Good sales growth due to continued momentum in the leading brands and strong performance in Europe. The Bestfoods integration continues according to plan with an improved sales trend and full delivery of cost synergies. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Constant exchange rates (2000 average) Third Quarter 2001 (Euro) Millions Nine Months 2001 13,568 +13 % Total Turnover(a) 40,001 +16 % 2,125 +25 % Total Operating profit(a) - beia(b) 5,497 +31 % 1,014 (32)% Pre-tax profit 3,156 (9)% 476 (44)% Net profit 1,630 (22)% 1,053 +5 % Net profit - beia(b) 2,596 +3 % Per NV share (Fl. 1.12), Euro ----------------------------- 0.47 (44)% Earnings per share (EPS) 1.62 (22)% 1.06 +6 % EPS (beia)(b) 2.60 +4 % Per PLC share (1.4p), Euro cent ------------------------------- 7.11 (44)% EPS 24.30 (22)% 15.91 +6 % EPS (beia)(b) 39.03 +4 % (a) Includes our share of Joint Ventures (b) Before exceptional items and amortization of goodwill and intangibles