(PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD)
Exhibit 10.1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Stockholders of
Padana Assicurazioni S.p.A.
We have audited the balance sheet of Padana Assicurazioni S.p.A. (an Italian
corporation) as of December 31, 2000, and the related statement of income,
changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31,
2000, expressed in Euros (which financial statements are not enclosed herein).
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in Italy and in the United States of America. Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Padana
Assicurazioni S.p.A. as of December 31, 2000 and the result of their operations
and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2000, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in Italy.
Milan, Italy, April 3, 2001
PricewaterhouseCoopers S.p.A.
/s/ Giancarlo Curti
------------------------
Giancarlo Curti
(Public auditor)
(HLB RIA & PARTNERS LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of
AGI AGENZIA GIORNALISTICA ITALIA S.p.A
We have audited the balance sheets of AGI AGENZIA GIORNALISTICA ITALIA S.p.A.(an
Italian corporation)as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and the related statements
of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2002, expressed in Euro (which financial
statements are not included herein). These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AGI AGENZIA
GIORNALISTICA ITALIA S.p.A as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles in Italy.
(HLB RIA & PARTNERS S.p.A.)
Rome, Italy
28, March 2003
(HLB RIA & PARTNERS S.P.A. LETTER HEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of
ENICOMUNICAZIONE S.p.A
We have audited the balance sheets of ENICOMUNICAZIONE S.p.A (an Italian
corporation) as of December 31, 2000 and 2001, and the related statements of
income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2001, expressed in Euro (which financial
statements are not included herein). These financial statements are the
responsability of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
ENICOMUNICAZONE S.p.A as of December 31, 2000 and 2001, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2001, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
in Italy.
(HLB RIA & PARTNERS S.P.A.)
Rome, Italy
19, March 2002
(SERCA LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholder of
ENIDATA S.P.A.
Via Fabiani, 1
20097-SAN DONATO MILANESE (MI)
We have audited the balance sheets of "ENIDATA S.P.A." (an ENI corporation) as
of December 31, 1999 and 2000 and the related statements of income, changes
in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 2000 expressed in Italian Lire (which financial
statements are not enclosed herein). These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of "ENIDATA
S.P.A." as of December 31, 1999 and 2000, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 2000 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Italy.
Brescia (Italy), 27th March 2001
S.E.R.C.A
/s/ Giuliano Pacchiani
--------------------------
(Dott. Giuliano Pacchiani)
Managing Partner
(NEUTRA LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Shareholders of Enitecnologie S.p.A.
We have audited the balance sheet of Enitecnologie S.p.A. as of December 31,
2000, and the related statement of income, changes in stockholders' equity and
cash flows for the year then ended, expressed in EURO, not enclosed herein.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on
our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Enitecnologie S.p.A. as of December 31, 2000 and the result of its operations
and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles in Italy.
(NEUTRA S.p.A.)
Milan, Italy
21 March 2001
(HLB RIA & PARTNERS LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of
EUROSOLARE S.p.A.
We have audited the balance sheets of EUROSOLARE S.p.A. (an Italian
corporation) as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and the related statements of
income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2002, expressed in Euro (which financial
statements are not included herein). These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position EUROSOLARE
S.p.A. as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 2002, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Italy.
As shown by the Company's management in the notes to accounts, the financial
statements has been restated on a going concern basis. During the fiscal year
2002, there were significant losses due to the overall market crisis and to the
Company's structure costs.
In order to cover the losses, as of December 20 2002 the previous share
capital, equivalent to Euro 14.000.000, was brought to zero and reestablished
at Euro 7.000.000.
The realization of the new industrial plan stated by the Company's management,
requires in the coming futures an adequate financial support by the shareholder.
(HLB RIA & PARTNERS S.P.A.)
Rome, Italy
11, April 2003
(CONSULAUDIT LETTERHEAD)
(NEXIA INTERNATIONAL LOGO)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF SERVIZI AEREI S.p.A.
We have audited the balance sheets of SERVIZI AEREI S.p.A.(an Italian
corporation)as of December 31, 1999 and 2000, and the related statements of
income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in
the three-year period ended December 31, 2000, expressed in Euro (which
financial statements are not enclosed herein). These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. Our audit included examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing of the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statements presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SERVIZI
AEREI S.p.A. as of December 31, 1999 and 2000, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2000 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
Italy.
(CONSULAUDIT)
April 10, 2001
Milan, Italy
(SOCIETA GENERALE DI REVISIONE E CERTIFICAZIONE LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of
Servizi Turistici Grantour Spa
Piazza Vanoni, 1
20097 S. Donato Milanese
We have audited the bilance of Servizi Turistici Grantour S.p.a. as of
December 31, 2000, and the related statement of income, changes in stockholders'
equity and cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2000, expressed in Euro not
enclosed herewith. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this
financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statements presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Servizi
Turistici Grantour S.p.a. as of December 31, 2000, and the result of operations
and the cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2000 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles in Italy.
