PRESS RELEASE Berli Jucker Announces 11.1% Increase in Net Profits for the Nine Months Ended 30th September 1996 Berli Jucker Public Co. Ltd. today announced its results for the third quarter of 1996. Net profit for the year to date reached Baht 463.5 million - an 11.1% increase on 1995 while net profit for the quarter amounted to Baht 178.4 million. Total revenues for the quarter were 5% up on 1995 and for the year to date have increased by 10% to Baht 7,536 million. Commenting on the results, Dr. Adul Amatavivadhana, the President of Berli Jucker, noted: "The headline figures for growth in sales and net profit for the quarter mask a very strong performance from our core operations. Our third quarter 1995 net profit benefited from Baht 57.5 million after tax of gains from the sale and restructuring of investments. There have been no similar non operating items in 1996. Excluding these exceptional items, our net profit grew by 36 per cent for the quarter and 29 per cent for the nine months ended 30th September 1996. With respect to growth in turnover, the headline figures have been adversely affected by closing some of our loss making non core operations such as Tropicwood and Marble & Stones. Berli Jucker itself achieved a 16% increase in sales for the quarter with Thai Glass expanding at 11% and Cellox Paper at 24%." Turning to the Group's business line contributions Dr. Adul added: 2/ "Our Consumer Products businesses showed the strongest growth in the quarter, with a doubling in contribution from a year ago. We have seen strong sales increases in our tissue paper products, snack foods (with the launch of our premium brand potato chips - Tasto), confectionery, wines and personal care ranges. Profitability was also boosted by improved distribution operations within Berli Jucker. It is gratifying to see these businesses now reporting the benefits of the investments and product development work of recent years. Our Glass Products business achieved good volume growth in the quarter but a marginally reduced contribution due to an unusually high proportion of production being allocated to our lower margin products. Operating margins will improve in the fourth quarter. Our Technical Products business once again reported solid sales growth in most areas and won the agency to manufacture and distribute the products of the Mentholatum Company. The contribution from our Engineering businesses was significantly higher than a year ago. The Company's engineering division continues to be very profitable and our Siemens Limited and BJT Water associates both continue to achieve exciting growth in profitability. The outlook for the remaining quarter of the year is for continued strong growth in operating profits from all of the Group's business lines. Prospects are encouraging for further significant growth in 1997." November 20, 1996 For further information please contact: Dr. Adul Amatavivadhana, President Tel: 367-1012 Mr. David Nicol, Executive Vice President Tel: 367-10