PARIS, June 4, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Fimalac (Other OTC:FMLCF): a successful development model:
"2001 was Fimalac's tenth anniversary. In these few short years, we have built one of France's leading business support services groups, with a stable of market-leading businesses. We are now confidently looking forward to another ten years of growth."
Marc Ladreit de Lacharriere, Chairman
DIVIDEND UP 55.5%
In view of the Group's outstanding earnings performance in 2001, with net profit up 53.6%, at the Annual General Meeting of June 4, 2002, the shareholders approved a 55.5% increase in the dividend to euro 1.40 (before the tax credit). This amount includes:
* an ordinary dividend of euro 0.95 versus euro 0.90 for 2000,
* a supplementary dividend of euro 0.45 to take account of the profit on the sale of Secap.
The dividend will be paid as from June 6, 2002. Shareholders will be offered a stock dividend alternative.
THE OUTLOOK FOR 2002 IS GOOD
After 10 years of uninterrupted earnings growth, Fimalac expects to enjoy another very good year in 2002. The Group is targeting more than 20% growth in net income before exceptional items and goodwill amortization.
10 YEARS OF VALUE CREATION
* Sales: 70% outside France, including 26% in the United States
* Present in nearly 50 countries
* Over 6,500 employees
* Share price multiplied by more than 9 in the space of 10 years
* Market capitalization: around euro 1.55 billion