insane dividends

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1 BILLION DOLLOR DIVIDEND
George Weston Limited Announces $1 Billion Special Dividend


TORONTO, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - George Weston Limited ("Weston") (TSX: WN) announced today that it will pay a special one-time common share dividend of $1 billion, representing $7.74751 per common share, on January 25, 2011 to all common shareholders of record at the close of business on January 18, 2011.

"The Corporation's track record of solid operating performance, combined with significant cash balances and ample liquidity to grow the business, provides the Corporation with the opportunity to reward shareholders with a return in excess of our normal dividend," said W. Galen Weston, Chairman and President of the Corporation.

Mr. Weston added: "Capital markets have come through some very turbulent times and the Corporation took a conservative position holding excess cash. Now with increased stability in the capital markets and our strong balance sheet, the directors felt that a return of capital was appropriate. At the same time, we are preserving sufficient financial flexibility to meet the Corporation's ongoing operational and capital requirements and to pursue growth opportunities."

This dividend is designated as an "eligible" dividend for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any similar provincial and territorial legislation.