Announcement by John Taylor Bellfounders LTD and Eayre & Smith LTD

The directors of John Taylor Bellfounders Limited and Eayre & Smith Limited are pleased to announce the merger of the two companies effective from 1 July 2005.  Agreement between the shareholders of both companies was unanimously reached following a series of meetings which started in January 2005.

The new business will be known as Taylors Eayre & Smith Ltd.  The boards of the two companies will combine to form the new supervisory board of directors.

Production will continue at both sites in the short-term whilst redeployment of equipment and facilities takes place at the John Taylor Bellfoundry in Loughborough, from where the combined business will operate by the end of 2005.  All existing orders placed with, and quotations submitted by, the two companies will be carried out exactly as specified and to the timescales given.

It is the new business’s intention to continue working with all current suppliers.  Taylors Eayre & Smith will provide the varied design and full range of products of the former companies and a streamlined service through the combination of employee skills and equipment.  Integration of the specialist skills and the economies brought about by operating from one site will give an even better service to existing and prospective customers, coupled with increased security for all employees.

The main purposes of the merger are to:-

1. Build on the strengths of the separate organisations.

2. Increase efficiency and customer service.

3. Continue to develop working practices.

4. Update machinery, equipment and use of new technology.

Current estimates and quotations will be honoured, and those presently considering proposals will be able to discuss these with the same personnel both before and after 1 July 2005 when the joint new arrangements commence.

Requests for inspections and quotations may be submitted to either business address:-

Taylor's, Eayre & Smith Ltd