Hongkong Land unveils 2 sculptures for 120th anniversary

Sep. 3, 2009 (China Knowledge) - Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd<H78>, a real estate subsidiary of Jardine Matheson Group, on Sep. 1 unveiled two commemorative sculptures in a ceremony marking the 120th anniversary of the Singapore-listed firm, according to the firm's official report.

The sculptures, a bust and a plaque, honor Hongkong Land's co-founder, Sir Catchick Paul Chater, who formed a partnership with James Johnstone Keswick of Jardine, Matheson & Co to set up Hongkong Land in 1889. Hongkong Land is now one of Asia's leading property investment, management and development groups.

Reportedly, Hongkong Land suffered a US$402-million loss attributable to shareholders in the first half of this year, whereas it reaped US$1.63 billion in profit attributable to shareholders in the same period of last year. The company's net debt declined 2% year on year to US$2.55 billion from US$2.6 billion. Net asset value per share was US$5.64 and an interim dividend of US$6 per share was declared.