Metabolix to exit Germany by end 2014

The reason given is the continuing shift in the company's focus to commercializing performance additive solutions based on polyhydroxyalkanoate ("PHA") biopolymers. The purpose of the plan is to simplify the Company's business structure and focus the Company's resources on the success of its core biopolymers business based on PHA performance additives.
Metabolix GmbH has been engaged primarily in the marketing and sale of compounded resins used in compostable film and bag applications. Under the current plan, the company expects to sell, transfer and/or otherwise dispose of substantially all the assets of Metabolix GmbH, and Metabolix GmbH will cease operations by the end of 2014.
For financial reporting purposes, beginning in the third quarter of 2014, the company intends to classify the assets and liabilities of Metabolix GmbH as assets and liabilities held for sale and classify the related operating activities of Metabolix GmbH as discontinued operations. The results of Metabolix GmbH operations, as well as exit costs and other expenses, net of proceeds, related to the termination of the business, will be reflected as loss from discontinued operations.
In connection with the plan, the company expects to incur a charge of approximately $900,000 in the third quarter of 2014 as a loss on disposal of discontinued operations. Approximately $750,000 of this charge is expected to be non-cash related. The final loss on disposal of discontinued operations may differ from this estimate depending on the actual or expected proceeds from the sale of Metabolix GmbH assets and the actual disposition costs incurred. The company does not anticipate incurring any charges for employee termination costs in connection with the plan. The company expects the discontinuation of Metabolix GmbH operations to result in net annual cash savings of approximately $2.0 million per year, with initial savings beginning during the fourth quarter of 2014.(KL)

http://www.metabolix.com