SNCL Sinclair Will.

RNS Number:4664L
Sinclair (William) Holdings PLC
10 January 2008



10 January 2008


                 Acquisition of horticultural products company

William Sinclair Holdings plc ("William Sinclair" or the "Company"), one of the
UK's leading producers of commercial horticulture and branded garden products,
is pleased to announce that it has acquired Joseph Metcalf Ltd, 
("Joseph Metcalf"), the horticultural products company located in North 
West England, for a cash consideration of �2.95 million (the "Acquisition").  
The cash consideration is financed by a new loan from the Company's bank 
repayable over five years.

The Board of William Sinclair expects the Acquisition to be earnings enhancing
for the Company for the 15 month period to 30 September 2008.*


Benefits of the Acquisition

Joseph Metcalf currently trades under the GEM brand and is particularly strong
in the North West of England.  The Acquisition increases William Sinclair's
presence in both the retail and professional sectors as well as adding the
amenities market. This market, which includes golf courses, provides the
opportunity for good margins from an increasingly important customer base.  In
addition, Joseph Metcalf has a strong range of chemicals for the horticultural
sector which will complement William Sinclair's existing fertilizer operations.

The Directors of William Sinclair intend to introduce the same cost saving
measures and efficiency gains to Joseph Metcalf that have been successfully
implemented at William Sinclair's existing business during the last two years.
The directors believe that the synergies between the two companies will improve
William Sinclair's existing production and distribution capabilities.  The
Acquisition will provide William Sinclair with an additional 150 hectares of
high quality peat reserves.


Financial highlights

In the latest audited financial statements for the 10 months to 30 June 2007
Joseph Metcalf reported a turnover of �8.8 million and a post tax loss of �0.18
million.  As at 30 June 2007, Joseph Metcalf had net assets of �4.25 million and
net debt of �1.38 million.

In the unaudited management accounts for the period 1 July 2007 to 30 November
2007 Joseph Metcalf incurred a post tax loss of �0.83 million, reflecting the
seasonal nature of companies in the sector.


Management

Mr Brian Metcalf, the sole director of Joseph Metcalf, resigned on completion of
the Acquisition and Mr Bernard Burns and Mr Peter Williams, Chief Executive and
Finance Director respectively of William Sinclair became directors of the Joseph
Metcalf business.

Bernard Burns, Chief Executive of William Sinclair Holdings plc, commented:

"William Sinclair has an unrivalled reputation for quality of service. Through
the efficiency gains achieved over the last two years, William Sinclair also
benefits from the industry's lowest costs of production. With the synergies that
exist from the combined Joseph Metcalf business, further cost savings across the
enlarged group are expected to be generated.

"In addition the Company's low carbon cost of production expertise can also be
applied to the Joseph Metcalf business further consolidating our industry
leading green credentials.

"The Acquisition is the next stage in William Sinclair's growth strategy."


Financial results

In the results for the year ended 30 June 2007 William Sinclair reported a 72%
increase in pre tax profit to �1.45 million with a turnover of �37.6 million. As
at 30 June 2007, William Sinclair's net assets were �16.3 million with net debt
of �0.42 million.  Trading since the year end has been in line with
expectations.

As previously announced the Company intends to change its year end to 30
September 2008 resulting in a fifteen month financial period.  The Company
expects to announce its interim results for the 6 months to 31 December 2007 in
March 2008.


* This should not be interpreted to mean that the Company's future earnings per
share will necessarily be greater than or equal to the Company's historical
earnings per share.


                                    - Ends -

For further information:


www.william-sinclair.co.uk



William Sinclair Holdings Plc                                Tel: 01522 537561

Bernard Burns, Chief Executive
Peter Williams, Finance Director


Arbuthnot Securities                                         Tel: 020 7012 2000

Alastair Moreton / Alasdair Younie



Madano Partnership                                           Tel: 020 7593 4000

Mark Way / Matthew Moth





About William Sinclair Holdings Plc

William Sinclair provides peat and fertiliser products to the retail and
commercial sectors. William Sinclair's well established brands include J Arthur
Bower's and New Horizon - the leading brand in the fast growing peat free garden
compost and organic plant foods sector.

William Sinclair's customers include national accounts such as Wyevale,
Wilkinson, Tesco, Homebase and B&Q as well as an extensive range of independent
garden centres.


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