Italy, Rome April 6, 2001
Societa Generale di Revisione
e Certificazione
/s/ M.A. Barranco /s/ M. Luciani Cantalupo
----------------- ------------------------
M.A. Barranco M. Luciani Cantalupo
(Partner) (Partner)
(DELOITTE & TOUCHE LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF
TECNOMARE S.p.A.
We have audited the balance sheet of TECNOMARE S.p.A. (an Italian Corporation)
as of December 31, 2000, 1999, 1998 and the related statements of income,
changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year ended December 31, 2000. Such financial statements, expressed in
Euro, are not enclosed herein and are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States and in Italy. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatements. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, then financial position of TECNOMARE
S.p.A. as of December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2000 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in
Italy.
(DELOITTE & TOUCHE)
Padua
April 26, 2001
(HORWATH & HORWATH ITALIA SAS LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of
ENISUD S.p.A.
We have audited the balance sheet of Enisud S.p.A. as of December 31st, 2000 and
the related statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows
for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2000 expressed
in Euro and Italia lire which financial statements are not enclosed herein.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statement are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the aforementioned financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Enisud S.p.A. as of December 31,
2000 and the results of its operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2000 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles in Italy.
Rome (Italy) March 23, 2001
HORWATH & HORWATH Italia
/s/ Massimo De Rosa
-------------------------
Massimo De Rosa
(Partner)
(PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Shareholders of Eni International Bank Limited
We have audited the balance sheets of Eni International Bank Limited (a
Bahamian company) as of December 31, 2000 and the related statements of income,
changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended,
expressed in United States dollars (which financial statements are not
enclosed herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Eni
International Bank Limited as of December 31, 2000, and the results of its
operations, changes in its shareholders' equity and its cash flows for the year
then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America.
(PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS)
March 13, 2001
Nassau, Bahamas
(PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF
TRANS TUNISIAN PIPELINE COMPANY LIMITED
We have audited the balance sheet of Trans Tunisian Pipeline Company Limited (a
company incorporated in Jersey, Channel Islands) as of December 31, 2000, and
the related statement of income and cash flows for the year ended December 31,
2000, expressed in United States Dollars (not included herein). The financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on those financial statements based on
our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Trans Tunisian Pipeline
Company Limited as of December 31, 2000, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles in the United Kingdom.
(PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS)
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
JERSEY CI
APRIL 12, 2001
(PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of
ENIPOWER SpA
1 We have audited the balance sheets of ENIPOWER SpA (an Italian corporation)
as of December 31, 1999 and 2000, and the related statements of income, changes
in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year
period ended December 31, 2000, expressed in Euro (which financial statements
are not enclosed herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
2 We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in Italy and in the United States of America. Those standards require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
3 In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
ENIPOWER SpA as of December 31, 1999 and 2000 and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended
December 31, 2000, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
in Italy.
Milan, March 22, 2001
PricewaterhouseCoopers SpA
/s/ Gerolamo Negroni
- ---------------------------
Gerolamo Negroni
(Partner)
(CONSULAUDIT LETTERHEAD)
(NEXIA INTERNATIONAL LOGO)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholder of AGIPGAS S.p.A.
We have audited the balance sheet of AGIPGAS S.p.A. (an Italian corporation) as
of December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, and the related statement of income,
changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the
three year period ended December 31, 2000, expressed in Euro (which financial
statements are not enclosed herein).
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement.
An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that
our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AGIPGAS
S.p.A. as of December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2000 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in
Italy.
April 3, 2001
Rome, Italy
(CONSULAUDIT)
Consulaudit S.p.A.
(CONSULAUDIT LETTERHEAD)
(NEXIA INTERNATIONAL LOGO)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
* * *
To the Stockholder of ATRIPLEX S.r.l.
We have audited the balance sheets of ATRIPLEX S.r.l. ("an Italian corporation")
as of December 31, 1999 and 2000, and the related statements of income, changes
in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period
ended December 31, 2000, expressed in Euro (which financial statements are not
enclosed herein).
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement.
An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe
that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ATRIPLEX
S.r.l. as of December 31, 1999 and 2000, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31,
2000 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Italy.
(CONSULAUDIT)
Consulaudit S.p.A.
April 3, 2001
Rome, Italy
(SOCIETA GENERALE DI REVISIONE E CERTIFICAZIONE LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of
BIG BON Distribuzione Spa
Viale Brenta, 18
20139 Milano
We have audited the balance sheet of BIG BON Distribuzione S.p.a. as of December
31, 2000, and the related statement of income, changes in stockholders' equity
and cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2000, expressed in Euro not
enclosed herewith. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this
financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of BIG BON
Distribuzione S.p.a. as of December 31, 2000, and the result of the operations
and the cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2000 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles in Italy.
