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New York Times (1923-Currentfile); Dec 2, 1999;

ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The New York Times (1851?2007) with Index (1851?1993)

Once in a lifetime

pg. A35

Great opportunities are rare. This week
marks the start of an epic one for us.
Exxon and Mobil are merging to create a
company that unites the best in each.

While the underpinnings of Exxon and
Mobil are historic, what excites us is the
future. This merger was born not of neces-
sity, but because of the world's growing
need for energy. This merger is a once-
in-a?lifetime opportunity to combine our
skills and resources to create
the world?s premier petroleum and petro-
chemical company.

The roots of our companies go back
to the 19th century. As the 20th century
opened, we were part of the legendary
Standard Oil. It was a time when kero?
sene?not gasoline?was king. For most
of this century, though, Exxon and Mobil
competed vigorously, pursued their own
paths and grew their businesses. And they
prospered. As the century closes, a new
chapter begins.

Exxon and Mobil have been industry
leaders in their own right. To combine and
magnify these skills?in exploration, produc-
tion, re?ning, marketing, chemicals and tech-
nology?was a key motivator for our union.

Ever since our intentions were an?
nounced last year, we?ve been measuring
ourselves against our world and its future,
working to take full advantage of our
combined ability to meet the growing
energy demands of our customers around
the world.

Combining the two companies is an
enormous effort, but it?s been made easier
by the basic compatibility of our orga-
nizations and the skills and talents of our
people. Historically, we shared many core
values?creating wealth for shareholders,
concern for safety, health and the envi-
ronment and commitment to high ethical
standards. And both were strong, efficient
performers with leadership positions in key
businesses.

Expectations for this merger are high.
Months of work by teams of people from
both sides tell us that our early optimism
was well founded. And it has grown.

We?re on a new path together be?
cause the world and its needs are chang-
ing. Together we can meet those needs
better than we could by ourselves. And
that?s the whole point, not to be bigger.
but better.

ExonMobil?

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