legislation aimed at protecting it from Chinese intervention after Hong Kong reverts to the mainland in 1997.

The legislation, passed in Bermuda last month, will come into force on July 1, 1994, and protect Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd., and other listed companies: Jardine Strategic Holdings Ltd., Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd., Dairy Farm International Holdings Ltd. and Mandarin Oriental International Ltd.

The company is said to fear that its property could be confiscated by China.

The company is now brought under a statutory takeover code set out in a Bermuda statute enacted in July last year. Most of the detailed provisions have been incorporated in statutory regulations, which became law on December 10, 1993.

The changes mean that the company is subject to the same regulatory framework as a company incorporated in the UK.

The new code will be administered by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. It is based on the London Takeover Code and, according to a letter to shareholders from Jardine chairman Mr. Henry Keswick, takes a stricter approach than the Hong Kong Takeover Code.

The company will continue to be bound by Hong Kong's takeover code. Jardine Matheson moved its domicile to Bermuda in 1984.