Expansion continues apace at the French plastics converter group, Compagnie Plastic Omnium (HQ: 1 rue du Parc, F-92300 Levallois). Following a 7% increase in consolidated 1994 turnover to FF 4.72bn (DM 1.38bn) and a 74% increase in profit to FF 106m, Plastic Omnium has acquired 31.15% of the capital of Reydel Industries SA (PO Box 6, F-59147 Gondecourt). Reydel, one of the leading European manufacturers of automobile interiors, particularly dashboard assemblies and consoles, reported 1994 profits of FF 56.7m on a turnover of FF 1.7bn. In its own words, Plastic Omnium notes that this acquisition further consolidates its presence in Europe, especially France.

Plastic Omnium projects a 5% increase in group turnover in 1995, spread equally between the business areas of automobile components, waste disposal and high performance plastics, all of which are becoming increasingly internationalised.

The holding company of Plastic Omnium, Burelle SA (1 rue du Parc, F-92593 Levallois Cedex) has retained its competitive position during the previous year, with its broad base of plastic products. Exports accounted for 54% of the consolidated turnover of FF 5.6bn, which increased by about 6.5% over the year. Burelle's operating profit increased by about 84% to FF 118m, with after-tax profits rising about 82% to FF 69m. A dividend of FF 6 per share is expected as part of profit sharing.

READER SERVICE: Annual report 1994 of Burelle SA, with details of the various Plastic Omnium divisions (French): PIE-No. 37874 (DM 18.00).