Jardine Matheson, a multinational conglomerate, agreed to acquire the remaining 15% stake in Jardine Strategic, a holding company, for $5.5bn. “The simplification of our ownership structure is a natural step in the evolution of the Group and will create value for our shareholders. Taking full ownership of Jardine Strategic is consistent with our policy of investing further in the growth prospects of our existing businesses and highlights the benefits of consistently maintaining the Group’s financial strength. This move also enables us to demonstrate unequivocally the substantial and continuing commitment of our core shareholder base, which has always been such a vital element in the long term success of Jardine Matheson,” Ben Keswick, Jardine Executive Chairman.