Statement re Dutch Subsidiary
10 May 2003 - 12:36AM
UK Regulatory
9 MAY 2003
Parity Group plc
Statement Re one of its Dutch Subsidiaries
The Board of Parity Group plc has identified through its internal control
processes certain irregularities in the Financial Services Unit of its Dutch
Business Solutions subsidiary (Parity Solutions BV) that are likely to affect
the recoverability of a number of debtor balances up to a maximum of �1.6
million relating to the year ended 31 December 2002. These irregularities
relate to the possible overstatement of revenue through the invoicing of work
not done for external parties. A significant proportion of the amount in
question may be covered by insurance although any shortfall will result in a
charge to the 2003 accounts. The circumstances have been reported to the Dutch
police, and the Group's insurers have been notified of a potential claim.
These irregularities are confined to the Financial Services Unit of Parity
Solutions BV and no other parts of that business are implicated. Parity
Solutions BV reported revenues of �5.7 million and a loss of �0.1 million in
2002. A full investigation is underway and further information will be made
available as appropriate.
Commenting, Ian Miller, Chief Executive of Parity Group plc, said:
"The Board is reassured that our financial and management controls picked up
the issue as early as this. These irregularities are limited to one small
business unit, but we wished to make an announcement as soon as the position
became clear."
Enquiries:
Parity Group plc Tel: 020 7776 0800
Ian Miller, Chief Executive
Financial Dynamics Tel: 020 7831 3113
Harriet Keen
END