OTHER NEWS - Jan. 20, 1992

Perrier Takeover Bid May Loom: A French regulator’s ruling sent shares of Source Perrier soaring and prompted fresh speculation that there could be a cross-border struggle for control of the mineral water and cheese group. The stock market regulatory agency CBV rejected a request by Italy’s Agnelli family and three allies to be exempted from having to buy out Perrier minority shareholders. The Italians requested the exemption last week after announcing that they had raised their stake in Perrier to 49% from 41%. Under French rules, the increase triggers a requirement that they bid for at least two-thirds of Perrier. CBV’s ruling against the minority shareholder buyout exemption raised the prospect that the Agnellis will have to launch a takeover bid against their will.