BAT to pay dividends

JAKARTA (JP): The shareholders of the publicly-listed cigarette manufacturer PT BAT Indonesia yesterday approved the management's proposal to pay dividends of Rp 1,525 (50 U.S. cents) per share for its 1995 operation.

BAT's president, Johan G. Priem, said after the shareholders meeting that the company will use 90 percent of its 1995 after- tax profit of Rp 37.2 billion to pay Rp 33.5 billion in dividends.

He said the company's total sales increased from Rp 276 billion in 1994 to Rp 376 billion last year.

BAT produces and distributes pure tobacco cigarettes under the brands of Lucky Strike, Ardath, 555, Benson & Hedges, Kent and Commodore. (08)