The Chairman of the Board of Directors of SGS Société Générale de Surveillance Holding SA, Dr. Max D. Amstutz makes the following statement:

1. In separate discussions, August von Finck, Swiss Life and Worms & Cie., three of the major shareholders of SGS, have indicated to him that they support a modernization of the capital structure of the Company and therefore a proposal for a unitary share shall be submitted to the next AGM for approval.

2. The major shareholders of SGS also support the election of two Worms representatives to the Board of SGS at the next AGM. They further support the election of an additional Director in order to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of one Director in 1999.

3. Worms have indicated that they will reduce the participation of their Pool below one third of total voting rights before the next AGM.

4. After a long and frustrating experience, the Board is convinced that it is not possible to work with Mrs. E. Salina who is furthermore pursuing legal actions against the Company. This serious situation has proved detrimental to the Company and has weighed on the efficiency of the Board, thereby ultimately affecting the shareholders' interests. The Chairman therefore intends to propose to the Board to submit Mrs. E. Salina's removal from the Board to the next AGM in order to give her full freedom to pursue her endeavors as a shareholder.