Asahi Glass Expects Larger Net Loss Than Forecast For Year Ending March 2002

Asahi Glass Co has increased its expected group net loss for the financial year ending 31 March 2002 from its previous projection of a 9BN Yen loss to 13BN Yen due to special expenses on the closure of a factory and the write- off of business rights for a US subsidiary. On the other hand, Asahi has increased its group operating profit forecast from 57BN Yen to 59BN thanks to better than expected results at its electronics and display division. Group pre-tax profit outlook has also been revised up to 44BN Yen from 37BN.