[Intl-tobacco] BAT year end statement

Robert Weissman rob@essential.org
Thu, 9 Mar 2000 11:37:13 -0500 (EST)


Below follows the first part of BAT's year end statement. The second
section is sent in a subsequent message. There will be some problem with
formatting of charts in this, for which I apologize.

Robert Weissman
Essential Information=09=09=09|   Internet:=09rob@essential.org


PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT - YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 1999

SUMMARY
=09=09=09=09=091999 =091998 =09Change      =20
Operating profit pre-exceptionals =09=A32,022m  =A31,550m =09+30% =20
Pre-tax profit =09=09=09=09=A31,371m =09=A3738m =09+86% =20
Adjusted earnings per=20
share =09=09=09=09=0952.33p =0946.12p =09+13% =20
Dividends per share =09=09=0926.20p =0924.00p =09+9%

=09Adjusted earnings per share (on a fully diluted basis), probably
the best indicator of true improvement, were 13 per cent higher at 52.33p.

=09Operating profit was 30 per cent higher at =A32,022 million,
excluding goodwill amortisation and exceptional items, and benefited from
the inclusion of seven months results for Rothmans combined with a good
underlying performance.

=09Group volumes increased by 5 per cent to 753 billion.  Excluding
the impact of the merger, volumes declined by 9 per cent, a similar
position to our major international competitors.

=09Progress on the integration of the Rothmans operations has been
excellent.  The merger has improved the geographical balance of the Group
and resulted in the Group having a 15.4 per cent share of the world
market.

=09The Board is recommending a final dividend of 17.9p, up 12 per
cent, which will be paid on 3=86May 2000.  This will take the growth in
dividends for the year to 9 per cent, which is in line with our policy of
paying out at least 50 per cent of sustainable earnings.

=09The Chairman, Martin Broughton, commented that =ECAs a result of the
Rothmans merger, we made a major advance in 1999.  We also succeeded in
managing the business on strategy in a difficult environment, a task made
more complex by the merger.  We are disappointed that the real progress we
have made has not been reflected in our share price.=EE

ENQUIRIES: INVESTOR RELATIONS: PRESS OFFICE: Ralph Edmondson 020 7845 1180
Fran Morrison/David Betteridge/ Denise Hart 020 7845 1191 Jody Humble 020
7845 2888

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO plc

PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT - YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 1999

INDEX


PAGE

Chairman's statement 2-4 Business review 5-7 Dividends 8 Group profit and
loss account 9 Statement of total recognised gains and losses 10 Interest
of British American Tobacco=EDs shareholders 10 Segmental analyses 11
Quarterly analyses of profit 12-13 Group balance sheet 14 Group cash flow
statement 15 Accounting policies and basis of preparation 16 Rothmans
International 16 Exchange rate effects 17 Exceptional items 17 Sale of
brands 17 Demerger and restructuring costs 18 Interest and interest cover
18 Taxation 18 Earnings per share 19 Group reserves 19 Cash flow 20
Contingent Liabilities 20 Post balance sheet event - Imasco 22 Annual
report and accounts 22


CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT 2.

As a result of the Rothmans merger, we made a major advance in 1999.  We
also succeeded in managing the business on strategy in a difficult
environment, a task made more complex by the merger.  We are disappointed
that the real progress we have made has not been reflected in our share
price.

The Group's operating profit before exceptional items grew by 30=86per cent
to =A32,022 million, reflecting seven months' benefit from the merger with
Rothmans, combined with a good underlying performance.  Pre-tax profit
rose 86 per cent to =A31,371 million, while adjusted fully diluted earnings
per share, probably the best indication of the true improvement, advanced
by 13 per cent to 52.3p.

Your Board is recommending a final dividend of 17.9p per share, payable on
3 May.  This will take the total dividend growth for the year to 9 per
cent, in line with our policy of paying out at least 50 per cent of
sustainable earnings.

The major strategic achievements were plainly the Rothmans merger and the
highly complex acquisition of our Canadian associate company, Imasco,
including the subsequent sale of its non tobacco businesses on a tax
efficient basis.  The transaction, which will enable us to integrate
Imperial Tobacco of Canada into our operations, was completed in February
2000 and it will materially improve our cash flow this year.

Complexity was also a feature of the Rothmans merger, especially when it=20
came to securing regulatory approval with limited disposals and undertaking=
=20
corporate restructurings in a number of key markets.  The outcome was bette=
r=20
than we expected when we announced the merger, except in Canada where the=
=20
forced sale of the Rothmans business reflected the exceedingly depressed=20
level of tobacco assets.  The anticipated =A3250 million of synergies per=
=20
annum will be achieved ahead of schedule.

