What does SPD stand for?

Shares were more than 1% lower, as BOC said stronger performances at process gassolutions - a division supplying major customers - and its industrial and special products division had been offset by a weaker showing from BOC Edwards, which supplies gases to the semiconductor industry.

BOC's industrial and special products division saw underlying turnover growth of 7%, pushing up operating profits 5% to [pounds sterling]70.

The company said turnover and adjusted operating profits in its industrial and special products division, which supplies medical gases and other specialised products in cylinders, improved in the third quarter, but at a slower pace than in the previous quarter.

Dick Sanders himself has had a career in food area products, as president of Borden's Special Products Division, president of Nodaway Valley Foods Co.

Has three operating divisions: -- Eagle Vision, the group's visual programming division, incorporating Cromwell Productions, producers of factual programming -- Eagle Records, the group's principal record label, incorporating Spitfire Records, a US-based heavy rock record label -- Pegasus special products division Eagle Rock's shareholders are its senior management and clients of HgCapital Private Equity.

The company said turnover and adjusted operating profits in its industrial and special products division, which supplies medical gases and other specialised products in cylinders, improved in the third quarter.

BP was up 11/4p at 4313/4p following the sale of its European special products division, which produces waxes, process oils and rubber additives, to Germany's H&R Wasag.

Jeff Wood, from the automotive and special products division, was recently appointed chief operating officer.