Report and Accounts 1999 / 2000 - Carlsberg Group

14
Report for 1999/2000
ed a key part in the completion of 18 PhDs and
MScs.
Future prospects
The agreement to establish Carlsberg Breweries
A/S, the acquisition of Feldschlösschen Getränke
Holding AG and the partnership agreement in
Asia will have a positive effect on the earnings of
the Carlsberg Group. For this reason, the
Carlsberg Group expects a significant increase in
turnover in 2001 and operating profit is also
expected to be higher than the level achieved in
2000 (12 months).
The Carlsberg Group’s focus areas are:
• Intensified efforts for the Carlsberg brand internationally
• Continued focus on the key markets in the
Nordic region and Western Europe, Eastern
Europe and Asia
• Increased efficiency and profitability within all
functions
• Focus on value-generating activities, including
the possibilities of commercialising specific biotechnology
projects developed at the
Carlsberg Research Center
The Carlsberg Group is affected by the fluctuations
in the most significant markets and in the
international money, currency and interest rate
markets and the comments on future prospects
are thus based on the Group’s present expectations
to the movements in these markets.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held on
Thursday 8 March, 2001 at 16.30 hours in Tivoli’s
Koncertsal, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Decisions and proposals of the Board of
Directors to the Annual General Meeting
As a result of the extension of the accounting
period by one quarter, the Board of Directors
proposes to the Annual General Meeting that a
dividend of DKK 5.40 (DKK 4.00) per DKK 20
share be paid, or 27% (20%). DKK 345 million
(DKK 256 million) has been appropriated for that
purpose. As for the remaining amount available,
totalling DKK 1,788 million, it is proposed that it
be appropriated to reserves.
As a result of the substantial investments in
company acquisitions, financials will remain
negative next year.
Profit before tax and Group profit (before special
items) are expected to show an upward trend
relative to the comparable figures for 2000 (12
months).
Following the restructuring of the Carlsberg
Group, minority interests are expected to increase
considerably.
On balance, Carlsberg A/S’ share of the profit
in the forthcoming year (before special items) is
expected to match the profit level achieved in
2000 (12 months) when using comparable figures.
In the subsequent years, results are expected
to see positive effects from the implemented
agreements and alliances as well as the ongoing
restructuring initiatives in the Nordic region and the
Swiss market.
This is a translation of the original Danish Report
for 1999/00. Please notise that only the Danish
version has legal validity.