Italy, Rome April 5, 2001
Societa Generale di Revisione
e Certificazione
/s/ M.A. Barranco /s/ M.Luciani Cantalupo
----------------- -----------------------
M.A. Barranco M.Luciani Cantalupo
(Partner) (Partner)
(PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the stockholders of COSTIERO GAS LIVORNO S.P.A.
1. We have audited the balance sheets of Costiero Gas Livorno SpA (an Italian
corporation) as of December 31, 1999 and 2000, and the related statements of
income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in
the two-year period ended December 31, 2000, expressed in Euro (which financial
statements are not enclosed herein). These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
2. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in Italy and in the United States of America. Those standards require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
3. In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Costiero Gas Livorno SpA as of December 31, 1999 and 2000 and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period
ended December 31, 2000, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles in Italy.
Florence, March 15, 2001
PricewaterhouseCoopers SpA
/s/ Valerio Capoferri
- ---------------------
Valerio Capoferri
(Partner)
(CONSULAUDIT LETTERHEAD)
(NEXIA INTERNATIONAL LOGO)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF
ECOFUEL S.P.A.
We have audited the balance sheet of Ecofuel S.p.A. as of December 31, 1999 and
2000 and related statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2000 expressed
in Euro (which financial statements are not included herein). This financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statement. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ecofuel
S.p.A. as of December 31, 1999 and 2000 and the results of their operations and
their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2000 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles in Italy.
Milan, April 2, 2001
Consulaudit S.p.A.
/s/ Rosanna Vicari
------------------
Rosanna Vicari
Partner
(PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of
MIXOIL SpA
We have audited the balance sheets of MIXOIL SpA (an Italian corporation) as of
December 31, 1998 (expressed in Italian Lire), and as of December 31, 1999 and
2000 (expressed in Euro) and the related statements of income, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 2000 expressed in Euro (which financial statements are
not enclosed herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in Italy and in the United States of America. Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statements presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MIXOIL SpA
as of December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 and the results of its operations and
cash flows for each of the three years in the three-year period ended December
31, 2000 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Italy.
Milan, Italy, April 9, 2001
PricewaterhouseCoopers SpA
/s/ Pierangelo Schiavi
- --------------------------
Pierangelo Schiavi
(Partner)
(PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Quotaholders of
PetroLig Srl
1 We have audited the balance sheet of PetroLig Srl (an Italian corporation)
as of December 31, 2000, and the related statement of income, changes in
quotaholders' equity and cash flow for the period ended December 31, 2000,
expressed in Euro (which financial statements are not enclosed herein). These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audit.
2 We conducted our audit in accordance with the auditing standards generally
accepted in Italy and in the United States of America. Those standards
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,
as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
3 In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
PetroLig Srl as of December 31, 2000 and the results of its operations and
its cash flow for the period ended December 31, 2000, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles in Italy.
4 As shown in the notes to the financial statements, the company accounted
for accelerated depreciation for tax purposes in the financial statements for
the period ended December 31, 2000 and in the previous year. The effects on
the net equity and on the profit of the year are disclosed in the notes to
the financial statements.
Genoa, March 15, 2001
PricewaterhouseCoopers SpA
/s/ Giovanni Galli
- --------------------------
Giovanni Galli
(Partner)
(CONSULAUDIT LETTERHEAD)
(NEXIA INTERNATIONAL LOGO)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of Petroven S.r.l.
We have audited the balance sheets of Petroven S.r.l. (an Italian corporation)
as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 and the related statements of income, changes
in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2002 expressed in Euro (which financial statements are not
included herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Petroven
S.r.l. as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 and the results of their operations, and
their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2002 are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Italy.
March 25, 2003
Genoa, Italy
Consulaudit S.p.A.
/s/ Edoardo Beccaro
-------------------
Edoardo Beccaro
Partner
(RECONTA ERNST & YOUNG LETTERHEAD)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
Italian statutory financial statements
To the Stockholders
of Praoil Oleodotti Italiani S.p.A.
We have audited the Italian statutory balance sheets of Praoil Oleodotti
Italiani S.p.A. (a subsidiary of Agip Petroli S.p.A.) as of December 31, 2000
and 1999 and the related statements of operations for the years then ended (not
presented separately herein). These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statements presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the Italian statutory financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Praoil
Oleodotti Italiani S.p.A. as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 an the results of
its operations for the years then ended, in conformity with the accounting
principles governing the presentation of the statutory financial statements in
Italy.
