Conday and Co. Ltd has been in operation for three years and produces antique reproduction furniture for the export market. The most recent set of financial statements for the business is as follows:

Statement of financial position as at 30 November

£000

ASSETS

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment (cost less depreciation)

Land and buildings

228

Plant and machinery

762

990

Current assets

Inventories

600

Trade receivables

820

1,420

Total assets

2,410

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Equity

Ordinary shares of £1 each

700

Retained earnings

365

1,065

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings – 9% loan notes (Note 1)

200

Current liabilities

Trade payables

665

Taxation

48

Short-term borrowings (all bank overdraft)

432

1,145

Total equity and liabilities

2,410

Income statement for the year ended 30 November

£000

Revenue

2,600

Cost of sales

(1,620)

Gross profit

980

Selling and distribution expenses (Note 2)

(408)

Administration expenses

(194)

Operating profit

378

Finance expenses

(58)

Profit before taxation

320

Taxation

(95)

Profit for the year

225

Notes:

1 The loan notes are secured on the land and buildings.

2 Selling and distribution expenses include £170,000 in respect of bad debts.

3 A dividend of £160,000 was paid on the ordinary shares during the year.

4 The directors have invited an investor to take up a new issue of ordinary shares in the business at £6.40 each making a total investment of £200,000. The directors wish to use the funds to finance a programmed of further expansion.

Required :

(a) Analise the financial position and performance of the business and comment on any features that you consider to be significant.

(b) State, with reasons, whether or not the investor should invest in the business on the terms outlined.