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.

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...