Bousfield made an operating loss of 2.3m in the six months to 30 September 2001, according to the latest interim figures from former parent Amberley Group.

"Very poor market conditions contributed to a very poor performance at Bousfield. A considerable decline in market volumes, price pressure and the financial weakness of some of its customers resulted in [the operating loss]," the Amberley statement said.

Bousfield returned to the private sector last month, after Amberley sold the company to private investment firm Bousfield Holdings, a company set up by Runway Ventures in a 7.25m deal, writing off 11.5m of debt in the process (PrintWeek, 16 November).

The Amberley Group posted sales for the period of 31.8m, a decline of 7% on the same period last year, and a loss before tax and exceptional items of 1.2m.