UniPoly executives leave company

WINCHESTER, England (June 22)—UniPoly Group, the holding company for most of the former BTR P.L.C. rubber products businesses, is operating under new management after the unanticipated departures of its CEO and commercial director. Laurence Cant and Ted Minick left the company recently, reportedly at the request of investment banks that underwrote the management buyout in 1997. UniPoly did not offer reasons for their departures. Michael Teacher, former CEO of food and furniture group Hillsdown Holdings, is the new CEO, and Chris Parratt, formerly finance director of Mill House Inns, has been appointed finance and commercial director. UniPoly was formed in 1997 through a $730 million management buy-out of four divisions of BTR´s Polymer Products Groups. Today the group's primary operations are conveyor belt unit UniPoly Enerka, fluid handling group UniPoly Hiflex Netherlands B.V.; and sealing and shielding group UniPoly Schlegel Holdings B.V. The group employs more than 5,000 worldwide, and has annual sales of around $725 million. Its North American holdings include belt maker Georgia Duck & Cordage in Scottsdale, Ga.