· Reiterates Strength Of Current Shareholding Structure
· Forecasts Strong First Half Performance
Bermuda, 1st June 2000 -- Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited today released the statement made by its Chairman, Henry Keswick, to shareholders at the Company's Annual General Meeting held on 1st June 2000.
In the statement, Mr Keswick emphasised the commitment of Jardine Matheson's Board and management to building long-term shareholder value. He reiterated the strengths of the current cross shareholding structure with Jardine Strategic, highlighting the stability the structure created in a volatile region which enabled management to concentrate on growing their businesses.
In addition, Mr Keswick drew attention to the above-average performance of the Group over the last ten years and forecast strong earnings for the first half of 2000. Mr Keswick stated, "Despite the continuing difficulties within Dairy Farm and Jardine International Motors, which I highlighted at the time of the 1999 year-end results, the overall result for the Group for the half year to 30th June 2000 should show a strong growth in earnings over the comparable period last year."
Attached is Mr Keswick's full statement.
Jardine Matheson is a multinational group focused primarily on the Asia-Pacific Region. Its operations employ some 150,000 people and its activities are leaders in the fields of financial services, supermarkets, consumer marketing, engineering and construction, motor trading, property and hotels. The Group is building its core businesses largely in Asia Pacific with the goal of enhancing shareholder value for the long term.
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For further information, please contact:
Jardine Matheson Limited
Neil M McNamara Tel: (1 441) 298 6011
Matheson & Co.Limited
Martin Henderson Tel: (44) 0207 816 8135
Forrest International Limited
David Dodwell Tel: (852) 2501 7902
Sue Gourlay (852) 2501 7936
Ludgate Communications
Richard Hews Tel: (44) 0207 253 2252