I should like to take this opportunity to welcome Bill Ryan, as Deputy=20
Managing Director, and Johann Rupert and Jan du Plessis, as non executives,=
=20
to the Main Board, where their experience is proving invaluable.  We also=
=20
welcome Tony Jones and Chris Bischoff to the Management Board.

For the tobacco industry, a difficult environment does not, of course,=20
confine itself to the trading conditions covered in the Business Review. =
=20
Our two principal legal and regulatory concerns at the moment are the three=
=20
phase Engle class action in Florida and the World Health Organization's=20
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
Chairman's statement....=093.

The latter is a potential threat, despite the fact that it represents a=20
developed world obsession being foisted on to the developing world. There=
=20
are, however, encouraging signs that some significant countries are in=20
favour of a broad convention, allowing governments to take account of their=
=20
own circumstances, rather than a binding treaty.

We have been analysing the potential impact of the FCTC and believe that it=
=20
has fundamental flaws.  In particular, the proposals conflict with the=20
established principles of good public policy formation and risk undermining=
=20
governments=ED sovereignty over tobacco regulations and excise.

Because of the way the Engle class action is being run by the Judge, who is=
=20
himself a member of the class, investors expect a headline-grabbing punitiv=
e=20
damages award in the next month or so and this has affected the share price=
=2E=20
  We are confident that, in the event of a loss, the companies involved wil=
l=20
be able to appeal successfully, without having to post a bond.  Despite the=
=20
blatant pressure applied by the Judge, Brown & Williamson has no intention=
=20
of settling.

It is also worth stressing that Engle is really something of an exception=
=20
as, elsewhere on the litigation front, class actions and medical=20
reimbursement cases are consistently being dismissed, despite increasingly=
=20
novel claims being filed, not least by the US Federal Government.

In terms of creativity, pride of place in a crowded field probably goes to=
=20
the US plaintiffs=ED lawyers who have been able to persuade various Latin=
=20
American countries and states, as well as Thailand, to sue the tobacco=20
industry in the US, rather than in their own courts.  The Guatemala and=20
Thailand cases have already been dismissed and we expect the others to=20
follow suit.

The pressure from regulators and governments who, it must be remembered,=20
make over 10 times as much from the sale of cigarettes as we do, seems set=
=20
to continue.  As this new century begins, we are determined to find a=20
constructive way forward, instead of remaining trapped with them in the=20
sterile arguments of the past.

We have, for example, recently presented the UK Government with a coherent=
=20
set of proposals called "partnership for change".
Chairman's statement....=094.

In a further initiative to improve our ability to communicate directly with=
=20
all our stakeholders, our Annual Review's publication will coincide with th=
e=20
launch of our website.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank our management teams and=20
employees, around the world and at our headquarters here in the UK, for=20
their unstinting efforts during a momentous year in the Company's=20
development.  The way that so many people have risen to additional=20
challenges is an impressive tribute to their commitment.

While we recognise that traditional businesses are currently out of favour=
=20
with the stock market, our task for 2000 is to work on ensuring that the=20
value we are building for shareholders is actually reflected in the value o=
f=20
our shares.  Apart from market share and financial growth targets, our=20
broader objectives include continuing to build on the success of the=20
Rothmans merger, starting to capitalise on the benefits that e-commerce can=
=20
offer and making progress in becoming recognised as a responsible company i=
n=20
an industry seen as controversial.



























MARTIN BROUGHTON
BUSINESS REVIEW=095.

The improved geographical balance of our businesses is reflected by the fac=
t=20
that the Group has the leadership position in over 50 countries around the=
=20
world.  Throughout the integration of Rothmans into the business, we have=
=20
remained focused on achieving global leadership of the tobacco business by=
=20
developing brands and growing strong positions in the premium and lights=20
segments.

Operating profit, before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items, was 3=
1=20
per cent higher in local currency as a result of the inclusion of Rothmans=
=20
since June 1999.  On a pre-merger basis, profit is estimated to be around 4=
=20
per cent higher than last year.

Profit in the fourth quarter, before exceptional items, was 101=86per cent=
=20
higher than the comparable period last year.  This increase reflects the=20
contribution from Rothmans, cost reduction initiatives and last year being=
=20
affected by the one-off cost of factory closures.

