As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 2, 2003.

Registration No. 333-

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM F-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Under

The Securities Act of 1933

Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Arauco and Constitution Pulp Inc.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Republic of Chile	Not Applicable
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

Avenida El Golf 150

Santiago, Chile

(562) 461-7200

(Address and telephone number of

Registrant’s principal executive offices)

CT Corporation System

111 Eighth Avenue

New York, New York 10011

(212) 894-8940

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

Copies of communications to:

David L. Williams, Esq.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York, 10017

(212) 455-2000

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:    As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement and the satisfaction or waiver of all other conditions to the exchange offer described in the accompanying prospectus.

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

Title of each class of Securities to be Registered	Amount to be Registered	Proposed Aggregate Offering Price Per Note	Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price (1)	Amount of Registration Fee
5.125% Notes due 2013	$300,000,000	100%	$300,000,000	$27,600

(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(f) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended based on the aggregate principal amount of the 5.125% Notes due 2013, which is the class of securities that is the subject of this exchange offer.

The Registration hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registration shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

The Information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject to Completion, dated October 2, 2003

Preliminary Prospectus

Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A.

(acting through our Panamanian agency)

US$300,000,000

Offer to Exchange All Outstanding

5.125% Notes due 2013

For an Equal Principal Amount of

5.125% Notes due 2013

Which Have Been Registered Under the Securities Act of 1933

The Exchange Offer

The Exchange Notes

•      We will exchange all outstanding notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn for an equal principal amount of exchange notes that are freely tradeable. •      You may withdraw tenders of outstanding notes at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. •      The exchange offer expires at midnight, New York City time, on November     , 2003, unless extended. We do not currently intend to extend the expiration date. •      The exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer will not be a taxable event for United States federal income tax, Panamanian tax law or Chilean tax law purposes. •      We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer.

•      The exchange notes are being offered in order to satisfy our obligations under the registration rights agreement entered into in connection with the placement of the outstanding notes. •      The terms of the exchange notes to be issued in the exchange offer are substantially identical to the outstanding notes, except that the exchange notes will be freely tradeable. Resales of Exchange Notes •      The exchange notes may be sold in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions or through a combination of such methods. We do not plan to list the exchange notes on a national market.

If you are a broker-dealer and you receive exchange notes for your own account, you must acknowledge that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. By making such acknowledgment, you will not be deemed to admit that you are an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Act. Broker-dealers may use this prospectus in connection with any resale of exchange notes received in exchange for outstanding notes where such outstanding notes were acquired by the broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the expiration of the exchange offer or until any broker-dealer has sold all registered notes held by it, we will make this prospectus available to such broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. A broker dealer may not participate in the exchange offer with respect to outstanding notes acquired other than as a result of market-making activities or trading activities. See “Plan of Distribution.”

If you are an affiliate of ours or are engaged in, or intend to engage in, or have an agreement or understanding to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes, you cannot rely on the applicable interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and you must comply with the registration requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.

You should consider carefully the risk factors beginning on page 11 of this prospectus before participating in the exchange offer.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is October     , 2003

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
Where You Can Find Additional Information	i
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference	ii
Enforceability of Civil Liabilities	iii
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements	iv
Presentation of Financial Data	v
Summary	1
Risk Factors	11
Use of Proceeds	16
Exchange Rates	17
Exchange Controls in Chile	19
Capitalization	20
Selected Consolidated Financial Data	21
Recent Financial Information	23
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges	32
The Exchange Offer	33
Description of the Exchange Notes	43
Taxation	56
Plan of Distribution	60
Legal Matters	61
Independent Accountants	61
Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2002	62
Index to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements	F-i

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We are subject to the information reporting requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and, in accordance therewith, file reports and other information with the SEC. We file annual reports on Form 20-F, which commencing with our Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2002, include annual audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP, as well as reports on Form 6-K containing our quarterly Chilean GAAP unaudited consolidated financial statements and certain other information. These reports and other information can be inspected and copied at the Public Reference Section of the SEC at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the regional office of the SEC located at 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of these materials can also be obtained at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549, and its public reference facility in Chicago, Illinois. Such material may also be accessed electronically by means of the SEC’s home page on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov). As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain provisions of the Securities Exchange Act, including those prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy and information statements and certain periodic reports.

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the debt securities offered hereby. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all the information contained in the registration statement. We have omitted certain items from the prospectus as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. For more information with respect to us and the debt securities offered, refer to the registration statement, including the accompanying exhibits, financial statements, schedules and notes. You may inspect the registration statement without charge at the principal office of the SEC in Washington, D.C. and copies of all or part of it may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the prescribed fee. Statements made in this prospectus concerning the contents of any document referred to herein are not necessarily complete. The exhibits accompanying any document referred to in this prospectus are essential for a more complete description of the matter involved.

We will file with the trustee, within 15 days after we are required to file the same with the SEC, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports, as the SEC may from time to time require, or

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that we may be required to file as a “foreign private issuer” (as defined in Rule 3b-4 under the Securities Exchange Act) with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act. If we are not required to file information, documents or reports pursuant to either of those Sections, then we will file with the trustee and the SEC, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the SEC, any supplementary and periodic information, documents and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act relating to a security listed and registered on a securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

We are incorporating by reference certain information we filed with the SEC, which means that we are disclosing important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information we incorporate by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and certain information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We include herein and incorporate by reference our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2002, as filed with the SEC on June 27, 2003.

All reports on Form 20-F filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act and, to the extent expressly stated therein, certain reports on Form 6-K subsequent to the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the notes in respect of which this prospectus is delivered shall also be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus from the date of filing of such documents. Any statements contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein or attached as an annex hereto shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement or documents so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

We will provide without charge to you, upon your written or oral request, a copy of any or all the documents we incorporate by reference (other than exhibits, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in such documents). Written requests for such copies should be directed to:

Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A.

Avenida El Golf 150, Fourteenth Floor

Santiago, Chile

Attention: Matías Domeyko

Telephone requests may be directed to Mr. Matías Domeyko at (562) 461-7200.

This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any exchange notes offered hereby in any jurisdiction where, or to any person to whom, it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. The information contained in this prospectus speaks only as of the date of this prospectus unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies. No dealer, salesperson or other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus in connection with the offer contained herein and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by us. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall under any circumstances create an implication that there has been no change in our affairs or that of our subsidiaries since the date hereof.

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ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

We are a sociedad anónima abierta, a public corporation organized under the laws of Chile. All but one of our directors and executive officers, and certain experts named or mentioned in this or other documents incorporated by reference herein, reside outside the United States (principally in Chile). All or a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. As a result, except as described below, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon such persons or us, or to enforce against them or against us in United States courts a judgment obtained in United States courts based upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States. We have been advised by our Chilean counsel, Portaluppi, Guzmán y Bezanilla, that no treaty exists between the United States and Chile for the reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments. Chilean courts, however, have enforced judgments rendered by courts in the United States by virtue of the legal principles of reciprocity and comity, subject to review in Chile of such judgment in order to determine whether certain basic principles of due process and public policy have been respected, without reviewing the merits of the subject matter of the case. Nevertheless, we have been advised by our Chilean counsel that there is doubt as to the enforceability, in original actions in Chilean courts, of liabilities predicated solely upon the federal securities laws of the United States and as to the enforceability in Chilean courts of judgments of United States courts obtained in actions based upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States. In addition, it will be necessary for investors to comply with certain procedures, including payment of stamp taxes (currently assessed at a rate of 1.608% of the face value of a debt security), in order to file a lawsuit with respect to the notes in a Chilean court.

We have appointed CT Corporation System as our authorized agent upon whom process may be served in any action arising out of or based upon the indenture or the issuance of the notes. With respect to such actions, we have submitted to the jurisdiction of any federal or state court having subject matter jurisdiction in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, New York. See “Description of the Notes.”

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the information included in this prospectus and the documents we have incorporated by reference contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act and are intended to come within the safe harbor protection provided by those sections. We use words such as “believe,” “expect” and “anticipate” and similar expressions, that identify forward-looking statements which reflect our views about future events and financial performance. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and therefore you should not place undue reliance on them. Actual results could differ materially and adversely from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors that may be beyond our control, including but not limited to:

• our ability to service our debt, fund our working capital requirements and comply with financial covenants in certain of our debt instruments;

• our ability to fund and implement our capital expenditure programs;

• the maintenance of relationships with customers;

• a change in control relating to our company;

• the effects on us from competition;

• future demand for forestry and wood products in our export markets;

• international prices for forestry and wood products;

• the condition of our forests;

• the state of the Chilean, Argentine and world economies and manufacturing industries;

• the relative value of the Chilean peso compared to other currencies;

• inflation;

• increases in interest rates; and

• changes in our regulatory environment, including environmental regulations.

In any event, these statements speak only as of their dates, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any of them as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL DATA

For Chilean statutory reporting purposes, we prepare our annual audited consolidated financial statements and our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with Chilean GAAP. For SEC reporting purposes under the Securities Exchange Act, we prepare our annual audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited interim consolidated financial statement in accordance with US GAAP. Our interim consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus are unaudited; however, such information reflects all normal and recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim period.

The US dollar is our functional currency, as most of our financial activities, including approximately 86.4% of our sales for the year ended December 31, 2002, are transacted in dollars.

As such, for purposes of preparing our financial statements in accordance with US GAAP, we translated our historic accounting records into dollars in accordance with FASB No. 52 “Foreign Currency Translation,” SFAS 52. SFAS 52 provides that when an entity’s records are not expressed in its functional currency, its financial statements must be remeasured into its functional currency. Historical exchange rates between the currency in which the books and records are maintained and the functional currency are used to remeasure nonmonetary items. Monetary accounts are remeasured at the current rate at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated using average exchange rates for the period, except for items related to nonmonetary assets and liabilities (e.g., cost of sales, depreciation, and amortization of intangibles), which are translated using historical exchange rates. All translation gains and losses are included in determining income during periods in which exchange rates change.

Unless otherwise specified, all references to “$,” “US$,” “US dollars” and “dollars” are to United States dollars, references to “Chilean pesos” or “Ch$” are to Chilean pesos, references to “UF” are to Unidades de Fomento, a daily indexed Chilean peso-denominated monetary unit that takes into account the effect of the Chilean inflation rate, and references to “Argentine pesos,” “AP$” or “A$” are to Argentine pesos.

