Partner and shipowner Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller passed away yesterday. He was 98.

Ane Mærsk Mc-Kinney Uggla states:"On behalf of the entire family, I wish to express our deep sorrow at the loss of our father, grandfather and great grandfather, Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller. My sisters and I have lost a father who unfailingly served his family and his business.

We are grateful that our father lived a long and eventful life. In his unceasing wish to do good, together with many and great initiatives, he has left a significant mark on our time.

On this day, I am compelled to give thanks to all current and previous employees of the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group for the loyalty which has been shown to our father throughout the years. Let us respect his memory."

Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller became joint owner of the company "Firmaet A.P. Møller" in 1940. Since his father's death in 1965, he was director and chairman of the most important companies in the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group. Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller undertook the daily management until 1993 and became chairman of A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S until 2003.

With the death of Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller, the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group has lost a businessman of international acclaim, and the man who can take credit for the Group being amongst the world's leading - and Denmark's largest - businesses, with activities in a number of areas such as shipping, oil and retail.

Strength of will and energy characterised Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller's endeavours.

Foresight, careful preparation and commitment created the significant international business that the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group is today. Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller was famous for his business talent and his visions, and he took and supported initiatives that brought prosperity and growth to countries all over the world – including Denmark.

At the time of his death, Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller was Chairman of the Board of the A.P. Møller and Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation, the A.P. Møller Relief Foundation, and the Maersk Employee Foundation, all of which are significant shareholders of A.P. Møller - Mærsk A/S.