Group volumes increased by 5 per cent.  Excluding Rothmans, Group volumes=
=20
declined by 9 per cent, in line with our major international competitors.

Operating Profit from the America-Pacific Region was =A3544=86million, an=
=20
increase of =A39 million from 1998.  These figures exclude the initial=20
payments and liquidated legal fees on the US tobacco settlements. Total=20
volume for 1999 was 11 per cent lower than 1998, due to conditions in the U=
S=20
market.

US domestic market contribution, before reduced common overheads of=20
=A3259=86million, was =A3601 million, a fall of 7 per cent compared to 1998=
=2E  This=20
decrease is attributable to lower volumes, partially offset by higher=20
pricing net of settlement costs.

Total industry shipments for the year declined 9 per cent due to trade=20
inventory adjustment, the emergence of grey market product and list price=
=20
increases in excess of 60 per cent. Brown & Williamson=EDs volume fell 13=
=20
billion units to 56 billion and overall market share slipped to 13.4 per=20
cent.  This was principally due to GPC, which was affected by the rise in=
=20
grey market brands, preferential treatment allowed to certain small=20
manufacturers under the MSA agreement and aggressive competitive=20
discounting.  Although Kool's market share was slightly down, image buildin=
g=20
programmes did register sizeable share gains in specific segments, while=20
Lucky Strike Filters and Lights distribution was expanded.  In the premium=
=20
sector, Capri slightly increased its share of the market and Carlton's=20
repositioning has helped slow its share decline.

The Group's operations in Japan show higher sales volumes in a reduced tota=
l=20
market.  The Group=EDs market share rose to 7.4 per cent, with further grow=
th=20
from Kent and Kool.  Despite the 23 per cent increased contribution in loca=
l=20
currency, the contribution in US dollars decreased slightly due to the=20
unfavourable US$/Yen exchange rates.

Business review.....=09=096.

In Asia-Pacific, profits rose to =A3257 million, reflecting the merger with=
=20
Rothmans as a result of which the Group now has a much stronger balance of=
=20
businesses.  The merger has also created significant opportunities for=20
synergy benefits in the region. Actions to secure these savings, through=20
factory rationalisation and distribution changes, are now well underway=20
following corporate restructurings in Malaysia, Singapore, Australasia, and=
=20
Indonesia.

The Australasian markets showed strong profit growth (excluding the diveste=
d=20
brands as described on page 17), driven by cost control and improved=20
margins.  Following the excise change in November, market share in Australi=
a=20
increased as a result of the strength of Benson & Hedges, Winfield, and=20
Dunhill.

In Malaysia, improvements in financial performance were constrained by lowe=
r=20
total market volume, market penetration by kreteks and excise increases in=
=20
1998.  Indonesia continued the good performance in difficult market=20
conditions, despite excise tax changes that reduced margins, with volumes=
=20
and profits well up.  Profits in Singapore increased following the closure=
=20
of the factory in 1998. Vietnam has seen strong growth in Craven =EBA=ED vo=
lume.

On a comparable basis, regional volumes were 9 per cent lower at 85 billion=
,=20
principally due to weak export volumes impacted by macro-economic condition=
s=20
and a significant increase in counterfeit products.

In Latin America, profit was slightly higher at =A3333 million, if the bene=
fit=20
from the recovery of sales tax of =A374 million in Brazil is excluded from =
the=20
comparative figures.  Despite the difficult economic situation in Latin=20
America, there were good performances in Mexico, Venezuela, Central America=
=20
and the Caribbean.  The regional volumes decreased by 15 per cent to 167=20
billion, due mainly to the lower exports from Brazil following the=20
introduction of a cigarette export tax.

Souza Cruz maintained their share of the duty paid market in Brazil, with=
=20
Free increasing its share, although smuggling and tax evasion posed a=20
growing threat.  However, despite good performances from the leaf business=
=20
and cost reduction initiatives, profit for the year was lower as export=20
volumes fell significantly.

In Venezuela and Central America, profits rose as a result of price=20
increases and cost savings, with volume growth in Venezuela.  Despite the=
=20
slight decrease in our market share in Mexico due to aggressive competitor=
=20
activities, profits were helped by price rises, cost savings and firmer=20
exchange rates.  In Chile, profits were severely impacted by swingeing=20
excise increases that resulted in downtrading, as well as lower leaf export=
=20
volumes, while profits in Argentina were affected by the strong recession.
Business review.....=09=097.