For your convenience, we have included translations of Chilean and Argentine peso amounts into US dollars at specified rates. Unless otherwise indicated, the US dollar equivalent for information in Chilean pesos is based on the observed exchange rate reported by Banco Central de Chile, the Central Bank of Chile, which we refer to as the Central Bank. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report a noon buying rate for Chilean or Argentine pesos. On December 31, 2002 and June 30, 2003, the observed exchange rate for Chilean pesos was Ch$718.61 = US$1.00 and Ch$699.12 = US$1.00, respectively. On December 31, 2002 and June 30, 2003, the exchange rate for Argentine pesos was A$3.37 = US$1.00 and A$2.80 = US$1.00, respectively. You should not construe these translations as representations that the Chilean or Argentine peso amounts actually represent such dollar amounts or could be converted into dollars at the rates indicated or at any other rate. See “Exchange Rates.” Unless otherwise specified, references to the devaluation or the appreciation of the Chilean peso against the US dollar are in nominal terms (without adjusting for inflation) based on the observed exchange rates published by the Central Bank for the relevant period.

When we refer to “Chile” or the “Republic” in this prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference, we mean the Republic of Chile, and when we refer to the “Government” we mean the government of the Republic of Chile. All references to “tons” are to metric tons (1,000 kilograms) which are equal to 2,204.6 pounds. One “hectare” equals 10,000 square meters or 2.471 acres. Percentages and certain amounts in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference have been rounded for ease of presentation. Any discrepancies in any table between totals and the sums of the amounts listed are due to rounding.

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SUMMARY

This summary highlights the information contained elsewhere in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus and may not contain all of the information you need to consider. Please read the following summary, together with the information set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” and in the financial statements and accompanying notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. “Arauco,” “we,” “us” and words of similar effect refer, depending upon the context, to Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A., to one or more of its consolidated subsidiaries or to all of them taken as a whole, unless the context otherwise requires.

About Arauco

We are Chile’s largest forest plantation owner, holding approximately 541,283 hectares of radiata pine plantations and 65,999 hectares of eucalyptus plantations in Chile, and were Chile’s largest exporter of forestry and wood products in terms of sales revenue based on information for the year ended December 31, 2002. We believe that we were one of the world’s largest producers of bleached and unbleached softwood kraft market pulp in terms of production in 2002, based on information published by Resource Information Systems, Inc., an independent research company for the pulp and paper industry. Based on this information, we believe that in 2002 we had a share of total world production of market bleached and unbleached pulp of approximately 5.4% and 16.6%, respectively. “Market pulp” is pulp sold to manufacturers of paper products, as opposed to pulp produced by an integrated paper producer for use in its paper production facilities. “Kraft pulp” is pulp produced using a chemical process.

During the year ended December 31, 2002, we harvested 9.7 million cubic meters of sawlogs and pulplogs and exported approximately 1,786,643 cubic meters of forestry and wood products, including sawlogs, sawn timber (green and kiln dried lumber), remanufactured wood products and panels (plywood, medium-density fiberboard and high-density fiberboard). Export sales constituted approximately 86.4% of our sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002. We were Chile’s largest non-mining exporter in terms of sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002. Our principal export markets are Asia, Western Europe and the United States.

As of December 31, 2002, our planted forests in Chile consisted of approximately 88.7% radiata pine, with the balance primarily of eucalyptus. Radiata pine has a rapid growth rate and a short harvest cycle compared to other commercial softwoods. Radiata pine is sufficiently versatile for both the production of forestry and wood products as well as the production of long fiber pulp for sale to manufacturers of paper and packaging. We seek to manage our forestry resources so that the annual growth of our forest is equal to or higher than the volume harvested each year. In 2002, we planted approximately 27,529 hectares and harvested approximately 18,875 hectares in Chile. We believe that a long-term sustainable equilibrium will be reached in the latter part of this decade with annual harvests of approximately 33,000 hectares.

Pulp. We own and operate three pulp mills in Chile and one in Argentina, with an aggregate annual production capacity of approximately 1,580,000 metric tons. The three pulp mills in Chile (including the Licancel Mill acquired in 1999 for US$126 million) produced 869,276 metric tons of bleached pulp and 354,135 metric tons of unbleached pulp in 2002. The pulp mill in Argentina, which we own through our consolidated subsidiary Alto Paraná, manufactures bleached softwood kraft market pulp in Argentina and sells it in Argentina and to the export market. In 2002, this facility produced 322,770 metric tons of pulp.

Wood Products. We own eleven sawmills in Chile and one in Argentina with an aggregate annual production capacity of 2,510,000 cubic meters of lumber. We own five remanufacturing facilities that reprocess sawn timber into remanufactured wood products such as moldings, jams and pre-cut pieces that end users require for doors, furniture and door and window frames. These facilities produced 919,753 cubic meters of remanufactured wood products in 2002.

Plywood and Fiberboard Panels. We own and operate one plywood mill, one high-density fiberboard mill and two medium-density fiberboard mills in Chile and one medium-density fiberboard mill in Argentina. The total annual production capacity of these mills is approximately 1,045,000 cubic meters of plywood and fiberboard panels. During 2002, our plywood mill produced a total of 310,122 cubic meters of plywood, our high-density

fiberboard mill produced a total of 58,636 cubic meters of fiberboard panels and our medium-density fiberboard mills produced a total of 226,802 cubic meters of fiberboard panels.

Our principal executive offices are located at Avenida El Golf 150, Fourteenth Floor, Santiago, Chile, telephone (562) 461-7200.

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The Exchange Offer

On July 9, 2003, we completed the private offering of the outstanding notes. References to the “notes” in this prospectus are references to both the outstanding notes and the exchange notes. This prospectus is part of a registration statement covering the exchange of the outstanding notes for the exchange notes.

We entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers in the private offering in which we agreed to deliver to you this prospectus as part of the exchange offer and we agreed to complete the exchange offer within 270 days after the date of original issuance of the outstanding notes. You are entitled to exchange in the exchange offer your outstanding notes for exchange notes that are identical in all material respects to the outstanding notes except the exchange notes have been registered under the Securities Act; and the exchange notes are not entitled to registration rights and liquidated damages that are applicable to the outstanding notes under the registration rights agreement.

The Exchange Offer	We are offering to exchange up to US$300.00 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.125% Notes due 2013, which we refer to in this prospectus as the exchange notes, for up to US$300.00 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.125% Notes due 2013, which we refer to in this prospectus as the outstanding notes. The exchange offer is being made with respect to all of the outstanding notes. Outstanding notes may be exchanged only in integral multiples of US$1,000.
Resale of the Exchange Notes	Based on an interpretation of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission set forth in no action letters issued to unrelated third parties, we believe that exchange notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange for outstanding notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by you (unless you are an affiliate of ours, within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that the exchange notes are acquired in the ordinary course of your business and you have not engaged in, do not intend to engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes.
	Each participating broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange for outstanding notes that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activity must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes.
	Any holder of outstanding notes who:
	·	is an affiliate of ours;
	·	does not acquire exchange notes in the ordinary course of business; or
	·	tenders in the exchange offer with the intention to participate, or for the purpose of participating, in the distribution of the exchange notes;

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	cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC enunciated in Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated or similar interpretive letters and, in the absence of an exemption therefrom, must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with the resale of the exchange notes. See “The Exchange Offer—Resales of the Exchange Notes.”
Expiration Date; Withdrawal of Tender	The exchange offer will expire at midnight, New York City time, on November     , 2003, or such later date and time to which we extend it, the expiration date. We do not currently intend to extend the expiration date. Tenders of outstanding notes pursuant to the exchange offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration date. Any outstanding notes not accepted for exchange for any reason will be returned without expense to the tendering holder promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer. See “The Exchange Offer—Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments” and “The Exchange Offer—Withdrawal of Tenders.”
Conditions to the Exchange Offer	The exchange offer is subject to customary conditions, which we may waive. Please read carefully the section captioned “The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer” of this prospectus for more information regarding the conditions to the exchange offer.
Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes	If you wish to accept the exchange offer, you must complete, sign and date the accompanying letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal according to the instructions contained in this prospectus and the letter of transmittal. You must also mail or otherwise deliver the letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal, together with the outstanding notes and any other required documents, to the exchange agent at the address set forth on the cover page of the letter of transmittal. If you hold outstanding notes through The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, and wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must comply with the Automated Tender Offer Program procedures of DTC, by which you will agree to be bound by the letter of transmittal. By signing, or agreeing to be bound by the letter of transmittal, you will represent to us that, among other things:
	·	any exchange notes that you receive will be acquired in the ordinary course of your business;
	·	you have no arrangement or understanding with any person or entity to participate in a distribution of the exchange notes;
	·	if you are a broker-dealer that will receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for outstanding notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities, that you will deliver a prospectus, as required by law, in connection with any resale of the exchange notes; and

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	·	you are not an affiliate, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act, of ours or, if you are an affiliate of ours, you will comply with any applicable registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.
	See “The Exchange Offer––Procedures for Tendering.”
Special Procedures for Beneficial Owners	If you are a beneficial owner of outstanding notes that are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, and you wish to tender the outstanding notes in the exchange offer, you should contact that registered holder promptly and instruct that registered holder to tender on your behalf. If you wish to tender on your own behalf, you must, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering your outstanding notes, either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the outstanding notes in your name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder. The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time and may not be able to be completed prior to the expiration date. See “The Exchange Offer––Procedures for Tendering.”
Guaranteed Delivery Procedures	If you wish to tender your outstanding notes and your outstanding notes are not immediately available or you cannot deliver your outstanding notes, the letter of transmittal or any other documents required by the letter of transmittal or comply with the applicable procedures under DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program prior to the expiration date, you must tender your outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in this prospectus under “The Exchange Offer––Guaranteed Delivery Procedures.”
Effect on Holders of Outstanding Notes	As a result of the making of, and upon acceptance for exchange of all validly tendered outstanding notes pursuant to the terms of the exchange offer, we will have fulfilled a covenant contained in the registration rights agreement and, accordingly, there will be no increase in the interest rate on the outstanding notes under the circumstances described in the registration rights agreement. If you are a holder of outstanding notes and you do not tender your outstanding notes in the exchange offer, you will continue to hold the outstanding notes and you will be entitled to all the rights and limitations applicable to the outstanding notes in the indenture, except for any rights under the registration rights agreement that by their terms terminate upon the consummation of the exchange offer.
	To the extent that outstanding notes are tendered and accepted in the exchange offer, the trading market for outstanding notes could be adversely affected.

