ABB Profits Climb

SYDNEY - May 29/06 - SNS -- The Australian barley marketing board, ABB Grain Ltd., reported a net profit of A$44.8 million for the six months ending March 31, up 24% from the net reported for the same six month period of the previous fiscal year.

ABB also announced an interim dividend of 14.0 cents per B-Class share fully franked, payable 5 July 2006 (with a record date of 16 June 2006).

In making the results announcement, managing director Michael Iwaniw said, "Grain receivals for the 2005-06 season were 6.6 million (metric tons) MT, compared to last year's receivals of 4.2 million MT.

"ABB's expansion into eastern and western Australia has been a highlight of our half year, as well as the record wheat tonnage that was traded. These activities demonstrate ABB's commitment to servicing growers nationally and offering expertise across a diverse range of commodities," Iwaniw said.

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