Deutsche Börse Offers Increased Dividend

In a move which analysts suspect is aimed at winning over investors opposed to its bid for the London Stock Exchange, Deutsche Börse announced on Tuesday that it would boost its 2004 dividend payment by 27 percent. While the increased dividend payment of 70 cents ($0.98), up from 55 cents a year earlier, may be seen as a sweetener for those against the German stock exchange's proposed €1.88 billion takeover of its London rival, critics of the planned acquisition have complained that the money could be better used by returning cash to shareholders. Deutsche Börse also revealed a profit in the three months to Dec. 31 of €120.7 million and recorded sales of €364.4 million, lifting revenue for the year to a record €1.45 billion.