On 4 March 2008, the President of the Republic of Belarus signed a decree abolishing the “golden share” legislation, that previously applied to privatised Belorussian companies. Under the “golden share” rules, the Belorussian state could exercise a majority vote in any company by introducing a preferential share. According to the Belorussian government, the abolishment of the rule will contribute to more favourable conditions for direct foreign investments in the Belarusian economy, and help Belarus improve its international standing and safeguard the rights of investors. AS Silvano Fashion Group welcomes the abolishment of the controversial legislation, which is seen as an important sign of improving business environment in the country. SP ZAO Milavitsa, being the leader of the Belorussian lingerie market, contributed 73% of all SFG's sales of lingerie in 2007. The Group operated 23 retail outlets in Belarus as of 31 December 2007. Sergei Kusonski CEO AS Silvano Fashion Group Tel +372 6 710 700