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Consequence of Failure to Exchange	All untendered outstanding notes will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer provided for in the outstanding notes and in the indenture. In general, the outstanding notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Other than in connection with the exchange offer, we do not currently anticipate that we will register the outstanding notes under the Securities Act. See “The Exchange Offer — Consequences of Failure to Exchange.”
Taxation	The exchange of the outstanding notes for the exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer will not be a taxable event for United States federal income tax, Panamanian tax law or Chilean tax law purposes. See “Taxation.”
Use of Proceeds	We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer.
Exchange Agent	JPMorgan Chase Bank is serving as exchange agent in connection with the exchange offer. The address and telephone number of the exchange agent are set forth in the section captioned “The Exchange Offer––Exchange Agent” of this prospectus.

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The Exchange Notes

Issuer	Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A., acting through our Panamanian agency.
Notes Offered	US$300 million in an aggregate principal amount of 5.125% notes due 2013.
Maturity	July 9, 2013.
Interest Payment Dates	January 9 and July 9 of each year, commencing on January 9, 2004.
Optional Redemption	We may redeem the exchange notes in whole or in part, at our option, at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments (as defined herein) discounted to the date of redemption on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate (as defined herein) plus 25 basis points, together with, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed to the date of redemption. See “Description of the Notes—Optional Redemption.”
Tax Redemption	We may redeem the exchange notes in whole, but not in part, at any time if the laws or regulations affecting taxes in Panama or Chile change in certain respects. See “Description of the Notes—Redemption for Taxation Reasons.”
Material Covenants	The indenture under which the exchange notes will be issued contains covenants, including limitations on liens and limitations on sale and leaseback transactions.
Ranking	The exchange notes will be unsecured obligations of Arauco and will, other than with respect to obligations given preferential treatment pursuant to the laws of Chile, at all times rank pari passu in right of payment with all of our other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The exchange notes will not have the benefit of any collateral securing any of our existing and future secured indebtedness and will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness of any of our subsidiaries to the extent of the assets of each subsidiary.
Taxation	Payments of interest in respect of the exchange notes made by us acting through our Panamanian agency and all payments of principal in respect of the exchange notes will not be subject to Chilean or Panamanian withholding tax. However, in the event that we make payments of interest in respect of the exchange notes, directly from Chile to a foreign holder of the exchange notes, those payments will be subject to a 4% Chilean withholding tax. Subject to certain exceptions, we will pay any of those additional amounts. See “Description of the Notes—Payment of Additional Amounts” and “Taxation.”
Further Issues	We may from time to time without the consent of holders of exchange notes issue further securities having the same terms and conditions as the exchange notes so that the further issue is consolidated and forms a single series of notes with the exchange notes offered in this prospectus.
Governing Law	Our contractual rights and obligations and the rights of the holders of the exchange notes arising out of, or in connection with, the indenture and the exchange notes are governed by, and will be construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
Absence of a Public Market for the Notes	The exchange notes generally will be freely transferable but will also be new securities for which there will not initially be a market. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the development or liquidity of any market for the

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	exchange notes. We do not intend to apply for a listing of the exchange notes on any security exchange or automated dealer quotation system. The initial purchasers in the private offering of the outstanding notes have advised us that they currently intend to make a market in the exchange notes. However, they are not obligated to do so, and any market-making activities with respect to the exchange notes may be discontinued without notice.
Exchange Controls in Chile	The issuance of the notes does not require prior authorization by the Chilean Central Bank. Nevertheless, certain financial terms of the notes have been registered with the Chilean Central Bank after the issuance of the notes.
Trustee	JPMorgan Chase Bank is the trustee under the indenture.

For a discussion of risks that should be considered in connection with an investment in the exchange notes, see “Risk Factors.”

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Summary Consolidated Financial Data

The following tables present our summary consolidated financial data in accordance with US GAAP as of the dates and for each of the periods indicated. This information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, appearing in this prospectus and information included in documents that we have incorporated by reference.

The consolidated financial data as of June 30, 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 has been derived from our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this prospectus. The consolidated financial data at December 31, 2002 and 2001 and for each of the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 has been derived from our audited financial statements contained in our annual report on Form 20-F. The consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 and for the year ended December 31, 1999 has been derived from audited financial data that has not been included in this prospectus. Audited information prepared in accordance with US GAAP as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998 is not available. Accordingly, the selected data in accordance with US GAAP presented below as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998 has been derived from our unaudited US GAAP financial data which was prepared by us by converting into US dollars and US GAAP information contained in our Chilean GAAP audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998.

Our unaudited data for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 includes all normal and recurring adjustments which in the opinion of management are necessary for the fair presentation of such information. The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year ending December 31, 2003 or for any other period.

	As of or for the year ended December 31,															As of or for the six months ended June 30,
	1998(1)			1999(1)			2000			2001			2002			2002			2003
	(in thousands of US$, except ratios, shares and per share data)															Unaudited (in thousands of US$, except ratios, shares and per share data)
US GAAP
Income Statement Data
Sales revenue	US$	870,192		US$	1,089,928		US$	1,260,342		US$	1,173,826		US$	1,188,018		US$	561,295		US$	664,308
Cost of sales		(556,830	)		(595,086	)		(604,130	)		(689,837	)		(620,464	)		(321,170	)		(335,394	)
Depreciation		(107,970	)		(105,053	)		(106,576	)		(119,796	)		(103,885	)		(53,453	)		(54,226	)
Administration and selling expenses		(76,553	)		(88,207	)		(102,701	)		(94,047	)		(100,515	)		(36,271	)		(54,885	)
Operating income		128,839			301,582			446,935			270,146			363,154			150,401			219,803
Interest income		16,009			14,723			12,563			14,794			21,995			12,180			12,435
Other income (expense)		11,023			15,493			5,151			(3,871	)		1,513			1,666			5,682
Foreign exchange gains (losses)		1,399			(2,578	)		(5,070	)		(26,058	)		11,668			22,382			28,588
Interest expenses		(76,008	)		(51,526	)		(62,201	)		(62,362	)		(61,692	)		(33,732	)		(23,624	)
Income before taxes, minority interest and equity from earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		81,262			277,694			397,378			192,649			336,638			152,897			242,884
Provision for income taxes		(6,640	)		(6,419	)		(55,552	)		(12,956	)		(52,578	)		(24,029	)		(39,413	)
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries		(2,099	)		(43	)		(2,051	)		(225	)		(267	)		(158	)		(144	)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		1,141			4,829			1,377			1,463			2,558			1,094			1,759
Net income		73,664			276,061			341,152			180,931			286,351			129,804			205,086
Dividends paid		20,290			47,105			193,353			67,610			71,702			32,934			66,263
Balance Sheet Data
Forests		960,392			1,040,871			1,078,394			1,167,462			1,188,013			1,127,329			1,226,830
Property, plant and equipment, net		1,500,981			1,573,001			1,639,293			1,653,466			1,851,240			1,729,674			2,024,297
Total assets		3,213,397			3,347,920			3,550,989			3,899,257			4,110,336			3,907,080			4,321,634
Total long-term liabilities		1,242,587			1,200,709			1,242,645			1,711,740			1,570,080			1,657,213			1,671,189
Total stockholders’ equity		1,495,359			1,707,433			1,832,108			1,974,785			2,157,665			1,997,002			2,282,254
Other Financial Data
Capital expenditures(2)		148,752			257,202			263,588			223,831			330,804			115,221			246,113
Depreciation		107,970			105,053			106,576			119,796			103,885			53,453			54,226
Number of shares		113,152,446			113,152,446			113,152,446			113,152,446			113,152,446			113,152,446			113,152,446
Net income per share		0.65			2.44			3.01			1.60			2.53			1.15			1.81
Dividends per share		0.18			0.42			1.71			0.60			0.63			0.29			0.59

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Cash Flow Data
Total operating cash flow	183,091		510,159		417,353		(55,692	)	481,651		157,977		231,580
Total cash flow arising from financing activities	(125,169	)	(231,230	)	34,268		238,453		(124,566	)	(71,948	)	44,110
Total cash flow arising from investing activities	(51,646	)	(206,409	)	(405,342	)	(224,154	)	(330,362	)	(94,037	)	(257,985	)

(1) In 2000, we acquired 97.5% of the outstanding shares of Forestal Cholguán S.A. of which 85.8% were acquired from our indirect controlling shareholders and were considered to be an exchange of ownership interests between companies under common control. As such, the financial information presented above for the years 1999 and 1998 has been adjusted to incorporate the historical value of the assets, liabilities and profit and loss accounts as if the combination had taken place as of January 1 of each year.

(2) Accrued for the period. See Note 13 of our audited consolidated financial statements and Note 6 of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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RISK FACTORS

Prior to making an investment in our exchange notes, you should carefully consider, in light of your own financial circumstances and investment objectives, all the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus and, in particular, should evaluate the following risk factors.

Risks Relating to Us and the Forestry Industry

Fluctuations in market price for our products could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations

Prices for pulp, forestry and wood products, like those of other commodities, can be expected to fluctuate significantly. Our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected if the price of pulp or other forestry products were to decline significantly from current levels. The prices that we are able to obtain for pulp products and, to a lesser extent, other forestry products depend on:

• prevailing world prices, which historically have been subject to significant fluctuations over relatively short periods of time, depending on worldwide demand;

• world production capacity;

• the business strategies adopted by other major forestry, pulp and paper producers; and

• the availability of substitutes.

All of these factors are beyond our control. For example, as an indication of the cyclicality of pulp products’ prices, the average price per metric ton (CIF) for Norscan bleached softwood kraft market pulp (pulp produced in Canada and Northern Europe sold to manufacturers of paper products delivered in Northern Europe) was US$520 in 1999, rose to US$681 in 2000, fell to US$539 in 2001 and fell again to US$460 in 2002.