In Europe, the regional profit for the enlarged group almost doubled from=
=20
=A3164 million to =A3316 million.  The growth in profit is due to the merge=
r=20
(including the smoking tobacco and cigars operations) and higher=20
contributions from Russia, Germany and Romania.  These were partly offset b=
y=20
the discontinuation of intra-EU Duty Free and the adverse affects of the=20
change in the local excise structure in Hungary and difficult trading=20
conditions in Ukraine and Poland.

A step change was achieved in our competitive position in Europe where the=
=20
reported volume grew 30 per cent to 171 billion. We increased volumes in=20
both the largest market in Eastern Europe, Russia, and the largest market i=
n=20
Western Europe, Germany.  In Russia, this was driven by significantly highe=
r=20
sales of Yava Gold and Pall Mall and in Germany, Lucky Strike and Pall Mall=
=2E=20
  There were also improved volumes in Romania. However, these successes wer=
e=20
offset by small declines in a number of other markets.

In Amesca, total regional profit was =A3268 million, up =A3158=86million,=
=20
benefiting from the merger and improved profits in India and South Africa.=
=20
Group volumes grew to 214 billion cigarettes.  On a comparable basis,=20
volumes were 6 per cent lower than last year largely due to civil war in th=
e=20
Congo and some depressed economies in Africa and South Asia.

In South Africa, profit grew despite a declining market, benefiting from=20
price increases and a reduction in costs. Benson & Hedges, Rothmans Special=
=20
Mild and Peter Stuyvesant grew market share.  In Uzbekistan, volumes were=
=20
well ahead resulting in higher market share and profitability.  In India,=
=20
good profit growth was achieved from tobacco principally through a=20
combination of improved mix and price increases, although there was a loss=
=20
on disposal of certain non-tobacco interests.

The Middle East achieved profit growth with rising sales in the premium=20
sector of the market.  In particular, results in Arabia were strong, as the=
=20
sales mix improved with John Player Gold Leaf showing steady growth in=20
share.  In Sri Lanka, excellent results were generated through a combinatio=
n=20
of cost reductions, improved margins and the sale of the CTC Eagle insuranc=
e=20
operations.

Imasco in Canada, which was equity accounted in 1999, contributed =A3304=20
million to the Group profits, up 18 per cent in local currency.  In the=20
tobacco business, profits rose 8 per cent to =A3149 million as a result of=
=20
higher prices and cost efficiencies.  In a slightly reduced total market, a=
=20
higher market share was again achieved.  The total profits from financial=
=20
services increased by 25 per cent to =A3103 million.  This is the result of=
=20
the growth in revenues together with strong cost control and higher=20
productivity. Profit from other trading activities was substantially higher=
=20
at =A352 million.

Non-trading items
These comprise goodwill amortisation and exceptional items which are=20
described on pages 16 and 17.

DIVIDENDS=09=098.

The Directors will be recommending to the shareholders at the Annual Genera=
l=20
Meeting to be held on 27 April 2000 the payment on 3 May 2000 of a final=20
dividend for the year of 17.9p per ordinary share of 25p.

Valid transfers received by the Registrar of the Company up to 17 March 200=
0=20
will be in time to rank for payment of this dividend.  Ordinary shares go=
=20
ex-dividend on 13=86March 2000.

The following is a summary of the dividends declared for the years ended 31=
=20
December 1999 and 1998, which also illustrates the acceleration in the=20
dividend payment dates.

1999  1998    Pence per  pence per    share   =A3m share   =A3m  (a)  On=20
ordinary shares:      Interim      - special 1999 paid 1 July 1999    4.0  =
 =20
62    - ordinary - 1999 paid
             27 September 1999
   4.3
   94    - FID - 1998 paid 5 January 1999      8.0   125  Final 1999 payabl=
e=20
3 May 2000   17.9   390          1998 paid 1 July 1999     16.0   252   =20
-----   ---  -----   ---     26.2   546   24.0   377    =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D   =
=3D=3D=3D  =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D  =20
=3D=3D=3D        (b)  On convertible redeemable
     preference shares:            Interim 1999 paid 27 September 1999
   4.3
   10    Final 1999 payable 3 May 2000   17.9    44    Amortisation of=20
discount     20      -----   ---       22.2    74      =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D   =
=3D=3D=3D

The amortisation of discount on preference shares reflects the difference=
=20
between the share price at the date of the Rothmans transaction and the=20
redemption price in 2004, which is being amortised over the period to the=
=20
redemption date.
GROUP PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT=09=099.
For the year ended 31 December


