Employees.

Up to and including December 31, 2008, the headcount for the Group as a whole increased by 130 to 9,590 compared to September 30, 2008 (Sept. 30, 2008: 9,460). Recruitment efforts were aimed at enhancing the Group’s business activities within the area of services and driving international expansion in growth markets.

Report on Major Related-party Transactions.

There were no significant transactions with related parties during the period under review.