NOL comeback fuels acquisition fever

摘要

Singapore's liner major Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) has made a stunning comeback, re-fuelling speculation of a major acquisition. The applause-albeit mild-after reports made by the chairman and chief executive last week, reflected the huge swing in mood and fortunes for NOL. The listed liner major stunned critics and supporters alike with a whopping net profit of $429M on the back of a 19% increase in turnover at $5.5Bn. The upbeat scenario was in stark contrast to financial results a year ago when, in sombre tones, former group CEO Flemming Jacobs announced a $330M loss for 2002.