Unilever nets best 'FinanceAsia'

Hong Kong-based FinanceAsia magazine has recognized consumer goods company PT Unilever Indonesia, the local unit of London-and-Rotterdam-based Unilever NV, as this year's best managed company and for best corporate governance.

The magazine ranked automotive company PT Astra International in second place as the best managed company, followed by telecommunications firm PT Indosat, publicly listed retail company PT Ramayana Lestari Sentosa and Bank Central Asia.

In best corporate governance, FinanceAsia ranked Ramayana in second place, followed by Indosat, Astra and cigarette maker PT HM Sampoerna.

According to the magazine, the awards were originally announced in its April issue, drawn from the result of a poll it had conducted among 424 fund managers and equity analysts who cover Asia's biggest companies.

The magazine said Unilever was granted best managed and best corporate governance following achievements in increasing its net profit amid lingering fears of domestic violence and the general elections.

"Investors and analysts point to the profits the company generated and the evolving managerial quality of Unilever as their catalyst for investment," said FinanceAsia in a statement on Thursday.

The magazine has also granted five other awards to companies and executives, including: best investor relations to Ramayana; best small capitalization company to plastic producer PT Dynaplast; and most committed to strong dividend policy to HM Sampoerna.

Meanwhile, Unilever Indonesia chief financial officer (CFO) Des Dempsey received the best CFO award, while HM Sampoerna investor relations head Alex Wreksoremboko as best investor relation representative. -- JP