If we look back at the year 2003 it becomes quite clear that the South African microscopy year was quite unique. …Of course, I can't speak for all the companies and laboratories in the country, but from my personal view it was definitely interesting.

FEI definitely had a great year in that they managed to sell 5 systems. Then LEO added to that another 3, and we have heard that there is also a Cameca probe being bought. This may not sound like a lot, but if you take into consideration that in the last few years an average of 4-5 EM columns per year would register as a banner year. Given that we have seen our currency improve over the past 2 years, it does imply that buying imported equipment is getting cheaper. However as this effect has also negatively affected exports, we can't say that we have become richer, and so could afford more systems.