(RECONTA ERNST & YOUNG)
Genoa, Italy
March 15, 2001
(DELOITTE & TOUCHE LETTERHEAD)
To the stockholders of Agip Benelux B.V.
Date Reference
February 28, 2001 S.A. van Dam
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We have audited the balance sheets of Agip Benelux B.V. as of December 31, 2000,
1999 and 1998 and the related statements of income for each of the years in the
three year period ended December 31, 2000 expressed in euros (which financial
statements are not enclosed herein).
12.31.2000 12.31.1999 12.31.1998
---------- ---------- ----------
EUR EUR EUR
Shareholders' equity 3.042.001 2.909.486 3.195.537
Result for the year 132.515 (158.888) 218.663
These financial statements are the responsibility of the company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatements. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Agip
Benelux B.V. as of December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, and the results of their
operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the Netherlands,
and comply with the legal requirements for financial statements as included in
Part 9, Book 2 of the Netherlands Civil Code.
(DELOITTE & TOUCHE ACCOUNTANTS)
(KPMG LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To The Stockholders of AGIP ZAMBIA LIMITED
We have audited the balance sheets of Agip Zambia Limited as of 31 December 1999
and 2000 and the related statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity
and cash flows for the year ended 31 December 1999 and 2000 expressed in Zambian
Kwacha (which financial statements are not enclosed herein). These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing
issued by the International Auditing Practices Committee which are consistent
with those in the United States of America. These standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free from material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
FUNDAMENTAL UNCERTAINTY
Without qualifying our opinion we draw attention to note 17(a) concerning the
status of a pending legal action by a third party in respect of alleged damage
to engines caused by supply of poor quality fuel and for loss of business
therefrom. The future settlement of this litigation could result in additional
liabilities. Claims at the date of the balance sheet by the third party are
estimated at K1,100 million.
GOING CONCERN
As at 31 December 2000, the company's current liabilities exceeded its current
assets by K2,315 million (1999: net current assets of K598 million). As
explained in note 1 to the financial statements, there is a significant level of
concern as to the appropriate of the going concern basis. However, we take note
of the Directors assertion that they and the company will continue to avail of
financial support from the parent company. The financial statements do not
include any adjustments relating to the reclassification of recorded liabilities
or the recoverability and reclassification of recorded asset amounts that may be
necessary should the company be unable to continue as a going concern. Our
opinion is not qualified in this matter.
OPINION
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Agip Zambia
Limited as of 31 December 1999 and 2000 and the results of their operations and
their cash flows for the year ended 31 December 1999 and 2000, in accordance
with International Accounting Standards issued by the International Accounting
Standards Committee and comply with the Companies' Act 1994.
(KPMG)
KPMG 8/3/2001
Chartered Accountants of Zambia
(CONSULAUDIT LETTERHEAD)
(NEXIA INTERNATIONAL LOGO)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of Ambiente S.p.A.
We have audited the balance sheets of Ambiente S.p.A. (an Italian corporation)
as of December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 and the related statements of income,
changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 2002 expressed in Euro (which financial statements
are not included herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ambiente
S.p.A. as of December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 and the results of their
operations, and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2002 are in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles in Italy.
March 26, 2003
Milan, Italy
Consulaudit S.p.A.
/s/ Edoardo Beccaro
-------------------
Edoardo Beccaro
Partner
(HLB RIA & PARTNERS LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of
INGEGNER LUIGI CONTIVECCHI S.p.A
We have audited the balance sheet of INGEGNER LUIGI CONTIVECCHI S.p.A. (an
Italian corporation) as of December 31, 2000, and the related statements of
income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended,
expressed in Euro (which financial statements are not included herein). These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express and opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of INGEGNER
LUIGI CONTIVECCHI S.p.A as of December 31, 2000, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles in Italy.
(HLB RIA & PARTNERS S.p.A.)
Rome, Italy
19, March 2001
(BOMPANI AUDIT LETTERHEAD)
INTERMARE SARDA S.p.A.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholder of INTERMARE SARDA S.p.A.
We have audited the balance sheet of INTERMARE SARDA S.p.A. (an Italian
corporation) as of December 31, 2000 and the related statement of income,
changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended,
expressed in Euro (which financial statements are not included herein). These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in United States of America. Those standards require that we plan an perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of INTERMARE
SARDA S.p.A. as of December 31, 2000, and the results of their operations and
their cash flow for the year then ended, in conformity wit generally accepted
accounting principles in Italy.
BOMPANI AUDIT S.r.l.
/s/ Remo Simonetti
------------------
Remo Simonetti
(Partner)
Rome, 19 March 2001
(GRANT THORNTON LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of
SASP OFFSHORE ENGINEERING S.p.A.
