stainless flatware

The illustration we placed on the cover of our 2000 Annual Report depicts the hare and the tortoise in another race; this time it takes place in the 21st century, stainless flatware and again the tortoise is winning. a hare one day ridiculed the short feet and slow pace of the tortoise, who replied, laughing: "though you be swift as the wind, i will beat you in a race." the hare, believing the tortoise''s assertion to be simply impossible, assented to the proposal; and they agreed that the fox should choose the course flatware and fix the goal. on the day appointed for the race, the two started together. the tortoise stainless never for a moment stopped, but went on with flatware a slow but steady pace straight to the end of the course. the hare, lying down by the wayside, fell fast asleep. at last waking up, and moving as fast as he could, he saw the tortoise had reached the goal...

The illustration we placed on the cover of our 2000 Annual Report depicts the hare and the tortoise in another race; this time it takes place in the 21st century, stainless flatware and again the tortoise is winning. a hare one day ridiculed the short feet and slow pace of the tortoise, who replied, laughing: "though you be swift as the wind, i will beat you in a race." the hare, believing the tortoise''s assertion to be simply impossible, assented to the proposal; and they agreed that the fox should choose the course flatware and fix the goal. on the day appointed for the race, the two started together. the tortoise stainless never for a moment stopped, but went on with flatware a slow but steady pace straight to the end of the course. the hare, lying down by the wayside, fell fast asleep. at last waking up, and moving as fast as he could, he saw the tortoise had reached the goal...

our company has decided to move its acquisition efforts in other directions at this time, while continuing to pursue its agenda for stainless internal growth. the company is terminating its efforts to purchase for $37.50 per share. this proposal was made to the board of directors on june 15, 1999. flatware the proposed acquisition price represented a premium of 133 percent over the average price for shares for the 90-day period prior to the april 27, 1999, disclosure of ''s initial offer to purchase the company. "we remain convinced that the proposed combination would be in the best interest of building the businesses, improving the opportunities for its employees, customers and suppliers over the long term and maximizing value for its shareholders. however, it is evident that ''s entrenched management is intent on remaining a stand-alone company, regardless of the implications for its shareholders and employees." commenting on ''s growth agenda, meier stated, " is committed to strengthening its presence in its core markets.