In an effort to provide more value to its shareholders, Fraser and Neave Ltd is considering the separation of its property arm from its other businesses. F&N is the 130 year old real estate and beverge company, announced it would be appointing advisers to study options to be able to 'unlock shareholder value'. 

In a statement issued by F&N yesterday to the Singapore Stock Exchange, "This may involve the segragation of its property related businesses from its non-property related businesses."

This announcement comes after the appointment of Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi as its company chairman last February. Thailand's richest billionaire had invested Sing$13.8 billion or US$10.9 billion in the company whose business interests from milk to shopping malls. The announcement comes after new rules were issued to financial institutions on the grant of property loans for individuals. This is the Singaporean governments way to curb speculation in the island-state's property market.

In a separate filing with the exchange dated yesterday, F&N said that it would be distributing Sing$4.7 billion of its capital to its shareholders, which is Sing$3.28 per share had been approved.