Leif Hoegh Forecasts Higher Profits

Norwegian shipping company Leif Hoegh forecast higher operating profits in 2000. The company reported an operating profit of $23.2 million in 1999, down from $70.97 million in 1998. It said that profits would be lifted by the consolidation of the Hual car carrier division into its accounts, by its reefer unit Unicool, as well as by improvements in other areas. The company also said that it was proposing a 450 million crowns capital expansion, linked to its purchase of a 50 percent stake in Hual from Ugland International. Leif Hoegh is paying $390 million for the stake, making it the sole owner.