THE revival at Alexon under its new board is taking longer than

expected, chairman John Sadler admitted yesterday.

He announced pre-tax losses of #12m in the year to January 29, just

below the #12.2m loss in the previous 12 months.

Mr Sadler took over in April last year after big City investors forced

out the previous senior executive team.

He said the board had re-

assessed the time-scale of recovery since reporting half-year results.

''We now recognise that the recovery will take longer than expected,''

said Mr Sadler.

However, he noted a sharp reduction in debt from #23m to #10.7m, stock

levels reduced by #11.1m to #23.6m and the launch of the Ann Harvey

brand for the larger woman.

Losses per share were reduced last year to 30.38p from 53.90p.

Shareholders, who received a dividend total of 2.92p per share last

time, will get nothing for last year.