Worldwide competition in the markets for our products could adversely affect our business and results of operations

We experience substantial worldwide competition in each of our geographical markets and in each of our product lines. Several of our competitors are larger than we are and have greater financial and other resources. The market pulp industry is highly competitive and also sensitive to changes in industry capacity, producer inventories and cyclical changes in the world’s economies, any of which may significantly affect the selling prices of our products and thereby our profitability. Increased competition could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We depend on free international trade as well as economic and other conditions in our principal export markets

During 2002, export sales accounted for approximately 86.4% of our total sales revenue. During this period approximately 35.9% of our export sales were to Europe, 33.3% to Asia, 15.4% to Central and South America and 12.8% to North America. As a result, our results of operations depend to a significant degree on economic, political and regulatory conditions in our principal export markets. Our ability to compete effectively in our export markets could be materially and adversely affected by a number of factors beyond our control including a deterioration in macroeconomic conditions, exchange rate volatility, government subsidies, or the imposition of increased tariffs or other trade barriers. If our ability to sell our products competitively in one or more of our significant export markets were impaired by any such developments, it might be difficult to re-allocate our products to other markets on equally favorable terms, and our financial condition and results of operations might be adversely affected.

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The application of environmental regulations could adversely affect our development goals and our results of operations

We are subject to numerous national and local environmental laws concerning, among other things, health and the handling and disposal of waste and discharge into the air and water. Chilean environmental regulations have become increasingly stringent in recent years, particularly in connection with the approval of new projects, and this trend is likely to continue. We have made, and expect to continue to make, substantial expenditures to comply with such environmental requirements.

Among other Chilean environmental legislation, we are subject to Ley No. 19,300 Sobre Bases Generales del Medio Ambiente, the Chilean Environmental Law. Under the Chilean Environmental Law, we are required to conduct environmental impact studies of any future projects or activities that may affect the environment. The regulations also establish procedures for private citizens to object to the plans or studies submitted by project owners. Future developments in the establishment or implementation of environmental requirements, or in the interpretation of such requirements, could result in substantially increased capital, operating or compliance costs or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our activities in Argentina are subject to Argentine environmental legislation including regulation by municipal, provincial and federal governmental authorities. Our Argentine subsidiary Alto Paraná has incurred and expects to continue to incur capital and operating expenditures to comply with applicable environmental requirements. Changes in environmental laws, or the interpretation thereof, may require it to incur significant unforeseen capital or operating expenditures to comply with such requirements. The occurrence of such events could have an adverse effect on Alto Paraná’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

We and other pulp and forest product companies around the world are periodically subject to adverse effects from unfavorable market perceptions of the environmental impact of our operations. Also, given the possibility of unanticipated regulatory or other developments, including more stringent environmental laws, the amount and timing of our future environmental compliance expenditures could vary substantially from their current levels. These changes could limit the availability of our funds for other purposes.

Fire or disease could affect our forests and manufacturing processes and in turn adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations

Our operations are subject to various risks affecting our forests and manufacturing facilities, including fire and disease. Although in the past the forestry industries in Chile and Argentina have not been affected significantly by certain pests and diseases afflicting radiata or taeda pine plantations in other parts of the world, such pests or diseases may appear in Chile or Argentina in the future. Our operations and, as a result, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected if any of such risks were to be realized.

Risks Relating to Chile

Chilean political and economic conditions have a direct impact on our business and the market price of the notes

A substantial portion of our assets and operations is located in Chile. In 2002, approximately 10.6% of our sales revenue was derived from sales in Chile. Accordingly, our financial condition and results of operations are to a considerable extent dependent upon economic conditions prevailing from time to time in Chile. Future developments in the Chilean economy could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations and may impair our ability to proceed with our strategic plan of business.

The Chilean government has exercised and continues to exercise a substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector, and has changed monetary, fiscal, taxation and other policies to influence the course of Chile’s economy. We have no control over, and cannot predict, how such intervention and government policies will affect the Chilean economy and, both directly and indirectly, our operations and revenues. Our operations, financial condition and the market price of the notes may be adversely affected by changes in policy involving exchange controls, tax and other matters, as well as factors such as:

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• fluctuation in exchange rates;

• inflation or interest rate fluctuations; and

• other political, diplomatic, social and economic developments in or affecting Chile.

Changes in inflation as measured by changes in the official consumer price index and as reported by the Instituto Nacional de Estadisticas, the Chilean National Institute of Statistics, may also adversely affect our operations, financial condition and the market price of the notes. Inflation rates in Chile were 2.6%, 2.8% and 1.5% in 2001, 2002 and the first half of 2003, respectively.

Risks Relating to Argentina

The economic crisis in Argentina may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations

As of December 31, 2002, approximately 18.6% of our consolidated assets were located in Argentina and in 2002 approximately 12.8% of our net sales were derived from Alto Paraná. Accordingly, our financial condition and results of operations to a certain extent are dependent upon political and economic conditions prevailing in Argentina. Since 1999, the Argentine economy has been in an economic recession marked by reduced levels of consumption and investment and an elevated unemployment rate. The Argentine gross domestic product decreased by 3.4% in 1999, 0.8% in 2000, 4.4% in 2001 and 10.9% in 2002.

The current Argentine economic crisis may have an adverse effect on our Argentine operations, including Alto Paraná’s ability to raise capital, and as a result, its overall financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the Argentine government has exercised, and continues to exercise, a significant influence over many aspects of the Argentine economy. Accordingly, Argentine government actions, whether taken to address the current economic crisis or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on the Argentine economy and private sector companies, including Alto Paraná.

Argentine Central Bank restrictions on the transfer of funds outside Argentina may impose an obstacle to Alto Paraná’s ability to transfer money abroad

We guarantee some of Alto Paraná’s debt. Since December 2001 the Central Bank of Argentina has imposed a number of significant monetary and currency exchange restrictions that limit the free disposition of funds deposited in Argentine banks and transfers of funds abroad. If Alto Paraná is unable to transfer funds abroad, we may be obligated to pay under our guarantees.

Beginning in February 2002, some transfers of funds outside of Argentina require the approval of the Central Bank of Argentina. On March 25, 2002, the Central Bank of Argentina placed further restrictions on the transfer of funds abroad by requiring the approval of the Central Bank of Argentina for some payments outside Argentina, including approval of both principal and interest payments on financial debt. The Central Bank of Argentina began to ease these restrictions in December 2002. Effective January 2, 2003, approval of the Central Bank of Argentina is no longer required for interest payments made outside Argentina. In addition, principal payments made outside Argentina are permitted without the approval of the Central Bank of Argentina under certain conditions.

There can be no assurance that the Central Bank of Argentina will not reverse its position and once again restrict payments in the future, which could impose material obstacles to Alto Paraná’s ability to transfer money abroad.

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Risks Relating to Other Markets

Our business, earnings and prospects may be adversely affected by developments in other countries which are beyond our control

Our business and results of operations are to a large extent dependent on the level of economic activity, government and foreign exchange policies, and political and economic developments in our principal export markets. In 2002, approximately 94.5% of our total pulp sales and approximately 78.2% of our total forestry, wood products and panels product sales were attributable to exports, principally to customers in Asia, the Americas and Western Europe. Our business, earnings and prospects may be materially and adversely affected by developments with respect to inflation, interest rates, currency fluctuations, protectionism, government subsidies, price and wage controls, exchange control regulations, taxation, expropriation, social instability or other political, economic or diplomatic developments in these export markets. We have no control over such conditions and developments. Further, such conditions and developments may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or the price of or market for the notes.

Developments in other emerging markets may adversely affect the market price of the notes

The market price of the notes may be adversely affected by declines in the international financial markets and world economic conditions. Chilean securities markets are, to varying degrees, influenced by economic and market conditions in other emerging market countries, especially those in Latin America. Although economic conditions are different in each country, investors’ reactions to developments in one country can affect the securities markets and the securities of issuers in other countries, including Chile. Since the fourth quarter of 1997, the international financial markets have experienced volatility. Developments in other countries have also at times adversely affected the market price of our notes. If the current economic situation in Argentina continues to deteriorate, or if similar developments occur in the international financial markets in the future, the market price of the notes could be adversely affected.

Risks Relating to the Exchange Offer and Notes

If you choose not to exchange your outstanding notes, the present transfer restrictions will remain in force and the market price of your outstanding notes could decline

If you do not exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes under the exchange offer, then you will continue to be subject to the transfer restrictions on the outstanding notes as set forth in the offering memorandum distributed in connection with the private offering of the outstanding notes. In general, the outstanding notes may not be offered or sold unless they are registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Except as required by the registration rights agreement, we do not intend to register resales of the outstanding notes under the Securities Act. You should refer to the section of the prospectus entitled “The Exchange Offer” for information about how to tender your outstanding notes.

The tender of outstanding notes under the exchange offer will reduce the principal amount of the outstanding notes, which may have an adverse effect upon, and increase the volatility of, the market price of the outstanding notes due to reduction in liquidity.

You must comply with the exchange offer procedures in order to receive freely tradable exchange notes

Delivery of the exchange notes in exchange for the outstanding notes tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer will be made only after timely receipt by the exchange agent of the following:

• Certificates for the outstanding notes or a book-entry confirmation of a book-entry transfer of the outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC, as a depository, including an agent’s message, as defined in this prospectus, if the tendering holder does not deliver a letter of transmittal;

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• A completed and signed letter of transmittal, or facsimile copy, with any required signature guarantees, or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, an agent’s message in place of the letter of transmittal; and

• Any other documents required by the letter of transmittal.

Therefore, holders of the outstanding notes who would like to tender the outstanding notes in exchange for exchange notes should be sure to allow enough time for the outstanding notes to be delivered on time. We are not required to notify you of defects or irregularities in tenders of outstanding notes for exchange. Outstanding notes that are not tendered or that are tendered but we do not accept for exchange will, following consummation of the exchange offer, continue to be subject to the existing transfer restrictions under the Securities Act and will no longer have the registration and other rights under the registration rights agreement. See “The Exchange Offer––Procedures for Tendering.”

Some holders who exchange their outstanding notes may be deemed to be underwriters and these holders will be required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements in connection with any resale transaction

If you exchange your outstanding notes in the exchange offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the exchange notes, you may be deemed to have received restricted securities. If you are deemed to have received restricted securities, you will be required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.

