McAl: Mergers vital for growth

Gerry Brooks, chief operating officer of the Trinidad-based conglomerate, said growing the publicly listed company would allow it to leverage the group’s strength and maximise all areas of its operations.

In an interview, Brooks said Ansa McAl was pleased with the company’s Barbados operation.

Commenting on the significant rise in the value of Ansa McAl shares on the Barbados Stock Exchange, he attributed the rise to "strong management at the CEO level, a considerable support team and a focus on understanding customer ne-eds."

"In the Caribbean, it is not an easy environment. We have seen some inflationary and foreign exchange pressures, and we have had to navigate those with good commercial sense. We have to execute well, we have to take a look at all opportunities," Brooks explained.

According to him, "Things have come together nicely and we have worked assiduously in 2005 to ensure that the platform we built in 2004 works well. I think the team has done a good job."

The Ansa McAl executive added: "Overall, we are pleased with the Barbados operation. We made a substantial investment in the economy with the acquisition, and we feel there are substantial possibilities." (Barbados Nation)