We have audited the balance sheet of SASP OFFSHORE ENGINEERING S.p.A. (an Eni
corporation) as of December 31, 2000, and the related statements of income,
changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31,
2000 expressed in Euro (which financial statements are not enclosed herein).
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
in our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing, standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SASP
OFFSHORE ENGINEERING S.p.A. as of December 31, 2000, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2000 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Italy.
Milan March 23, 2001
GRANT THORNTON S.p.A.
/s/ Dino Mangiarotti
--------------------
Dino Mangiarotti
(Partner)
(DELOITTE & TOUCHE LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF
SONSUB S.p.A.
We have audited the balance sheet of SONSUB S.p.A. (an Italian corporation) as
of December 31, 2000, and the related statements of income, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows for the period ended December 31, 2000. Such
financial statements, expressed in Euro, are not enclosed herein and are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatements. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SONSUB
S.p.A. as of December 31, 2000, and the results of its operations, and its cash
flows for the period ended December 31, 2000, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles in Italy.
(DELOITTE & TOUCHE)
Padua
April 12, 2001
(CONSULAUDIT LETTERHEAD)
(NEXIA INTERNATIONAL LOGO)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of AQUATER S.p.A.;
We have audited the balance sheets of AQUATER S.p.A. (an italian corporation) as
of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and the related statements of income, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2002, expressed in Euro (which financial statements are not
included herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AQUATER
S.p.A. as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and the results of their operations,
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 2002 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Italy.
March 24, 2003
Rome, Italy
(CONSULAUDIT)
Consulaudit S.p.A.
(DELOITTE & TOUCHE LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We have audited the balance sheet of CEPAV (CONSORZIO ENI PER L'ALTA VELOCITA')
UNO ("The Company") as of December 31, 2000 and the related statement of income.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in Italy, which are substantially consistent with those accepted in the United
States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatements. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
The Company, as instructed, did not present a statement of cash flows for the
year ended December 31, 2000, nor a full set of disclosures which, in our
opinion, are necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results
of operations; it also eliminated costs and income which had been already
accrued in the consolidated financial statements and in the financial reporting
package BGPE of ENI Group in prior years. Such accounting format resulted in a
non-recognition of income and interest paid, amounting to some Lire 120 billion,
while it did not distort the performance of the Company for the period.
In our opinion, except for the effect of the matters noted in the paragraph
above, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31,
2000, and the results of operations for the year then ended in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in Italy.
We wish to point out the following aspects:
- - no adjustments have been made to debtor/creditor items in connection with
the bankruptcy of Cogei, bearing in mind that no significant changes took
place with respect to the situation described in the Directors' report
attached to the 1999 financial statements and also taking account of the
cooperative agreements which provide for the recharging to the consortia of
any liabilities an/or non-existent assets;
- - the item inventories - job order work in progress, amounting to
approximately Lire 34 billion, includes costs borne by the Consortium for
the realisation of work for which, however, no approval has been obtained
from the client; consequently, an arbitration procedure has been initiated
according to contractual agreements. The
value of inventories has not been adjusted, given that, even in the case of a
negative outcome of the arbitration process, it would in any event be recovered
through recharging the consortia;
trade accounts payable, in addition to payables to consortia for services
rendered, also include amounts representing advances which will be paid by
T.A.V. S.p.A. for expropriation activity;
the recharging of expropriation costs to the consortia has been made excluding
SAIPEM S.p.A. as provided for by the resolution passed by the Management
Committee and not following a resolution passed by the shareholders' meeting as
required by the consortium's by laws.
(DELOITTE & TOUCHE)
Milan, February 20, 2001
2
(DELOITTE & TOUCHE LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF
CONSORZIO SNAMPROGETTI-FOSTER WHEELER-ENERGY
We have audited the balance sheets of CONSORZIO SNAMPROGETTI - FOSTER WHEELER -
ENERGY (an Italian corporation) as of December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000 and the
related statements of income for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2000, expressed in Italian Lire (which financial statements are not
enclosed herewith). These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in Italy, which are substantially consistent with those accepted in the United
States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatements. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CONSORZIO
SNAMPROGETTI - FOSTER WHEELER - ENERGY as of December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2000 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles in Italy.
As regards the commission's position of gasification plant for ISAB ENERGY and
the present claim's situation with the customer, reference should be made to
what declared by the Board's Members in the Directors' Report and in the Notes
of the financial statements as of December 31, 1999 and 2000.
As described in the Notes to the financial statements as of December 31, 2000,
no provisions have been made in respect of the costs for interventions under
guarantee to be incurred in the future financial years, estimated for some
Lire 17 billion, from the Board of Directors. Such costs will be accounted for
when incurred and will be allocated amongst the consortium members in accordance
with what is provided for by the charter and the consortium' covenants.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE S.p.A.