The non-payment of funds by our subsidiaries could have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and ability to service our debt, including the notes

Our cash flow and our ability to service debt is dependent in part on the cash flow and earnings of our subsidiaries and the payment of funds by those subsidiaries to us in the form of loans, interest, dividends or otherwise. The subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due under the terms of the notes or to make any funds available for such purpose. Furthermore, claims of creditors of such subsidiaries, including trade creditors of such subsidiaries, will have priority over our creditors, including holders of the notes, with respect to the assets and cash flow of such subsidiaries. Our right to receive assets of any of our subsidiaries upon their liquidation or reorganization (and the consequent right of the holders of notes to participate in those assets) will be effectively subordinated to the claims of that subsidiary’s creditors.

Changes in tax laws could lead to our redeeming the notes

We may redeem the notes prior to maturity if a change in Chilean or Panamanian tax laws results in us becoming liable to compensate noteholders for certain withholding and other taxes. See “Description of the Notes—Redemption for Taxation Reasons” and “Taxation—Chilean Taxation.”

The exchange notes are a new issue of securities for which there is currently no public market; you may be unable to sell your exchange notes if a trading market for the exchange notes does not develop

We cannot assure you that an active trading market for the exchange notes will develop or, if a market develops, as to the liquidity of the market. The liquidity of any market for the exchange notes will depend on the number of holders of the exchange notes, the interest of securities dealers in making a market in the exchange notes and other factors. If an active trading market does not develop, the market price and liquidity of the exchange notes may be adversely affected. If the exchange notes are traded, they may trade at a discount from their initial offering price depending upon prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities, general economic conditions, our performance and business prospects and other factors.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the exchange notes. In consideration for issuing the exchange notes as contemplated in this prospectus, we will receive in exchange a like principal amount of outstanding notes, the terms of which are identical in all material respects to the exchange notes. The outstanding notes surrendered in exchange for the exchange notes will be retired and canceled and cannot be reissued. Accordingly, issuance of the exchange notes will not result in any change in our capitalization.

The net proceeds to us from the issuance of the outstanding notes was approximately $295.0 million, after deducting discounts, commissions and expenses. The net proceeds from the offering of the outstanding notes have been invested in short term securities and other investments, pending their use to refinance a portion of our outstanding debt and for general corporate purposes.

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EXCHANGE RATES

Prior to 1989, Chilean law permitted the purchase and sale of foreign currency only in cases explicitly authorized by the Central Bank. Law No. 18,840, the organic law of the Central Bank of Chile, or the “Central Bank Act,” Ley Orgánica Constitucional del Banco Central de Chile, enacted in 1989, liberalized the rules that govern the ability to buy and sell foreign currency. The Central Bank Act empowers the Central Bank to determine which types of foreign exchange operations must be carried out in the formal exchange market, Mercado Cambiario Formal, rather than the informal exchange market, Mercado Cambiario Informal. The Central Bank has ruled that certain foreign exchange transactions (including those attendant to foreign investments) may be effected only in the formal exchange market. The Central Bank may also impose restrictions on foreign exchange operations that are conducted or are required to be conducted in the formal exchange market. These restrictions may include the requirement of prior authorization from the Central Bank, the imposition of reserve requirements, and the limitation of foreign exchange operations that may be conducted by the entities which participate in the formal exchange market.

The formal exchange market consists of banks and other entities authorized by the Central Bank to participate in the formal exchange market. Until the end of 1999 the dólar acuerdo, a reference exchange rate, was an important element in the operation of the formal exchange market. The reference exchange rate is determined taking into account the Canasta Referencial de Monedas, a reference exchange basket, or CRM. The CRM is made up primarily of US dollars as well as euros and Japanese yen. The Central Bank calculates the reference exchange rate daily, taking into consideration internal and external inflation and in accordance with calculations based on a formula which considers, among other factors, variations in parities among the US dollar, the euro and the Japanese yen. Prior to the end of 1999, the formal exchange market functioned on the basis of a foreign exchange band which moved in relation to the referential exchange rate.

In September 1999, the Central Bank agreed to suspend its use of the foreign exchange band. Rather, it established that the Central Bank would only intervene in exceptional cases of volatility, through buying or selling foreign exchange. As a result, most operations in the formal exchange market are now made in accordance with the spot exchange rate or, for purposes of closing forward operations, the observed exchange rate. The observed exchange rate, known as the dólar observado, is, for any date, the average exchange rate at which transactions are actually carried out in the formal exchange market on the previous day, as certified by the Central Bank on the following business day. The referential exchange rate is still published, but primarily for reference purposes.

The Central Bank is also able to buy or sell foreign currency to banking institutions established in Chile at the price agreed upon by the parties, in accordance with established instructions.

Purchases and sales of foreign currency may be effected outside the formal exchange market through the informal exchange market. There are no limits imposed on the fluctuation of the rate of exchange in the informal exchange market above or below the observed exchange rate. We estimate that, since 1991, the year-end rate of exchange for Chilean pesos into dollars on the informal exchange market has fluctuated between approximately 2.0% below and 5.1% above the observed exchange rate. As of June 30, 2003, the rate of exchange for Chilean pesos into US dollars on the informal exchange market was practically the same as the observed exchange rate.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the annual low, high, average and year-end observed exchange rates for US dollars as reported by the Central Bank. We make no representation that the Chilean peso or the US dollar amounts referred to herein actually represent, could have been or could be converted into dollars or Chilean pesos, as the case may be, at the rates indicated, at any particular rate or at all. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report a noon buying rate for Chilean pesos. On September 30, 2003, the observed exchange rate was Ch$660.97 = US$1.00.

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	Observed Exchange Rates of Ch$ per US$1.00
Year	Low(1)	High(1)	Average(2)	Period-End
1998	439.18	475.41	460.29	472.41
1999	468.69	550.93	504.78	530.07
2000	501.04	580.37	539.49	573.65
2001	557.13	716.62	634.94	654.79
2002	641.75	756.56	688.94	718.61
2003
January	709.22	738.87	722.48	736.15
February	733.10	755.26	745.21	750.28
March	725.79	758.21	743.28	731.56
April	704.42	729.73	718.25	704.42
May	694.22	714.10	703.58	714.10
June	697.23	717.40	709.18	699.12
July	695.82	706.21	701.14	706.21
August	697.11	713.22	703.77	697.91
September	655.92	697.57	675.44	660.97

Source: Central Bank

(1) Exchange rates are the actual high and low, on a day-by-day basis, for each period.

(2) For the years 1998 through 2002, the average of monthly average rates during the period. For the months ended January through September, the daily average rates during the period.

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EXCHANGE CONTROLS IN CHILE

The Central Bank is, among other things, responsible for establishing monetary policy and exchange controls in Chile.

Until April 19, 2001, all international bonds issuances by Chilean companies required the prior approval of the Central Bank. Absent such authorization, issuers were not allowed to offer bonds outside of Chile. The regulations imposed restrictions on the type of companies that were entitled to issue bonds abroad and on the bonds themselves, including limitations on the average term of the bonds to be placed internationally.

The Compendium of Foreign Exchange Regulations, the Compendium, no longer requires the approval of, or previous registration with, the Central Bank. The proceeds of the international sale of the notes may be brought by us into Chile or held abroad. In either case, however, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Compendium, we must inform the Central Bank of the issuance of notes within ten days following the disbursement of funds to our Panamanian agency, together with the schedule of payments of the notes. We also will be required to inform the Central Bank quarterly of the outstanding amounts due under the notes and from time to time of any information that has been previously filed.

Although we have informed the Central Bank of the issuance of the notes, such notification will not guarantee us access to the formal exchange market for the purchase of US dollars to pay amounts due under the notes. Under current Central Bank regulations, we would be permitted to purchase US dollars either in the formal exchange market or in the informal exchange market to make payments in respect of the notes and also would be permitted to purchase US dollars in either the formal exchange market or the informal exchange market to allocate capital to our Panamanian agency. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be able to purchase US dollars at the time or in the amounts required to make payments in respect of the notes. There also can be no assurance that future changes to the foreign exchange control regime in Chile will not restrict or prevent the purchase of US dollars by us.

Foreign exchange regulations may be enacted by the Central Bank unilaterally. Although there are currently no foreign exchange regulations or restrictions other than those described in this prospectus, we cannot assure you that new restrictions will not be imposed in the future, nor can we assess the duration or impact of such restrictions, if imposed.

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our audited consolidated capitalization as of June 30, 2003, and our audited consolidated capitalization as adjusted to give effect to the issuance of the notes, as if such issuance had occurred as of June 30, 2003. This table should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes to those statements contained elsewhere in this prospectus.

	As of June 30, 2003
	Actual	As Adjusted
	(in millions of US$)	(in millions of US$)
Short-term debt
Short-term debt	0.0	0.0
Current portion of long-term notes	50.3	50.3
Current portion of bonds	80.8	80.8
Total short-term debt	131.1	131.1
Long-term debt
Long-term notes	352.2	352.2
Long-term bonds	1,157.5	1,157.5
5.125% Notes due 2013	—	300.0
Total long-term debt	1,509.7	1,809.7
Stockholders’ equity
Paid-in capital	363.8	363.8
Retained earnings	1,918.4	1,918.4
Total stockholders’ equity	2,282.3	2,282.3
Total capitalization	3,923.1	4,223.1

20

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following tables present our selected consolidated financial data in accordance with US GAAP as of the dates and for each of the periods indicated. This information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, appearing in this prospectus.

The consolidated financial data as of June 30, 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2002 and 2003 has been derived from our unaudited interim condensed financial statement included elsewhere in this prospectus. The consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and for each of the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 has been derived from our audited financial statements contained in our annual report on Form 20-F. The consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 and for the year ended December 31, 1999 has been derived from audited financial data that has not been included in this prospectus. Audited information prepared in accordance with US GAAP as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998 is not available. Accordingly, the selected information in accordance with US GAAP presented below as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998 has been derived from our unaudited US GAAP financial data which was prepared by us by converting into US dollars and US GAAP information contained in our Chilean GAAP audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998.

Our unaudited data for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 includes all normal and recurring adjustments which in the opinion of management are necessary for the fair presentation of such information. The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year ending December 31, 2003 or for any other period.

