The re-organization of the Dorma bed linen business acquired in 2005 is ahead of schedule. The business traded profitably in the second half of the year, although its performance has been constrained by the challenging market conditions and the unexpected re-introduction of quotas on Chinese sourced product in the summer of 2005. This issue similarly impeded performance at Dawson Cashmere Company and Kinross Cashmere Europe, the group's smaller European cashmere garment sourcing businesses.
In February 2006, Dawson acquired the Scottish based cashmere business of John Laing of Hawick. This 175 year old branded business operates at the top end of the international cashmere market and will be integrated within the Barrie business.
Dawson International Plc - The group's principal activity is the operation of cashmere businesses. It operates in every aspect of cashmere from goat to garment. It operates through its three business segments. Fibres & yarns operates under Todd & Duncan and Joseph Dawson. Knitwear operates under Barrie and Ballantyne.
Sourced garments operates under Dawson Forte Cashmere, Dawson Cashmere Co and Kinross Cashmere Europe.