/s/ Michele Milano
- ------------------
Michele Milano
Partner
Milan, February 21, 2001
(GRANT THORNTON LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
The Stockholders of
Snamprogettisud SpA
We have audited the balance sheets of Snamprogettisud SpA (an Italian
corporation) as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the related statements of
income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash-flows for each of the years in
the three-year period ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 expressed in Euro
(which financial statements are not enclosed herein). These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Snamprogettisud SpA as of December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 and of the results of
their operations and their cash-flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles in Italy.
(ERNST & YOUNG ACCOUNTANTS LETTERHEAD)
AUDITORS' REPORT
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF EMC NEDERLAND B.V.
This auditors' report has been issued for the sole purpose of ENI S.p.A. to
file its 20-F financial statements in the US.
Introduction
We have audited the balance sheet of EMC Nederland B.V. (a Dutch corporation)
as of December 31, 2000 and the related statement of income and changes in
stockholders' equity for the year ended December 31, 2000, expressed in Dutch
Guilders (which financial statements are not enclosed herein). These financial
statements are the responsibility of the company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
Scope
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the Netherlands and the United States of America. Those standards require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statements presentation. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, based on our audit, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of EMC
Nederlands B.V. as of December 31, 2000 and the results of the operations for
the year ended December 31, 2000 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles in the Netherlands.
The Hague, April 12, 2001
(ERNST & YOUNG ACCOUNTANTS)
Ernst & Young Accountants
(ERNST & YOUNG LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of European Marine Contractors Limited
We have audited the balance sheet of European Marine Contractors Limited as of
December 31, 2000, and the related statement of income, changes in stockholders'
equity and cash flows for the year ending December 31, 2000 expressed in
Sterling (which financial statements are not enclosed herein). The financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2001 include a prior year adjustment,
which amends the income statement and creditors balances originally reported for
the year ended 31 December 2000. The effect of these amendments is shown in note
20 of the financial statements for the year-ended 31 December 2001. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Those standards require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures
in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit, the financial statements referred to above,
as amended by the prior year adjustment shown in the financial statements for
the year-ended 31 December 2001, present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of European Marine Contractors Limited as of December 31,
2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year
ending December 31, 2000 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United Kingdom.
(ERNST & YOUNG LLP)
Ernst & Young LLP
London, England
3 June 2003
(PRICE WATERHOUSE LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF SAIPEM ABAN DRILLING COMPANY LIMITED
We have audited the Balance Sheet of Saipem Aban Drilling Company Limited as at
December 31, 2000 and the related Statement of Income for the year ended
December 31, 2000 expressed in Indian Rupees (which financial statements are
not enclosed herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by the management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Attention is drawn to the following:
The financial statements are prepared under the assumption of going concern and
that the financial and other support from the promoters will be continued to be
made available to the Company.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statement referred to above
present subject to our remarks in the foregoing paragraph fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Saipem Aban Drilling Company
Limited as at December 31, 2000 and the results of their operations for the
year ended December 31, 2000 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles in India.
(PRICE WATERHOUSE)
Price Waterhouse
Chennai, India
May 15, 2003
(ERNST & YOUNG LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders and Directors of
Saipem Argentina de Perforaciones, Montajes y Proyectos S.A.
S.A.M.I.C. y F.
We have audited the balance sheet of Saipem Argentina S.A. as of December 31,
2000, and the related statements of operations and changes in stockholders'
equity for the year then ended, expressed in Argentine pesos (these financial
statements are not enclosed herein). These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
the test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
The Company participates in 22% of the Joint Venture IGC - CPC - Saipem
Argentina S.A.; for consolidation purposes, Saipem Argentina considered
unaudited financial information.
In our opinion, except for the effect of the matters noted in the previous
paragraph and, based on our audit, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Saipem
Argentina as of December 31, 2000, and the results of its operations and changes
in stockholders' equity for the year then ended in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles in force in Argentina.
Buenos Aires,
Argentina
May 4, 2001
ERNST & YOUNG
/s/ Santos Oscar Sarnari
------------------------
Santos Oscar Sarnari
Partner
(WHINNEY MURRAY & CO
ERNST & YOUNG INTERNATIONAL LETTERHEAD)
Saudi Arabian Saipem Limited
P O Box 248
Alkhobar 31952
Dear Sirs
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
At your request we confirm the following:
We have audited the balance sheet of Saudi Arabian Saipem Limited (a Saudi
Arabian limited liability company) as at 31 December 2000, and the related
statements of income, cash flows and changes in equity for the year ended 31
December 2000 expressed in Saudi Riyals (which financial statements are not
attached). These financial statements are the responsibility of the company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America, as applicable to the circumstances in the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable degree
of assurance to enable us to express an opinion on the financial statements.
