Adjusted earnings per share (before amortisation of intangible assets and exceptional items) of 134.8p (1998 120.3p) are calculated on profit before amortisation of intangible assets and exceptional items, after charging the taxation and minority interests associated with those profits, of £134.6 million (1998 £120.3 million), as set out in Note 15 below, and on the basic weighted average of ordinary shares in issue during the year.