Kemira Oyj's board of directors proposes to the annual general meeting of shareholders that a dividend of EUR 0.30 per share be paid for the financial year 2002.The board also proposes authorization to the board to decide on the disposal of the company's own shares.
The annual general meeting of last year authorized the board to decide on the acquisition and disposal of the company's own shares until 3 April, 2003. According to the proposal the shares can be sold through the Helsinki Exchanges, used instead of cash for the payment of bonuses and incentive compensation that may be payable to the personnel funds or personnel, provided that the board decides to introduce such a system, and used as consideration in any possible mergers or acquisitions.
The authorization covers a maximum amount of 6,118,000 of the company's own shares. The total amount of own shares in the company's possession now totals 4,190,000 shares.
The proposed dividend is EUR 0.30 per share. The dividend will be paid to a shareholder who is registered in the shareholder register kept by the Finnish Central Securities Depository Ltd. on the record date. According to the decision of the board of directors, the record date for the dividend payout is 11 April 2003. The board of directors proposes to the annual general meeting that the dividend be paid on 23 April 2003.
The documents concerning the financial statements and the above-mentioned proposals of the board of directors, including annexes to them, will be available for inspection by shareholders as from Tuesday, 31 March, 2003 at the Kemira House, Porkkalankatu 3, Helsinki.
The annual general meeting of shareholders of Kemira Oyj will be held on Wednesday, 8 April 2003 at 4.00 p.m.at the Kemira House, address Porkkalankatu 3, Helsinki, Finland.
Further information:
Kemira Oyj
Kaj Friman, Group Treasurer
Secretary to Supervisory Board and Board of Directors
Tel. +358 (0)10 8611
GSM +358 50 62 626