SOUTH African packaging group Nampak Ltd says its 2000 basic earnings per share had increased by four percent to 122.8 cents and expected to show earnings growth in 2001 despite slow regional growth. Nampak said in a statement that margins were constrained by minimal growth in domestic volumes, continuing pricing pressures and increased raw material prices which could not be passed on to consumers. Nampak reported basic earnings per share up at 128.8 cents for the 12 months to September 30, 2000, versus 118.1 cents previously. A dividend of 53.3 cents was declared compared to 51.0 cents in 1999. Turnover was up at R9.85bn from R7.94bn. – Reuters