PRESS RELEASE BERLI JUCKER REPORTS STRONG FIRST QUARTER DESPITE WEAK ECONOMY Berli Jucker Public Co. Ltd. announced its results for the first quarter today: Net profit for the first three months of the year declined by 25 percent to Baht 116 million due to a foreign exchange loss of Baht 66 million incurred in January when the Baht weakened to 55 to the USD. While Berli Jucker's decision to fully close its open foreign exchange positions at that time eliminated its exposure to the risk of a further decline in the Baht, it also prevented the Group from participating in the currency's subsequent recovery to approximately 39 to the dollar. Consolidated total revenues increased by 15% to Baht 2.9 billion while earnings per share declined by 25% to Baht 2.01. Berli Jucker's President, Dr. Adul Amatavivadhana, said: "Setting aside the foreign exchange issue, the Group's solid performance demonstrates the benefits of its diversity and tight management controls. Most businesses achieved good progress in the face of formidable challenges. Sales of consumer products increased by 10 per cent to Baht 727 million led by strong growth in the personal care and cosmetics lines, particularly our own soap brand Parrot. Profit contribution was slightly lower than a year earlier, reflecting tighter margins due to increased costs for packaging and for raw materials such as palm oil and pulp. The technical products group achieved a 16 per cent sales growth to Baht 892 million led by Thai Klinipro, our medical device manufacturing subsidiary which exports to Europe, and our chemical products division. Profit contribution increased in line with sales. The Packaging group, led by Thai Glass Industries, achieved 14 per cent sales growth to Baht 1,007 million. Profit contribution declined 5 per cent due to tighter margins at Thai Glass, as well as a substantial build-up of Thai Glass' products in Berli Jucker which acts as the company's distributor. As previously announced, Berli Jucker is proceeding with plans to acquire the remaining 33.9 per cent of Thai Glass that it does not already own. The engineering group increased sales by 12 per cent to Baht 208 million led by strong deliveries of steel towers from Thai Scandic Steel. The net profit contribution from this group was substantially higher than a year ago due to booking a recovery of losses provided for our investment in Siemens Limited. The investment in Siemens Limited is now underwritten by Siemens AG." Looking ahead, Dr. Adul went on to say: "Sales momentum has slowed markedly thus far in the the second quarter amid weak demand for even basic products such as tissue paper. Moreover, high inventories of glass products will result in a weaker performance for our packaging division. While Berli Jucker is generally well positioned through its diversification to withstand these difficult trading conditions, the economy's sharp contraction will inevitably reduce overall profitability." May 15, 1998 For further information please contact: Dr. Adul Amatavivadhana Tel: 367-1012 President Mr. David Nicol Tel: 367-1024 Executive Vice President E-mail - davidnicol@berlijucker.co.th and Chief Financial Officer