	As of or for the year ended December 31,															As of or for the six months ended June 30,
	1998(1)			1999(1)			2000			2001			2002			2002			2003
	(in thousands of US$, except ratios, shares and per share data)															Unaudited (in thousands of US$, except ratios, shares and per share data)
US GAAP
Income Statement Data
Sales revenue	US$	870,192		US$	1,089,928		US$	1,260,342		US$	1,173,826		US$	1,188,018		US$	561,295		US$	664,308
Cost of sales		(556,830	)		(595,086	)		(604,130	)		(689,837	)		(620,464	)		(321,170	)		(335,394	)
Depreciation		(107,970	)		(105,053	)		(106,576	)		(119,796	)		(103,885	)		(53,453	)		(54,226	)
Administration and selling expenses		(76,553	)		(88,207	)		(102,701	)		(94,047	)		(100,515	)		(36,271	)		(54,885	)
Operating income		128,839			301,582			446,935			270,146			363,154			150,401			219,803
Interest income		16,009			14,723			12,563			14,794			21,995			12,180			12,435
Other income (expense)		11,023			15,493			5,151			(3,871	)		1,513			1,666			5,682
Foreign exchange gains (losses)		1,399			(2,578	)		(5,070	)		(26,058	)		11,668			22,382			28,588
Interest expenses		(76,008	)		(51,526	)		(62,201	)		(62,362	)		(61,692	)		(33,732	)		(23,624	)
Income before taxes, minority interest and equity from earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		81,262			277,694			397,378			192,649			336,638			152,897			242,884
Provision for income taxes		(6,640	)		(6,419	)		(55,552	)		(12,956	)		(52,578	)		(24,029	)		(39,413	)
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries		(2,099	)		(43	)		(2,051	)		(225	)		(267	)		(158	)		(144	)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		1,141			4,829			1,377			1,463			2,558			1,094			1,759
Net income		73,664			276,061			341,152			180,931			286,351			129,804			205,086
Dividends paid		20,290			47,105			193,353			67,610			71,702			32,934			66,263
Balance Sheet Data
Forests		960,392			1,040,871			1,078,394			1,167,462			1,188,013			1,127,329			1,226,830
Property, plant and equipment, net		1,500,981			1,573,001			1,639,293			1,653,466			1,851,240			1,729,674			2,024,297
Total assets		3,213,397			3,347,920			3,550,989			3,899,257			4,110,336			3,907,080			4,321,634
Total long-term liabilities		1,242,587			1,200,709			1,242,645			1,711,740			1,570,080			1,657,213			1,671,189
Total stockholders’ equity		1,495,359			1,707,433			1,832,108			1,974,785			2,157,665			1,997,002			2,282,254
Other Financial Data
Capital expenditures(2)		148,752			257,202			263,588			223,831			330,804			115,221			246,113
Depreciation		107,970			105,053			106,576			119,796			103,885			53,453			54,226
Number of shares		113,152,446			113,152,446			113,152,446			113,152,446			113,152,446			113,152,446			113,152,446
Net income per share		0.65			2.44			3.01			1.60			2.53			1.15			1.81
Dividends per share		0.18			0.42			1.71			0.60			0.63			0.29			0.59
Cash Flow Data
Total operating cash flow		183,091			510,159			417,353			(55,692	)		481,651			157,977			231,580
Total cash flow arising from financing activities		(125,169	)		(231,230	)		34,268			238,453			(124,566	)		(71,948	)		44,110

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	As of or for the year ended December 31,										As of or for the six months ended June 30,
	1998(1)		1999(1)		2000		2001		2002		2002		2003
Total cash flow arising from investing activities	(51,646	)	(206,409	)	(405,342	)	(224,154	)	(330,362	)	(94,037	)	(257,985	)

(1) In 2000, we acquired 97.5% of the outstanding shares of Forestal Cholguán S.A. of which 85.8% were acquired from our indirect controlling shareholders and were considered to be an exchange of ownership interests between companies under common control. As such, the financial information presented above for the years 1999 and 1998 has been adjusted to incorporate the historical value of the assets, liabilities and profit and loss accounts as if the combination had taken place as of January 1 of each year.

(2) Accrued for the period. See Note 13 of our audited consolidated financial statements and Note 6 of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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RECENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Results of Operations

The following table provides a breakdown of our sales revenue and volumes, cost of sales and selling and administration expenses for the periods indicated below. This unaudited information has been prepared in accordance with US GAAP.

	Six months ended June 30,
	2002						2003
	(in millions of US$, except where indicated)
	US$			%		Volume	US$			%		Volume
Sales Revenue:
Pulp
Bleached pulp(1)	US$	222.6		39.7	%	570.3	US$	258.5		38.9	%	568.0
Unbleached pulp(1)		66.3		11.8		182.5		65.7		9.9		168.6
Forestry
Sawlogs (net)(2)		8.1		1.4		356.5		7.5		1.1		254.6
Pulplogs(2)		2.1		0.4		215.9		2.3		0.3		117.2
Posts(2)		6.2		1.1		14.1		4.6		0.7		9.7
Wood Products
Sawn timber(2)		100.5		17.9		710.6		112.5		16.9		730.7
Remanufactured wood products(2)		58.9		10.5		127.1		69.5		10.5		137.4
Flitches(2)		2.8		0.5		26.1		3.9		0.6		29.2
Chips(2)		0.5		0.1		19.1		0.3		0.0		17.0
Plywood and fiberboard panels(2)		84.6		15.1		281.7		134.8		20.3		502.1
Other		8.7		1.6		N/A		4.7		0.7		N/A
Total sales revenue		561.3		100.0	%			664.3		100.0	%
Cost of Sales:
Forestry labor costs		59.0		18.4				64.8		19.3
Timber		68.0		21.2				69.3		20.7
Port costs		4.4		1.4				3.7		1.1
Freight and other transportation costs		73.5		22.9				80.4		24.0
Other costs of sales		116.3		36.2				117.1		34.9
Total cost of sales		321.2		100.0	%			335.4		100.0	%
Gross margins		42.8	%					49.5	%
Depreciation		53.5						54.2
Selling and Administration Expenses:
Wages and salaries		12.4		34.3				13.5		24.5
Other selling and administration expenses		23.8		65.7				41.4		75.5
Total selling and administration expenses		36.3		100.0	%			54.9		100.0	%
Total cost of sales, depreciation and selling and administration expenses		410.9						444.5
Income from operations		150.4						219.8
Operating margin		26.8	%					33.1	%

(1) Volumes measured in thousands of metric tons.

(2) Volumes measured in thousands of cubic meters.

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Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2002

Sales Revenue

Sales revenue increased 18.4%, from US$561.3 million in the first half of 2002 to US$664.3 million in the first half of 2003, principally as a result of:

• a 59.3% increase in sales of plywood and fiberboard panels;

• a 16.1% increase in sales of bleached pulp; and

• a 12.0% increase in sales of sawn timber.

These increases were partially offset by a 26.0% decrease in sales of pulplogs and a 1.0% decrease in sales of unbleached pulp.

Pulp Sales

Sales revenue of bleached and unbleached pulp increased 12.2%, from US$288.9 million in the first half of 2002 to US$324.2 million in the first half of 2003, reflecting a 14.7% increase in nominal dollar prices for pulp, which was partially offset by a 2.1% decrease in sales volume. Sales of bleached pulp increased 16.1%, from US$222.6 million in the first half of 2002 to US$258.5 million in the first half of 2003 due to a 16.6% increase in the nominal dollar price for bleached pulp, which was partially offset by a 0.4% decrease in sales volume. Sales of unbleached pulp decreased 1.0% from US$66.3 million in the first half of 2002 to US$65.7 million in the first half of 2003 due to a 7.6% decrease in unbleached pulp sales volume. This decrease in unbleached pulp sales volume was due to a reduction in sales to America and Asia, especially Thailand, which was partially offset by a 7.2% increase in the average nominal dollar price.

Wood Products Sales

Sales revenue of wood products, including sawn timber, remanufactured wood products, flitches and chips, increased 14.5% from US$162.6 million in the first half of 2002 to US$186.2 million in the first half of 2003. This increase was mainly the result of:

• a 12.0% increase in sales revenue of sawn timber due to an 8.9% increase in average nominal dollar prices and a 2.8% increase in sales volume; and

• a 18.1% increase in sales revenue of remanufactured wood products due to a 9.3% increase in average nominal dollar prices and an 8.1% increase in sales volume.

Plywood and Fiberboard Panel Sales

Sales revenue of plywood and fiberboard panels increased 59.3% from US$84.6 million in the first half of 2002 to US$134.8 million in the first half of 2003. This increase was primarily due to a 78.2% increase in sales volume, resulting from the start of production at two new medium-density fiberboard plants in October 2002. This increase in sales volume was partially offset by a 10.6% decrease in nominal dollar prices.

Forestry Sales

Forestry sales, which include sales of sawlogs, pulplogs and posts, decreased 12.0% from US$16.4 million in the first half of 2002 to US$14.4 million in the first half of 2003. This decrease was mainly the result of:

• a 26.0% decrease in sales revenue of posts due to a 31.6% decrease in sales volume, which was partially offset by an 8.2% increase in average nominal dollar prices; and

24

• a 6.7% decrease in sales revenue of sawlogs, due to a 28.6% decrease in sales volume, partially offset by a 30.6% increase in sales volume.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales increased 4.4% from US$321.2 million for the first half of 2002 to US$335.4 million for the first half of 2003. This increase was primarily due to a 78.2% increase in the sales volume of plywood and fiberboard panels, which was partially offset by a 35.0% decrease in the sales volume of forestry products and a 2.1% decrease in the sales volume of pulp. These increases in sales volume resulted in larger amounts of depreciation, timber costs, forestry labor costs, and other costs of sales.

Gross margins increased from 42.8% for the first half of 2002 to 49.5% for the first half of 2003, primarily as a result of an increase in sales prices, and in particular a 14.7% increase in the sales price of pulp.

Selling and Administration Expenses

Selling and administration expenses increased 51.3% from US$36.3 million in the first half of 2002 to US$54.9 million in the first half of 2003, primarily as a result of an increase in project research expenses related to the Valdivia and Itata projects.

