Australia, Sydney: Lion Nathan has previously communicated (29 July 2004) an intention to participate in the industry consolidation currently underway in China. The Company continues to engage in discussions with parties consistent with this objective. In the course of these discussions, Lion Nathan will evaluate opportunities to form an alliance or a joint venture with other parties, and would consider a sale if it would deliver greater value for Lion Nathan shareholders. Lion Nathan has three breweries in the Yangtze River Delta. In the six months to 31 March 2004, volume grew by 63 per cent on the same period last year. For the 2004 fiscal year, volume is forecast to exceed 200 million litres.

Lion Nathan’s brands include Taihushui, Rheineck, Steinlager, Linkman, Meihu and Kirin Pure and Light. Its mainstream brands are distributed in the Yangtze River Delta where they have market leading positions in and around the cities of Wuxi, Suzhou and Nanjing.

31 July, 2004