SM Investments Corporation is proud to announce that two of its major subsidiaries have been voted by international financial analysts as among the Best Managed companies in Asia for 2006. 
 

In a poll conducted by the prestigious Euromoney Magazine, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. was awarded the “Most Convincing and Coherent Strategy�? in the Retail Sector in Asia. SM Prime garnered an overwhelming vote of 52%. Second in rank is a Singapore-based Company which garnered only 17%.

In the banking and financial services sector, Banco de Oro was awarded the “Most Convincing and Coherent Strategy�? in the Banking and Financial Services Sector in Asia. Second in rank is another Philippine bank.

In addition to the citation from Euromoney Magazine, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. will also be one of the recipients of the “Corporate Governance Asia Annual Recognition Awards for 2006.The award to be given on November 22, 2006 is in recognition of SM Prime’s continuing commitment to the development of Corporate Governance in the Asian region. SM Prime is among only five Philippine companies who will be given such honor. There are 30 others from different Asian countries.

Mr. Hans Sy, President of SM Prime Holdings said, “We warmly accept the recognitions given to SM Prime. This reflects the commitment and drive of the SM family to uphold management excellence and the highest standards of business ethics. These awards also motivate us to do better each year.

For his part, SM Investments Corporation President Mr. Harley Sy expressed his gladness about the citations given to SM’s subsidiaries. “I congratulate the management and staff of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and Banco de Oro for these recognitions. The awards serve as a tribute to the excellent management of these companies and their ability to be competitive in the global arena.

“This is a reflection of the commitment of SM Investments to consistently produce solid returns and achieve higher value for our shareholders. This is an honor not only for SM but for the Philippines as well, Sy said.  

One of the criteria used by the analysts in selecting the Best Managed companies in Asia is the ability to adopt clear strategies appropriate to their particular markets and the ability to execute that strategy efficiently. The companies were also measured according to their standards of governance and their determination to deliver value for all shareholders.

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For further information, please contact:

Corazon P. Guidote 
VP, Investor Relations 
SM Investments Corporation 
831-1000 loc. 1157 
[email protected]