As a percentage of sales revenue, selling and administration expenses increased from 6.46% during the first half of 2002 to 8.26% during the first half of 2003, primarily as a result of the above-mentioned increase in selling and administration expenses, which was partially offset by an increase in sales revenues.

Income from Operations

Income from operations increased 46.1% from US$150.4 million in the first half of 2002 to US$219.8 million in the first half of 2003, principally reflecting an increase in the sales volume of panels, sawn timber and remanufactured products and the increase in nominal prices of pulp and wood products, which was partially offset by an increase in selling and administration expenses. Our operating profit margin increased from 26.8% in the first half of 2002 to 33.1% in the first half of 2003.

Non-Operating Income

Our total non-operating income increased from US$2.5 million in the first half of 2002 to US$23.1 million in the first half of 2003, in part due to a decrease in interest expense from US$33.7 million for the first half of 2002 to US$23.6 million for the first half of 2003. Additionally there was a US$6.2 million increase in foreign exchange gains and a US$4.0 million increase in other income.

Interest Income

Interest income increased 2.1% from US$12.2 million for the first half of 2002 to US$12.4 million for the first half of 2003, largely as a consequence of an increase in average interest rates earned, which was partially offset by a reduction in the average position of cash and short term investments in the first half of 2003 compared to the first half of 2002.

Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses)

Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations resulted in a foreign exchange gain of US$28.6 million in the first half of 2003, compared to US$22.3 million in the first half of 2002. Foreign currency exchange rate gains in 2002 were mainly due to an 11.3% increase in the value of the euro against the US dollar resulting in a gain of US$24.1 million on our marketable securities denominated in euros, partially offset by a devaluation of the Argentine peso. The gain in 2003 is also due to a 9.7% increase in the value of the euro against the US dollar which resulted in a gain on our holding during the first half of 2003 of approximately US$12.8 million in marketable securities denominated in euros, and also to an increase in the value of the Argentine peso.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased 30.0% from US$33.7 million to US$23.6 million, largely as a consequence of a decrease in the average interest rate on our outstanding debt from 7.4% in the first half of 2002 to 6.6% in the first

25

half of 2003 and an increase in interest capitalization from US$24.3 million for the first half of 2002 to US$29.4 million in the first half of 2003. The decrease in the average interest rate is mainly due to a decrease in LIBOR (London Inter Bank Offering Rate) affecting our debt subject to floating rate. As of June 30, 2003, approximately 24.6% of our total debt was subject to a floating interest rate.

Income Taxes

Income taxes increased 64.0% from US$24.0 million in the first half of 2002 to US$39.4 million in the first half of 2003. This was due to higher pre-tax income attained in the first half of 2003, compared to the same period in 2002 as well as an increase of 0.5% in the statutory tax rate. In accordance with Chilean law, we and each of our subsidiaries compute and pay tax on a separate basis and not on a consolidated basis. At June 30, 2003, our consolidated Chilean subsidiaries had tax loss carryforwards of US$22.5 million.

These tax loss carryforwards can be carried forward indefinitely. At June 30, 2003, Alto Paraná had US$27.9 million in unutilized tax loss carryforwards expiring in 2007. In accordance with Argentine law, tax loss carryforwards can be applied to offset taxable income earned by Alto Paraná for five years following their incurrence.

Net Income

Our net income increased 58.0% from US$129.8 million in the first half of 2002 to US$205.1 million in the first half of 2003. This increase was primarily due to an increase in prices for pulp and wood products resulting in higher operating income and also to an increase in non-operating income primarily due to a decrease in interest expense, which was partially offset by a increase in income taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity are funds from operations, domestic and international borrowings from commercial and investment banks, and debt offerings in the domestic and international capital markets.

Our net cash flow provided by operating activities increased 46.6% from US$158.0 million for the first half of 2002 to US$231.6 million for the first half of 2003. This increase was mainly due to increases in operating income and a positive cash flow in investments and proceeds from sales of trading securities which were partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable and an increase in inventories.

For the first half of 2003, our main investment activities were the ongoing construction of the Valdivia Mill with total capital expenditures for the period of approximately US$204.4 million and a capital contribution of US$28.5 million to EKA Chile S.A. EKA Chile is a joint venture between us and EKA Chemicals, a Swedish chemical company. EKA Chile is 50% controlled by each party. EKA Chile’s operations will be located in Talcahuano, near our operations, and will provide chlorate to our mills.

For the first half of 2003, our net cash flows obtained from financing activities were US$44.1 million. During this period, our principal financing activities were:

• obtaining a US$150 million five-year syndicated loan through our Panama agency, bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 0.85%;

• repayment of US$37.5 million in aggregate principal amount of our 1997 syndicated loan which bore interest at LIBOR plus 0.35%; and

26

• repayment of US$1.4 million in aggregate principal amount of domestic bonds which bore interest at a rate of UF plus 6.0%.

At June 30, 2003, our short-term bank borrowings were US$21 thousand.

Our total long-term bank, export credit agency and multilateral lending agency debt (including the current portion of such debt) was US$402.5 million at June 30, 2003, of which 100% was US dollar-denominated. At June 30, 2003, we also had total capital markets borrowings of US$1,238.3 million, 99.9% of which was dollar-denominated and 0.1% of which was UF denominated. At June 30, 2003, the weighted average maturity of our Chilean peso-denominated debt (all of which is expressed in UF) was 0.4 years and the weighted average maturity of our foreign currency-denominated debt was 5.7 years. At that date, the average interest rate on our UF-denominated debt was 6.0% in excess of UF indices, the average margin on our foreign currency-denominated floating rate debt was 0.77% over LIBOR and the average interest rate on our foreign currency-denominated fixed rate debt was 7.63%.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. From time to time we assess our exposure and monitor opportunities to manage these risks, including entering into derivative contracts. In the normal course of business, we also face risks that are either non-financial or non-quantifiable. Such risks principally include country risk, credit risk and legal risk and are not represented in the information below. The following discussion about our risk management activities includes forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements.

Interest Rate Risk

We are subject to interest rate risk principally with respect to our indebtedness that bears interest at variable rates. At June 30, 2003, we had outstanding indebtedness of approximately US$1,640.8 million, of which approximately 75.5% bore interest at fixed rates and approximately 24.5% bore interest at floating rates. Approximately 0.1% of the indebtedness was denominated in UF as of that date. The interest rate on our variable rate debt is determined by reference to LIBOR. Our UF-denominated indebtedness bears interest at a fixed rate, although the amount of the borrowing is periodically revalued in accordance with Chilean inflation.

The following table summarizes our long-term debt obligations as of June 30, 2003. The table presents the aggregate principal amount of each category of indebtedness maturing in each year, at the weighted average interest rate for each category of indebtedness. Average interest rates for liabilities are calculated based on the prevailing interest rate for each loan at June 30, 2003.

	As of June 30, 2003
	Expected contractual maturity date
	Average Interest Rate(1)		Within 1 year	More than 1 and not more than 2 years	More than 2 and not more than 3 years	More than 3 and not more than 4 years	More than 4 and not more than 5 years	Thereafter	Total Long Term Debt (incl. 2003 maturities)	Fair Value(2)
	(US$ in millions)
Long-Term Debt:
Fixed rate (Ch$-denominated)(3)	6.00	%	0.6	—	—	—	—	—	0.6	0.6
Variable rate (Ch$-denominated)(3)	—		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Fixed rate (US$ denominated)	7.63	%	80.2	—	175.0	—	100.0	882.5	1,237.7	1,424.5
Variable rate (US$-denominated)	LIBOR+ 0.77	%	50.3	100.4	130.5	61.1	60.3	—	402.5	402.5

(1) Average interest rate means the weighted average prevailing interest rate at June 30, 2003.

(2) These figures were calculated based on the discounted value of future cash flows expected to be received or paid, considering current discount rates that reflect the different risks involved.

(3) These figures were calculated based on the observed exchange rate published by the Central Bank as of June 30, 2003 which was Ch$699.12 = US$ 1.00.

27

Foreign Currency Risk

Our principal exchange rate risk involves changes in the value of the Chilean peso relative to the US dollar. We generally believe that our foreign currency risk is not material to our net income. As of June 30, 2003, substantially all of our consolidated revenues were denominated in or indexed to US dollars. We estimate that a majority of our consolidated costs and expenses are also denominated in US dollars. As of June 30, 2003:

• a significant portion of our accounts receivable was denominated in US dollars;

• substantially all of our indebtedness was denominated in US dollars; and

• approximately 88.9% of our consolidated total assets was denominated in US dollars, 7.0% in Chilean pesos, 2.7% in euros and 1.4% in other currencies.

Substantially all of our foreign currency denominated revenues, costs and expenses, receivables and indebtedness are denominated in US dollars.

Capital Expenditures

In order to utilize our increasing volume of forest production, we have continually added to, expanded and modernized our processing facilities. Our planned capital expenditures include the construction of the Valdivia Mill in the Tenth Region of Chile for the production of bleached pulp. This facility is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2004, with a projected annual capacity of approximately 700,000 metric tons of bleached pulp. Construction of the mill began in December 2001. The project is expected to require capital expenditures of approximately US$600 million, to be funded out of our operating income and from indebtedness, of which approximately US$389.3 million has already been paid as of June 30, 2003.

We have proposed the construction of another industrial complex in southern Chile. As proposed, the project, known as the “Itata Project,” would include a pulp mill, a plywood mill, a sawmill and other wood processing facilities. Our board of directors has approved the construction of the first phase of the Itata Project, consisting of a sawmill, a plywood mill and an energy complex to supply steam and energy. Construction of this first phase began in May 2003 with an estimated investment cost of approximately US$120 million. The necessary environmental approvals for the proposed project have been obtained. However, the pulp mill has not received final board of director approval and therefore there can be no assurance of the implementation of the second phase. We are proceeding with all the studies to submit the project to the board of directors for its approval during the first half of 2004.

Our main capital expenditures were US$246.1 million during the first half of 2003, consisting primarily of US$18.4 million in investments in the forested land, US$207.4 million in investments in the pulp business, and US$20.3 million in investments in the wood products business.

