Texon International 6K Current report

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)
(Translation of Registrant’s Name Into English)

SEC File Number: 333-49619

100 Ross Walk
Leicester LE4 5BX England
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file
annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)


Form 20-F x		Form 40-F o

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of
capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

Not applicable

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.)


Yes o		No x

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002

Index


		Page No.

PART I	Financial Information

Item 1	Financial Statements

	Condensed Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts Nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001	3

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001	4

	Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement Nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001	5

	Reconciliation of Net Cash Flow to Movement in Debt Nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001	6

	Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders’ Funds Nine months ended September 30, 2002 and 2001	7

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	8 - 9

Item 2	Operating and Financial Review and Prospects	10 - 15

PART II	Other Information

Item 1	Legal Proceedings	16

Item 2	Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds	16

Item 3	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	16

Item 4	Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders	16

Item 5	Other Information	16

Item 6	Exhibits – Reports on Form 8-K	16

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS

(Pounds Sterling, In Thousands)


	Unaudited						Unaudited
	Nine Months ended						Three Months ended

	September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
	2002			2001			2002			2001

Sales turnover		98,431			107,572			29,425			30,655
Cost of sales		(70,896	)		(80,067	)		(21,117	)		(22,548	)

Gross profit		27,535			27,505			8,308			8,107
Selling, general and administrative expenses		(16,141	)		(17,516	)		(5,187	)		(5,467	)
Goodwill amortisation		(837	)		(910	)		(279	)		(300	)

Profit on ordinary activities before interest		10,557			9,079			2,842			2,340
Net interest payable		(9,016	)		(9,252	)		(3,056	)		(3,136	)

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation		1,541			(173	)		(214	)		(796	)
Taxation on profit/(loss) on ordinary activities		(1,467	)		(1,365	)		(321	)		(647	)

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities after taxation		74			(1,538	)		(535	)		(1,443	)
Minority equity interests		(224	)		(229	)		(51	)		(19	)

Net (loss) for the financial period		(150	)		(1,767	)		(586	)		(1,462	)
Finance charges in respect of non equity shares		(3,568	)		(3,342	)		(1,190	)		(1,114	)

Retained (loss) for the financial period for equity shareholders		(3,718	)		(5,109	)		(1,776	)		(2,576	)

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(Pounds Sterling, In Thousands)


				Unaudited			Audited
				as at			As at
				September 30,			December 31,
		Notes		2002			2001

FIXED ASSETS
Intangible assets					19,647			20,576
Tangible assets					18,703			19,984
Investment					1			1

					38,351			40,561
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks			2		21,551			21,865
Debtors due within one year					23,531			23,743
Debtors due after one year					761			877
Cash					969			995

					46,812			47,480
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year					(39,077	)		(37,244	)

NET CURRENT ASSETS					7,735			10,236

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES					46,086			50,797
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due after more than one year					(102,824	)		(104,160	)
Provisions for liabilities and charges					(7,190	)		(6,746	)

					(63,928	)		(60,109	)

CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Called up share capital					10,813			10,773
Share premium					49,276			49,276
Profit and loss account					(144,710	)		(137,257	)
Premium redemption reserve					19,298			15,729

Shareholders’ deficit
	Equity interests				(140,172	)		(132,759	)
	Non-equity interests				74,849			71,280
					(65,323	)		(61,479	)
Minority equity interests					1,395			1,370

					(63,928	)		(60,109	)

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

(Pounds Sterling, In Thousands)


	Unaudited
	Nine Months ended

	September 30,			September 30,
	2002			2001

Cash inflow from operating activities		11,560			14,349
Returns on investments and servicing of finance		(5,307	)		(10,424	)
Taxation		(1,982	)		175
Net capital expenditure and financial investment		(2,521	)		(158	)
Acquisitions		(647	)		(865	)

Cash inflow before financing		1,103			3,077
Financing		366			(2,542	)

Increase in cash and overdrafts in the period		1,469			535

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)

RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT

(Pounds Sterling, In Thousands)


	Unaudited
	Nine Months ended

	September 30,			September 30,
	2002			2001

Increase in cash and overdrafts in the period		1,469			535
Cash (outflow)/inflow from debt and lease financing		(366	)		2,542

