Company Profiles

Shimano

Japan

Shimano is a designer and manufacturer of bicycle components. The company also produces fishing tackle and snowboard equipment. With approximately three-quarters of the company's revenues coming from the bicycle industry, and the appeal of its products to those with an appreciation for nature, the company can make a contribution to educating individuals to reduce their environmental impacts through increased use of bicycles. For example, Shimano has been a long-time supporter of the Kyoto Protocol to seek reductions in the emission of climate change gases and supports global initiatives to aid in planning for bicycle transport. The company presents the Cities Enjoy Bicycles Awards, which honor cities that incorporate non-motorized vehicles into their urban transport strategies, and is a co-founder in the Global Alliance for EcoMobility program, which was created to promote walking, cycling, and wheeling as a way to reduce climate change emissions. Areas where Shimano needs improvement include design compatibility, development of a global environmental management system, and comprehensive environmental reporting.

To the best of our knowledge the above information is accurate and was obtained from sources we believe to be reliable. Neither the information presented above nor any opinion expressed shall be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy the security. The views expressed are those of portfolio management as of 9/30/09 and may not reflect current opinions or subsequent events.