   1999   1998      =A3m    =A3m  REVENUE        Subsidiary undertakings 18=
,798=20
14,584  Share of associates  2,873  2,792   ------ ------   21,671 17,376  =
=20
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D      PROFIT        Subsidiary underta=
kings  1,099    676 =20
after charging: US tobacco settlements*
                integration costs*
                goodwill amortisation*
after crediting:sales tax recovery*    (24)
  (357)
  (162)   (613)


    74  Share of associates and joint venture    380    335   ------ ------=
 =20
Total operating profit  1,479  1,011  Sale of brands     88   Demerger and=
=20
restructuring costs     (46)   ------ ------  Profit on ordinary activities=
 =20
   before interest  1,567    965  Net interest   (170)   (204)  Share of=20
associates net interest    (26)    (23)   ------ ------  Profit before=20
taxation  1,371    738  Taxation   (673)   (277)   ------ ------  Profit=20
after taxation    698    461  Minority interests   (142)   (115)   ------=
=20
------  Profit for the year    556    346  Dividends from demerged=20
businesses     123  Dividends and other appropriations   (620)   (377)  =20
------ ------  Retained profit    (64)     92   =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D  Earnings per=20
share: Basic  25.25p  22.17p   =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D       =
               Adjusted=20
fully diluted  52.33p  46.12p   =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D      =
* see notes on pages 16=20
and 17.
STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES=0910.
for the year ended 31 December

  1999  1998     =A3m   =A3m      Profit for the year   556   346     =20
Differences on exchange  (268)   (69)   ----- -----  Total recognised gains=
=20
related to the year (below)   288   277   =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D  =
                     =20
   INTEREST OF BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO=EDS SHAREHOLDERS    for the year en=
ded=20
31 December      1999  1998     =A3m   =A3m      Balance 1 January    64   =
(97) =20
     Total recognised gains related to the year (above)   288   277     =20
Issue of shares:  Share options
                  Rothmans merger     3
5,089    42      Dividends from demerged businesses    123      Dividends=
=20
and other appropriations:      Ordinary shares  (546)  (377)    Convertible=
=20
redeemable preference shares   (54)     Amortisation of discount on=20
preference shares   (20)       Utilisation of ACT     96      Other    (3) =
 =20
  ----- -----  Balance 31 December 4,821    64   =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D
SEGMENTAL ANALYSES=09=0911.
The analyses below include the Group=EDs share of associates
for the year ended 31 December


Cigarette volumes    Net revenue     1999   1998   1999   1998      bns   =
=20
bns    =A3m    =A3m        America-Pacific     84     93  3,204  2,491 =20
Asia-Pacific     85     71  1,208    959  Latin America    167    196  1,46=
1=20
  1,671  Europe    171    132  2,359  1,552  Amesca    214    190  1,350   =
=20
913  Imasco     32     32  1,600  1,662   ------ ------ ------ ------     =
=20
753    714 11,182  9,248   =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D  OPERATING PROFIT    =20
  America-Pacific      544    535  Asia-Pacific      257    179  Latin=20
America      333    309  Europe      316    164  Amesca      268    110 =20
Imasco      304    253     ------ ------      2,022  1,550  US tobacco=20
settlements      (24)   (613)  Integration costs     (357)   Goodwill=20
amortisation     (162)   Sales tax recovery        74     ------ ------    =
 =20
1,479  1,011     =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D        The net reven=
ue analysis is based on=20
the external sales in each region
less duty, excise and other taxes.
The operations of subsidiaries are almost entirely related to tobacco.
The operations of associates comprise the following businesses:        NET=
=20
REVENUE      Tobacco      824    721  Financial services      761    693 =
=20
Other trading activities      525    714     ------ ------      2,110  2,12=
8=20
     =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D  OPERATING PROFIT      Tobacco  =
    224    217  Financial=20
services      103     81  Other trading activities       53     37    =20
------ ------        380    335     =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
QUARTERLY ANALYSES OF PROFIT=09=09=0912.

The figures shown below have been produced using average rates of exchange=
=20
for the years ended 31 December 1999 and 1998 respectively, with the=20
previously reported quarterly figures for 1999 restated using average rates=
=20
for the full year.