Change in net debt resulting from cash flows		1,103			3,077
Issue of shares		40			800
Non cash movements in debt		(806	)		(557	)
Translation difference		(2,002	)		151

Movement in net debt in the period		(1,665	)		3,471
Net debt at the opening date		(112,180	)		(117,648	)

Net debt at the closing date		(113,845	)		(114,177	)

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)

RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS

(Pounds Sterling, In Thousands)


	Unaudited
	Nine Months ended

	September 30,			September 30,
	2002			2001

Retained (loss) for the period		(150	)		(1,767	)
Finance charges in respect of non equity shares		(3,568	)		(3,342	)

		(3,718	)		(5,109	)
Issue of shares		40			800
Premium on redemption reserve		3,568			3,342
Foreign exchange adjustments		(3,734	)		(526	)

Net (increase) to shareholders’ deficit		(3,844	)		(1,493	)
Opening shareholders’ deficit		(61,479	)		(59,224	)

Closing shareholders’ deficit		(65,323	)		(60,717	)

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)

Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Basis of Preparation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Texon International plc and its subsidiaries (“the Group”) in accordance with UK generally accepted accounting principles (“UK GAAP”). The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and condensed notes are presented in accordance with Form 10-Q and do not contain all the information required in the Group’s annual consolidated financial statements and notes. The operating results for the three-month periods are not necessarily indicative of the results, which may be expected for the full year. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments, consisting of items of a normal recurring nature, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, the financial position and the cash flows for each period shown, have been included.


	Where necessary comparatives are adjusted to ensure consistency with current periods.

Stocks


	Stock is stated at the lower of cost, including factory overheads where applicable, and net realizable value on a first in first out basis. Provision is made for slow-moving and obsolete items. Inventories are summarised as follows:


	September 30,		December 31,
	2002		2001

Raw materials		4,621		5,528
Work in progress		1,797		2,259
Finished goods and goods for resale		15,133		14,078

		21,551		21,865

Changes in UK Accounting Standards

The Accounting Standards Board (ASB) has issued FRS 17, Retirement Benefits, which is mandatory for all accounting periods ending on or after September 22, 2003. FRS 17 replaces SSAP 24 and UITF 6 relating to accounting for pension costs and other post-retirement benefits. The FRS makes significant changes in respect of accounting for defined benefit schemes, leading to increased volatility in the balance sheet as actuarial gains and losses are recognized immediately and scheme assets are valued at fair values. While companies with defined benefit schemes will be able to continue applying SSAP 24 for periods ending before June 22, 2003, they will need to make additional disclosure in accordance with FRS 17 for periods ending on or after June 22, 2001. The Group has applied the additional disclosure of FRS 17 from 2001.

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)

Changes in UK Accounting Standards continued

The ASB has issued FRS 18, Accounting Policies, which is effective for all accounting periods ending on or after June 22, 2001. FRS 18 replaces SSAP 2. This replacement of SSAP 2 brings the assumptions and the criteria on which entities select accounting policies, into line with the ASB’s statement of principles. FRS 18 re-iterates the going concern and accruals bases, however the previous concepts of prudence and consistency have been downplayed. In determining the most appropriate accounting policy the emphasis is now on the four objectives of relevance, reliability, comparability and understandability. The Group has applied the provisions of FRS 18 in 2002. The implementation of FRS 18 did not have a significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.

The ASB has issued FRS 19, Deferred Tax, which is effective for all accounting periods ending on or after January 23, 2002. Its main objective is for the treatment of deferred tax to come more in line with international practice. Although FRS 19 introduces a form of “full provision” it has not harmonized with IAS 12. The general principle of FRS 19 is that deferred tax should be recognized in full in respect of transactions or events that have taken place by the balance sheet date and which give the entity an obligation to pay more or less tax in the future.

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)

Item 2 Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report, in the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed by the Group with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on May 13, 2002 and in the Group’s periodic reports filed with the Commission.

Except for the historical data set forth herein, the following discussion contains certain forward-looking information. The Group’s actual results may differ significantly from the projected results. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, levels of sales to customers, actions by competitors, fluctuations in the price of primary raw materials, foreign currency exchange rates and political and economic instability in the Group’s markets.

Recent Developments

On September 20, 2002 Texon International plc reregistered as a private company and is now known as Texon International Limited.

