . I don't hold this stock, having little faith in the original businness or its management, sadly this shenanigans reinforces that view.
DYOR.