Gunning for the Asian pie

SPECIAL REPORT

FY03

Net sales11920.969793.27 PBT2665.961262.5 PBT margin (%)22.3612.89 Net profit1746.221012.31 Net margin (%)14.6410.33 EPS (Rs)47.3227.43 NatSteel (S$ million)

2003

2002

Group turnover1717.701738.90 Group PBT97.00210.20 PBT margin (%)5.6012.10 PBT margin - steel (%)0.408.70

(1 S$ = Rs 27.03)

 The primary reason: the acquisition will give Tata Steel a foot-print in the burgeoning construction markets of the Asia Pacific region, including the jewel in the crown, China.  The deal comes as the first step in Tata Steel