On November 22, 2002 Texon International Ltd refinanced its senior credit facilities with Barclays Bank Plc. The new facilities include a (Euro) 51.9 million term loan and a (Euro) 10.0 million revolving facility.

On November 22, 2002 Texon International Ltd completed its financial restructuring of its DM 245 million 10% senior notes due 2008. Details of this restructuring are contained within the T-3 filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on November 22, 2002.

General

The Group believes it is the world’s largest, in terms of sales, manufacturer and marketer of structural materials that are essential in the manufacture of footwear. The Group operates a global business, which generates sales that are widely diversified by geographic region and product line. The Group’s primary products include: (1) materials for insoles, which form the structural foundation of shoes; (2) stiffeners, which support and shape the toe and heel of shoes; (3) other component products used in the manufacture of footwear, such as linings, lasts, tacks, nails, steel shanks, steel toe caps, midsoles and adhesives, and (4) Computer Aided Design (“CAD”) solutions for the footwear industry. While the products sold by the Group represent a small percentage of the total cost of materials contained in footwear, they are critical to the performance and manufacture of footwear and are not fashion sensitive. By leveraging its expertise in the manufacture of these structural materials, the Group has developed several related niche industrial products such as carpet gripper pins and cellulose air freshener material. These industrial products are sold to a wide range of industries.

The Group supplies most of the major footwear manufacturers in the world. The Group supplies over 7,500 customers worldwide, servicing global athletic footwear companies such as Nike and Adidas, designers and producers of casual shoes including Timberland and R. Griggs & Co (Dr Martens) and manufacturers of men’s and women’s formal shoes such as Church’s and Bally. The Group has fifteen manufacturing sites strategically located in Europe, the United States, Brazil, China and Australia and sells its products in more than 90 countries through an extensive marketing and distribution network. During the first nine months of 2002, sales of insoles, stiffeners, other footwear materials, industrial products and component products accounted for 37%, 29%, 8%, 8%, and 18% of total sales, respectively. During this period, 43% of the Group’s sales were made to Europe, 33% to Asia, 15% to the Americas and 9% to the rest of the world.

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)

Segmental reporting

The Group has five reportable segments based on geographic locations: United Kingdom, Europe, America, Australasia and Asia. Where applicable, discussions of sales by region relate to the geographical locations where the relevant products are actually produced. In contrast, discussions of sales by area relate to the geographical locations where the relevant products are actually sold.

Comparison of the three months ended September 30, 2002 to the three months ended September 30, 2001

Sales Turnover: Sales for the three months ended September 30, 2002 were (pound) 29.4 million, a decrease of (pound) 1.3 million from (pound) 30.7 million in the comparable period of 2001. Management believes that there are three principal reasons for this decrease. First, the European footwear market continues to be slow compared with last year as a result of de-stocking in the supply chain in this region. Second, the administration of the Cornwell businesses in the UK reduced sales of components. Third, Texon’s continued strategy of focusing on higher margin business that has delivered improvements in gross profits.

Sales by production region varied across the Group’s regions. In the UK region, sales where constant at (pound) 7.6 million, however within this is the administration of the Cornwell businesses in March 2002, which was offset by the transfer of the Foss production from the Americas region. Sales in the European region, declined by (pound) 0.2 million to (pound) 12.4 million, as a result of the slow quarter in the European footwear markets as some producers de-stocked. In the Americas region, sales declined by (pound) 1.6 million to (pound) 4.9 million, as a result of transferring an element of the Foss production to the UK. In the Australasia region, sales where constant at (pound) 1.1 million as the relocation of local footwear to the Pacific region has begun to bottom out. In the Asia region, sales increased by (pound) 0.6 million to (pound) 3.4 million, as a result of increased activity in this region.

Sales by location of customer during the quarter where as follows. In Europe, sales declined by 12% to (pound) 12.0 million, reflecting the slow quarter in the European footwear markets as some producers de-stocked, competitive pressures in the Esjot businesses and the administration of the Cornwell businesses in 2002. Sales in the Americas decreased to (pound) 4.4 million from (pound) 4.9 million, as a result of the devaluation of the Brazilian Real in relation to the pound. Sales in Asia increased to (pound) 10.3 million, as a result of increased activity in this region. Sales in the rest of the world where flat at (pound) 2.7 million.