=09=093 months to
31.3.99 30.6.99 30.9.99 31.12.99     =A3m   =A3m   =A3m   =A3m       =20
America-Pacific    106    132    154    152        Asia-Pacific     48    =
=20
57     88     64        Latin America     71     68    104     90       =20
Europe     39     45    133     99        Amesca     26     31    118     9=
3=20
        Imasco     63     71     83     87           ----   ----   ----  =
=20
----      353    404    680    585        US tobacco settlements    (13)   =
 =20
(9)      5     (7)        Integration costs      (81)   (276)       =20
Goodwill amortisation      (91)    (71)     ----   ----   ----   ---- =20
Operating profit    340    395    513    231        Sale of brands       88=
 =20
     ----   ----   ----   ----  Profit on ordinary activities before=20
interest
   340
   395
   601
   231        Net interest - subsidiary undertakings
   (27)
   (37)
   (45)
   (61)        Share of associates=ED net interest     (5)     (7)     (4) =
  =20
(10)     ----   ----   ----   ----  Profit before taxation    308    351   =
=20
552    160     =3D=3D=3D=3D   =3D=3D=3D=3D   =3D=3D=3D=3D   =3D=3D=3D=3D
As explained in the interim report for the six months to 30 June 1999, the=
=20
results of Rothmans International were excluded from that period=EDs result=
s. =20
Consequently, the above table includes the results of Rothmans and the=20
goodwill for the period from 7 June 1999 to 30=86September 1999 as part of =
the=20
three months to 30 September.
Quarterly analyses of profit continued=09=09=0913.




=09=093 months to
31.3.98 30.6.98 30.9.98 31.12.98     =A3m   =A3m   =A3m   =A3m       =20
America-Pacific    114    126    164    131        Asia-Pacific     56    =
=20
77     66    (20)        Latin America     78     77     81     73       =
=20
Europe     51     43     64      6        Amesca     26     35     17     3=
2=20
        Imasco     53     63     68     69     ----   ----   ----   ----   =
 =20
  378    421    460    291        US tobacco settlements    (150)    (463) =
 =20
      Sales tax recovery      74       ----   ----   ----   ----  Operating=
=20
profit    378    345    460   (172)        Demerger and restructuring costs=
 =20
    (7)    (19)    (17)     (3)     ----   ----   ----   ----  Profit on=20
ordinary activities before interest
   371
   326
   443
  (175)        Net interest - subsidiary
  undertakings
   (56)
   (49)
   (54)
   (45)        Share of associates=ED net interest     (4)     (6)     (5) =
   =20
(8)     ----   ----   ----   ----  Profit before taxation    311    271   =
=20
384   (228)     =3D=3D=3D=3D   =3D=3D=3D=3D   =3D=3D=3D=3D   =3D=3D=3D=3D

GROUP BALANCE SHEET=09=09=0914.
31 December

  1999  1998     =A3m   =A3m      Fixed assets    Intangible assets  5,338 =
 =20
Tangible assets  2,456  2,048  Investments in associates and joint venture =
 =20
  636    472  Other investments and long term loans    210    119   ------=
=20
------    8,640  2,639   ------ ------  Current assets    Stocks  2,850 =20
2,165  Debtors  2,000  1,493  Acquired business awaiting disposal    123  =
=20
Current investments    768    185  Short term deposits and cash  1,853   =
=20
970   ------ ------    7,594  4,813   ------ ------  TOTAL ASSETS 16,234 =
=20
7,452   =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D      Capital and reserves    =
Share capital    605   =20
393  Share premium account      4      1  Merger reserves  4,726   Other=20
reserves    503    483  Profit and loss account (1,017)   (813)   ------=20
------  Shareholders=ED equity (including non-equity
                      interests)
4,821
    64  Minority shareholders=ED interest    455    323   ------ ------   =
=20
5,276    387   ------ ------  Other liabilities    Provisions for=20
liabilities and charges  1,251    741  Borrowings  5,676  3,730  Creditors =
=20
4,031  2,594   ------ ------   10,958  7,065   ------ ------  TOTAL FUNDS=
=20
EMPLOYED 16,234  7,452   =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT=09=09=09=0915.
For the year ended 31 December

  1999  1998     =A3m   =A3m      Net operating cash flow from subsidiary
  undertakings
1,995
1,096  Dividends from associates     90     86   ------ ------  Net cash=20
inflow from operating activities  2,085  1,182  Returns on investments and=
=20
servicing of finance   (206)   (282)  Taxation paid   (334)   (281)  Capita=
l=20
expenditure and financial investment   (281)   (351)   ------ ------  Net=
=20
cash generation  1,264    268  Acquisitions less disposals   (216)    (16) =
=20
Dividends paid   (530)   (696)  Dividends from demerged businesses     242 =
=20
Cash flow with demerged businesses     668   ------ ------  Cash flow    51=
8=20
    466   =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D