La Tondeña Set to Acquire Metro Bottled Water

May 27, 1999 PSE CIRCULAR FOR BROKERS NO. 1217-99 LA TONDEA SET TO ACQUIRE METRO BOTTLED WATER La Tondea Distillers, Inc. announced today that it was informed by ABN AMRO, financial advisers to Metro Bottled Water Corporation, of the company's successful bid for the acquisition of MBWC. Metro Bottled Water produces the Wilkins brand of distilled water. Both parties have agreed to an exclusivity period during which they are expected to enter into definitive agreements and close the transaction. The acquisition of Metro Bottled Water will make La Tondea Distillers an even more formidable player in the fast-growing bottled water market as the two companies combine MBWC's leadership in the distilled water segment with LTDI's dominance in the mineral water segment. La Tondea produces Viva! Mineral Water. LLpr "The potential synergies, given the consolidation of two of the industry's largest brands. are tremendous." says Teresa del Mundo, chief finance officer of LTDI. "The potential acquisition is in line with our Chairman Eduardo M. Cojuangco, Jr.'s thrust of acquiring companies that provide strategic fit with our existing businesses and building our brands." Del Mundo said.