Gross Profit: Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2002 increased by (pound) 0.2 million to (pound) 8.3 million compared to (pound) 8.1 million in the comparable period in 2001. When expressed as a percentage of sales, gross profit was 28.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2002, an increase of 1.8% from the comparable period in 2001. This improvement is the result of a more favorable sales mix towards higher margin business, the benefits of transferring and integrating the Foss production in-house in the UK where the Group now obtains a full margin as opposed to a distributor margin, exiting the Cornwell business in the UK and favorable raw material prices.

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)

Gross profit percentage in the UK region increased from 21% to 26%, principally due to elimination of the low margin Cornwell businesses. The European region’s gross profit percentage decreased to 26% from 30%, as a result of an element of margin erosion in the Esjot businesses due to competitive pressures in the marketplace and mix of business. The Americas region’s gross profit percentage increased from 22% to 24%, again due to the sales mix where in 2001 the Foss business, which earned a distributor margin has been transferred to the UK. In Australasia, the gross profit percentage improved from 5% in 2001 to 15% in 2002 as the benefits of the restructuring in this region over the last 18 months began to be delivered. The Asia region’s gross profit margin was constant at 30%.

Selling, General and Administrative Costs: Selling, general and administrative costs for the three months ended September 30, 2002 were (pound) 5.2 million compared with (pound) 5.5 million in the comparable period in 2001. These costs have decreased as a result of a continuing cost reduction program being implemented throughout the group.

Earnings before Interest and Taxation (“EBIT”): EBIT for the three months ended September 30, 2002 was (pound) 2.8 million, (pound) 0.5 million above the comparable period in 2001 due to the improvement in gross profit percentage and a reduction in selling, general and administrative costs.

Earnings before Interest Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”): EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2002 was (pound) 4.2 million as compared with (pound) 3.8 million in the comparable period in 2001.

Interest Expense: Net interest expense was (pound) 3.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 compared to (pound) 3.1 million for the three month ended September 30, 2001. Included in the interest charge is the amortization of debt insurance costs of (pound) 0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002 as compared with (pound) 0.2 million in the comparable period in 2001.

Taxation: The tax charge for the three months ended September 30, 2002 is based on the estimated percentage tax rate the Group will incur for the full year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Group’s liquidity needs arise primarily from debt service obligations on the indebtedness incurred in connection with the notes and the revolving credit facility, working capital needs and the funding of capital expenditures. Total liabilities at September 30, 2002 were (pound) 149.1 million, including consolidated indebtedness of (pound) 113.9 million as compared to total assets of (pound) 85.2 million.

The Group’s primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and borrowings under the Group’s financing agreements. As discussed above, the senior debt was refinanced on November 22, 2002. These provide the Group with a (Euro) 51.9 million 7 year Term Loan and a (Euro) 10.0 million Revolving Credit Facility. In addition to the Senior Debt facilities, there are several local facilities in Germany, Italy, Spain, France, China, New Zealand, and Brazil.

The net cash inflow from operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 was (pound) 11.6 million compared to (pound) 14.3 million for the comparable period in 2001. This decrease of (pound) 2.7 million is primarily attributable to the benefit that was achieved in the fist quarter of 2001 from improvements in the management of working capital, which was a one off effect and the reduction in trade credit in 2002.

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)

Returns on investments and servicing of finance for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 were (pound) 5.3 million compared to (pound) 10.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. The key reason for this reduction is due to the restructuring of its DM 245 million 10% senior notes due 2008, where the coupon due on this on the August 1, 2002 has not been paid in line with the restructuring agreement.

Taxation payable was (pound) 2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, compared to a taxation refund of (pound) 0.2 million for the comparable period in 2001.

Net capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 were (pound) 2.5 million, as compared to (pound) 0.2 million for the comparable period in 2001.

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)

Financial Instruments and Market Risks

The Group’s operations are conducted by entities in many countries and the primary market risk exposures of the Group are interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk. The exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates to its debt obligations, upon which interest is paid at both short-term fixed and variable rates, and local bank borrowings, upon which interest is paid at variable rates. The Group does not use any instruments by which to hedge against fluctuations in interest rates, as it is believed that interest rates are low in the currencies in which debt is denominated and that the risk of major fluctuations in such interest rates is low.