In our opinion, based on our audit, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Saudi
Arabian Saipem Limited as at 31 December 2000, and the results of its operations
and cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2000, in accordance with
accounting standards generally accepted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
(WHINNEY MURRAY & CO. ERNST & YOUNG INTERNATIONAL LOGO)
Without qualifying our opinion, our report draws attention to the following
matter noted in the financial statements:
- - A subcontractor filed a claim in 1990 against the company for SR 101 million
with the International Chamber of Commerce. The company filed a counter claim
for at least SR 37 million and management were of the view that the
subcontractor's claim was unfounded. Accordingly, no provision for any
liability that may have resulted was made in the financial statements. On 23
February 2001, the International Chamber of Commerce issued a Final Award in
favour of the company for a net amount of approximately SR 4.6 million, after
set off of the subcontractor's claim and the company's counter claim. The
company is in the process of recovering this amount.
Yours faithfully
for Whinney Murray & Co.
/s/ Abdulaziz A Alsowailim (WHINNEY MURRAY & CO. ERNST & YOUNG
- --------------------------- INTERNATIONAL STAMP)
Abdulaziz A Alsowailim
Certified Public Accountant
Registration No. 277
21 April 2001
Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia
(PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LETTERHEAD)
To the Quotaholders of
SNAMPROTECHINT-SERVICOS E GESTAO DE PROJECTOS, LDA.
AUDITOR'S REPORT
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of SNAMPROTECHINT - SERVICOS E
GESTAO DE PROJECTOS, LDA. as of December 31, 2000, and the related statement of
income for the year then ended, stated in Portuguese escudos thousand. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of SNAMPROTECHINT-SERVICOS E GESTAO DE
PROJECTOS, LDA., as of December 31, 2000 and the results of its operations for
the year then ended in accordance with the generally accepted accounting
principles in Portugal.
We also draw attention to the fact that the balance sheet as of December 31,
1999, under the heading State and other government entities, includes an amount
of approximately PTE 1,731,000 thousand, relating to VAT recoverable by the
Branch in Argentina, ultimately depending, according to company's management
evaluation, on procedures to be carried out, such as changes to the invoicing
structure of the project or direct reimbursement request to be submitted to the
Argentinean tax authorities. During 2000 the company has made a provision of PTE
1,300,000 in respect of the tax not directly recoverable through the invoicing
of the last 5% of the contract.
(PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS)
Lisbon, March 1, 2001
(GRANT THORNTON LETTERHEAD)
(REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS)
To the Stockholders of
SOCIETA' PETROLIFERA ITALIANA S.p.A.
We have audited the balance sheets of Societa Petrolifera Italiana S.p.A. as of
December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the related statements of income, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2002 expressed in Euro (which financial statements are not
included herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant statement made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial estimates presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Societa
Petrolifera Italiana S.p.A. as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the results of
their operations, and their cash flows for each of three years in the period
ended December 31, 2002 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States.
Milan, March 21, 2003
(GRANT THORNTON S.p.A.)
(MAZARS LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of
Somicem S.p.A.
We have audited the balance sheets of Somicem S.p.A. (an Italian corporation) as
of December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the related statements of income, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 2001, expressed in Euro (which financial statements
are not enclosed herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respect, the financial position of Somicem
S.p.A. as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the result of their operations and
their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2001 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Italy.
Palermo, Italy, 26 January, 2002 Mazars & Guerard S.p.A.
/s/ Mario Amenta
------------------------
Mario Amenta
Partner
(KPMG LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Stockholders of SOCIETE ITALO-TUNISIENNE
D'EXPLOITATION PETROLIERE
We have audited the balance sheets of SOCIETE ITALO-TUNISIENNE D'EXPLOITATION
PETROLIERE (a TUNISIA Corporation) as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the
related statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, expressed in
Tunisian Dinars (which financial statements are not included herein). These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SOCIETE
ITALO-TUNISIENNE D'EXPLOITATION PETROLIERE as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 2002 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles in TUNISIA.
TUNIS, TUNISIA
MARCH 24, 2003
/s/ Rached Fourati
--------------------
Rached Fourati
KPMG TUNISIE
(CONSULAUDIT LETTERHEAD)
(NEXIA INTERNATIONAL LOGO)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of Acquedotto Vesuviano;
We have audited the balance sheets of Acquedotto Vesuviano (an Italian
corporation) as of December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, and the related statements
of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2002, expressed in Euro (which financial
statements are not included herein). These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Acquedotto
Vesuviano as of December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, and the results of their
operations, and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2002 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles in Italy.
March 24, 2003
Rome, Italy
(CONSULAUDIT)
Consulaudit S.p.A.
(HLB RIA & PARTNERS LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of
ENIACQUA CAMPANIA S.p.A.