The results of the Group’s operations are subject to currency translation risk and currency transaction risk. Regarding currency translation risk, the operating results and financial position of each entity is reported in the relevant local currency and then translated into Sterling at the applicable exchange rate for inclusion in the financial statements of the Group. The fluctuation of Sterling against foreign currencies will therefore have an impact upon the reported profitability of the Group and may also affect the value of the Group’s assets and the amount of the Company’s shareholders equity.

Regarding currency transaction risk, fluctuations in exchange rates may affect the operating results of the Group because many of each entity’s costs are incurred in currencies different from their revenue currencies and there is also a time lag between incurrence of costs and the collection of related revenues. To protect against currency transaction risk the Group engages in hedging its net transaction exposure by the use of foreign exchange forward contracts to cover exposures arising from outstanding sales and purchase invoices. It has not covered outstanding sales or purchase orders unless they are firm commitments. At present hedging covers all traded currencies to which the Group is exposed and in which forward contracts may be undertaken. This includes the Euro and the US, Hong Kong, Australian and New Zealand Dollar. In addition, the Group hedges against certain non-trading exposures by using foreign exchange forward contracts, these exposures being short-term loans between entities and interest payable (within one year) on the senior notes. Short-term loans may fluctuate in value depending upon the daily cash position of the various entities and may be denominated in any of the currencies stated above.

International Operations

The Group conducts operations in countries around the world including through manufacturing facilities in the UK, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Brazil and China. The Group’s global operations may be subject to some volatility because of currency fluctuations, inflation and changes in political and economic conditions in these countries.

The financial position and results of operations of the Group’s businesses outside the UK are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Most of the revenues and expenses of the Group’s operations are denominated in local currencies whereas the majority of raw material purchases are denominated in US dollars. Assets and liabilities of the Group’s subsidiaries outside the UK are translated at the balance sheet exchange rate and statement of operations accounts are translated at the average rate prevailing during the relevant period.

The Group’s financial performance in future periods may be impacted as a result of changes in the above factors which are largely beyond the control of the Group.

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)

Exchange Rate Information

The table below shows the major exchange rates, expressed per pound sterling, used in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements included herewith.


	2002 Average Rate		Period End Rate

US Dollar		1.48		1.56
Euro		1.60		1.60

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)

Part II Other Information

Item 1 Legal Proceedings


	From time to time, the Group is involved in routine litigation incidental to its business. The Group is not a party to any threatened legal proceedings, which the Group believes would have a material adverse effect on the Group’s results or operations or financial condition.

	A suit has been filed against one of the Company’s subsidiaries in the UK in relation to a guarantee issued in 1987 to Black & Decker, formerly Emhart Corporation, for the non-payment of US post-retirement medical benefits by USM Inc. to its former employees. USM Inc. was a subsidiary of United Shoe Machinery Limited, formerly the Machinery division on United Texon Limited, a subsidiary of the Company, which has sought protection from its creditors under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy code. In the event that this litigation is decided against the subsidiary of the Company, that subsidiary may be exposed to a potential liability of approximately US$400,000 per annum for the foreseeable future.

Item 2 Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds


	None.

Item 3 Defaults Upon Senior Securities


	On August 1, 2002, the Company was due to pay a coupon on its DM 245 million 10% senior notes due 2008. The indenture pursuant to which the senior notes were issued provides the Company with a 30 day grace period on coupon payments before an event of default occurs. This coupon has not been paid to date.

	On November 22, 2002 the company completed its financial restructuring of its DM 245 million 10% senior notes due 2008. Details of this restructuring are contained within the T-3 filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on November 22, 2002.

Item 4 Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders


	None.

Item 5 Other Information


	None.

Item 6 Exhibits and Report on Form 8 — K


10.100		Reregistered of Texon International plc into a private limited company Texon International Limited dated September 20, 2002.

10.101		Amendment and Restatement Agreement relating to a facilities agreement dated November 15, 2001.

Texon International Ltd (formerly Texon International plc)

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



		Texon International plc (Registrant)



Date November 29, 2002	By	/s/ J. Neil Fleming

		J. Neil Fleming Finance Director and Chief Accounting Officer

Texon International Inactive 6-KCurrent report (foreign)