We have audited the balance sheet of ENIACQUA CAMPANIA S.p.A. (an Italian
corporation) as of December 31, 1999 and 2000, and the related statements of
income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in
the three-year period ended December 31, 2000 all expressed in Euro (which
financial statements are not enclosed herein). These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statements
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ENIACQUA
Campania S.p.A. as of December 31, 1999 and 2000, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2002, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
in Italy.
(HLB RIA & PARTNERS S.p.A.)
Rome, Italy
April 2, 2001
(BOMPANI AUDIT LETTERHEAD)
FIORENTINA GAS
Report of Independent Auditors as at 31st December 2000
To the Stockholder of
FIORENTINA GAS
Florence, April 9, 2001
We have audited the balance sheets of Fiorentina Gas as of December 31, 2000
and related statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2000,
expressed in Euro. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Fiorentina
Gas S.p.A. as of December 31, 2000, and the results of their operations and
their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31,
2000 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Italy.
BOMPANI AUDIT S.r.l.
General Partner
/s/ Bruno Dei
-------------
Bruno Dei
(CONSULAUDIT LETTERHEAD)
(NEXIA INTERNATIONAL LETTERHEAD)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of Italgas Hellas S.p.A.
- --------------------------------------------
We have audited the balance sheets of ITALGAS HELLAS S.P.A. (an Italian
corporation) as of December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 and the related statements
of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2002, expressed in Euro (which financial
statements are not included herein). These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ITALGAS
HELLAS S.P.A. as of December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 and the result of their
operations, and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2002 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles in Italy.
Turin, 18th March 2003
Consulaudit S.p.A.
(CONSULAUDIT S.p.A.)
(ERNST & YOUNG LETTERHEAD)
AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Directors and Shareholders of
Distribuidora de Gas Cuyana S.A.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Distribuidora de Gas Cuyana
S.A. as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the related statements of income,
changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows, notes 1 to 14 and exhibits A, B,
D, E, F, G and H for the years then ended. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's Board of Directors. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements, taken as a whole, based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that the auditor plans
and performs the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements, taken as a whole, are free of material misstatement in
accordance with professional accounting principles in force in Argentina. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well
as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to in the
first paragraph present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of Distribuidora de Gas Cuyana S.A. as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the
results of its operations and changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for
the years then ended, in conformity with professional accounting principles in
force in Argentina.
Buenos Aires
January 30, 2001
HENRY MARTIN, LISDERO Y ASOCIADOS
MEMBER OF ERNST & YOUNG INTERNATIONAL
/s/ Adolfo Lazara
-----------------------
Adolfo Lazara (Partner)
(ERNST & YOUNG LETTERHEAD)
AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Directors and Shareholders of
Inversora de Gas Cuyana S.A.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Inversora de Gas Cuyana S.A.
as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the related statements of income, changes
in shareholders' equity and cash flows, notes 1 and 9 and exhibits C, D, G and H
for the years then ended. Likewise, we have audited the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets of Inversora de Gas Cuyana S.A., and the related
consolidated statements of income and cash flows, notes 1 to 10 and exhibits A,
B, D, E, F, G and H for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's Board of Directors.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements,
taken as a whole, based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that the auditor plans
and performs the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements, taken as a whole, are free of material misstatement in
accordance with professional accounting principles in force in Argentina. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well
as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits: a) the financial statements referred to in
the first paragraph present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Inversora de Gas Cuyana S.A. as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, and
the results of its operations and changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows
for the years then ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, b) those referred to in the
first paragraph, in the second place, present fairly, in all material respects,
the consolidated financial position of the referred Company with its subsidiary
as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the consolidated results of its operations
and consolidated cash flows for the years then ended, in both cases in
conformity with professional accounting principles in force in Argentina.
Buenos Aires
March 7, 2001
HENRY MARTIN, LISDERO Y ASOCIADOS
MEMBER OF ERNST & YOUNG INTERNATIONAL
/s/ Adolfo Lazara
-----------------------
Adolfo Lazara (Partner)
(RAWLINSON & HUNTER LETTERHEAD)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Shareholders of
Trans Austria Gasline Finance Company Limited
We have audited the balance sheets of Trans Austria Gasline Finance Company
Limited as of December 31, 2000 and 2001 and the related statements of income
and expenses and retained earnings and of cash flows for the three years
ended December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001, expressed in Austrian Schillings. These
financial statements, which are not presented separately herein, are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in Canada, which are substantially consistent with those in the United States of
America. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Trans Austria Gasline Finance
Company Limited as at December 31, 2000 and 2001 and the results of its
operations and cash flows for the three years ended December 31, 1999, 2000 and
2001 in accordance with the basis of accounting disclosed in the notes to the
financial statements, applied on a consistent basis.
(RAWLINSON & HUNTER)
February 11, 2002