The capital expenditures described above represent amounts accrued for purposes of our financial statements and do not necessarily represent the cash cost of capital expenditures during the period. Non cash capital expenditures totaled US$15.5 million and US$20.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

We believe that cash flow generated by operations, cash balances, borrowings from commercial banks and export credit agencies and debt offerings in the domestic and international capital markets, will be sufficient to meet our working capital, debt service and capital expenditure requirements for the foreseeable future.

Derivatives Instruments

In the normal course of business, we utilize various derivative instruments. Recent transactions include:

• On May 8, 2002 we entered into an interest rate swap agreement on US$200.0 million in principal amount of the 7.75% Notes for interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.79875%;

• On May 23, 2003, we entered into an offsetting swap contract in which the US$200.0 million of the notes bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR + 1.79875%, resulting from the interest rate swap entered into on May 8, 2002, were swapped for a fixed interest rate of 5.506%;

• On June 30, 2003, we completed an unwind of a principal amount of US$30.0 million on both of the above referenced swaps agreements, resulting in a gain of US$5.1 million;

• On August 27, 2003, we completed an unwind of a principal amount of US$40.0 million on both of the above referenced swaps agreements, resulting in a gain of US$6.5 million;

• On June 13, 2003, we entered into a T-lock agreement at a fixed rate of 3.13% associated with the issuance of the outstanding notes. A T-lock is a derivative in which two parties agree on a certain US Treasury Bill rate for a certain maturity. Any variation in the market rate for the same maturity will lead to a different valuation of the instrument. The forward date for this transaction was July 9, 2003 and the principal amount was US$250.0 million; and

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• On July 2, 2003 we completed an unwind of the above referenced T-lock, resulting in a gain of US$8.4 million.

Critical Accounting Policies

A summary of our significant accounting policies is included in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F, which is included in this prospectus, and incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We believe that the consistent application of these policies enables us and our subsidiaries to provide readers of the financial statements with more useful and reliable information about our operating results and financial condition. The following are the accounting policies that we believe are the most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.

Property, Plant and Equipment

The key judgments we must make under the property, plant, and equipment policy include the estimation of the useful lives of our various asset types, the election to utilize primarily the straight-line method for recording depreciation, management’s judgment regarding appropriate capitalization or expensing of costs related to fixed assets, and our determination that no impairment exists.

Property, plant, and equipment is stated on our balance sheet at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of buildings, equipment, and other depreciable assets is determined using primarily the straight-line method. The estimation of useful lives for fixed assets impacts the level of annual depreciation expense recorded. Utilization of the straight-line method for recording depreciation or any of the other acceptable methods for depreciating assets will result in the same amount of depreciation over the life of an asset; however, the amount of annual depreciation expense and the resulting carrying amount of net property, plant, and equipment can vary significantly depending on the method elected.

Property, plant, and equipment assets are evaluated for possible impairment on a specific asset basis or in groups of similar assets, as applicable. This process requires our estimate of future cash flows generated by each asset or group of assets. For any instance where this evaluation process indicates impairment, the appropriate asset’s carrying values are written down to net fair value and the amount of the write-down is charged against the results of continuing operations.

Expenditures that substantially improve and/or increase the useful life of facilities or equipment are capitalized. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Our evaluation of whether an expenditure related to property, plant, and equipment substantially improves and/or increases the useful life of an asset and is appropriately capitalized as an addition to the asset’s cost basis or is expensed as normal maintenance and repair expense can significantly affect results of operations for a given period, as well as our financial position.

Forests

Forests are stated at cost of development less the cost of forest harvested. Forest costs consist primarily of purchased timber, planting, maintenance, protection, and other direct costs related to the plantation of the forest. Direct and indirect interest costs of developing forests are capitalized until the forest is deemed to have reached an exploitable stage. These capitalized interest costs are included in the historical cost of the forest. Forests do not include any estimated future reforestation costs. The cost of forest harvested is based on the volume of forest harvested in relation to the estimated volume of forest recoverable. Our estimated volume of forest recoverable is based on statistical information and data obtained from physical measurements and other information gathering techniques. Such information gathered and data used requires, to a certain extent, estimates and judgments in determining the amount of forest recoverable.

Inventories

Inventories of raw materials, work-in-process and spare parts are stated at the lower of cost or market, primarily using the average cost method. Finished goods are stated at the lower of average production costs for the period, or net realizable value. Inventory costs include materials, labor, transportation, depreciation of fixed assets and production overhead as appropriate. Determination of the net realizable value of each component of inventory is based on the

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current invoice price. Work-in-process inventories require estimation of the future cost per unit to complete manufacturing from each stage of processing, using historical manufacturing costs. These estimates can affect the carrying value for inventories, and any required inventory write-down can affect results of operations in both current and future periods.

Goodwill

Goodwill is the excess of acquisition cost of a business over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill and other intangible assets are deemed to have an indefinite life and not amortized. However, these indefinite life assets are tested for impairment at least on an annual basis or more frequently when indicators of impairment are determined to exist by applying a fair-value based test. Management must exercise judgment in assessing goodwill for impairment. We review the recorded value of our goodwill annually or sooner if changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may exceed fair value. Recoverability of the carrying value of the asset is determined by comparing fair value to the net book value, including goodwill, of the relevant assets.

Deferred Income Tax

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, the provision for income taxes includes amounts currently payable and amounts deferred as tax assets and liabilities, based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities, and is measured using the enacted tax rates that are assumed will be in effect when the differences reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance which is established when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. In making the determination of the valuation allowance, we consider both positive and negative evidence and make certain assumptions, including projections of taxable income. Changes in these assumptions may have a material impact on results.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a review of the specific receivable. A 100% provision is applied for those customers for which collectibility is in doubt. Management must make certain judgments and estimates in determining accounts that are considered to be in doubt.

Recent Applicable US GAAP Pronouncements

In July 2001, the FASB issued FAS 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” FAS 143. FAS 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, the entity capitalizes the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, the entity either settles the obligation for the amount recorded or incurs a gain or loss. FAS 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. We adopted FAS-143 on January 1, 2003, and it did not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In June 2002, the FASB issued FAS 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” This statement supersedes Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring).” FAS 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity when the liability is incurred. Under EITF 94-3, a company recognized a liability at the date an entity commits to an exit plan. FAS 146 also establishes that the liability should initially be measured and recorded at fair value. The provisions of FAS 146 are effective for any exit and disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. We have not initiated any such exit or disposal activities in 2003; therefore, adoption of FAS 146 had no effect on our financial position, results of operation or cash flows.

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In November, 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others,” FIN 45. FIN 45 requires that, upon issuance of a guarantee, a guarantor must recognize a liability for the fair value of an obligation assumed under a guarantee. FIN 45 also requires additional disclosures by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about the obligations associated with guarantees issued. The recognition provisions of FIN 45 are effective for any guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The adoption of FIN 45 on January 1, 2003 did not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” FIN 46. FIN 46 requires that companies that control another entity through interests other than voting interests should consolidate the controlled entity. FIN 46 applies to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date. The related disclosure requirements are effective immediately. We do not have nor have we created or obtained an interest in any such entities.

During fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, Arauco implemented FAS 145, “Rescission of FAS Nos. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FAS 13, and Technical Corrections,” FAS 145, under which gains and losses from extinguishment of debt should be classified as extraordinary items only if they meet criteria outlined in Accounting Principles Bulletin No. 30. Under FAS 145 we recorded losses on the early extinguishment of debt in earnings from continuing operations in our statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2002. No such losses have arisen in the six-month period ended June 30, 2003.

In April 2003, the FASB issued FAS 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” FAS 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments and for hedging activities under FAS 133, Accounting for Derivatives and Hedging Activities. This statement (1) clarifies under what circumstances a contract with an initial net investment meets the characteristic of a derivative, (2) clarifies when a derivative contains a financing component, and (3) amends the definition of an underlying to conform to FIN 45. FAS 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, with all provisions applied prospectively. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges in accordance with US GAAP for (i) each year in the five years ended December 31, 2002 and (ii) the six-month periods ended June 30, 2002 and 2003. For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of earnings before income taxes plus fixed charges (excluding capitalized interests). Fixed charges consist of interest expense, capitalized interest and amortization of bond discount and issue costs.

	Year ended December 31,					Six months ended June 30,
	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2002	2003
US GAAP	1.5	3.9	4.7	2.3	3.4	3.2	5.0

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THE EXCHANGE OFFER

General

We hereby offer, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal (which together constitute the exchange offer), to exchange up to US$300.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.125% Notes due 2013, which we refer to in this prospectus as the outstanding notes, for a like aggregate principal amount of our 5.125% Notes due 2013, which we refer to in this prospectus as the exchange notes, properly tendered on or prior to the expiration date and not withdrawn as permitted pursuant to the procedures described below. The exchange offer is being made with respect to all of the outstanding notes.

As of the date of this prospectus, US$300.0 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes is outstanding. This prospectus, together with the letter of transmittal, is first being sent on or about October 2003, to all holders of outstanding notes known to us. Our obligation to accept outstanding notes for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer is subject to conditions set forth under “—Conditions to the Exchange Offer” below. We currently expect that each of the conditions will be satisfied and that no waivers will be necessary.

Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer

We have entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the outstanding notes in which we agreed, under some circumstances, to file a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange the outstanding notes for exchange notes. We also agreed to use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause the exchange offer registration statement to become effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable, but in no event later than 240 days after the closing date and keep the exchange offer registration statement effective for not less than 20 business days. The exchange notes will have terms substantially identical to the outstanding notes, except that the exchange notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest for failure to observe obligations in the registration rights agreement. The outstanding notes were issued on July 9, 2003.

If we are unable to meet our obligations under the registration rights agreement described above, we will use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause the SEC to declare effective a shelf registration statement with respect to the resale of the outstanding notes and keep the statement, effective for up to two years after the closing date.

If we fail to comply with obligations under the registration rights agreement described above, we will be required to pay additional interest to holders of the outstanding notes.

Each holder of outstanding notes that wishes to exchange outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer will be required to make the following representations:

• any exchange notes will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business;

• the holder will have no arrangements or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the outstanding notes or the exchange notes within the meaning of the Securities Act;

• the holder is not an affiliate, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act, of ours or if it is an affiliate of ours, that it will comply with applicable registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, to the extent applicable;

• if the holder is not a broker-dealer, that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in the distribution of the exchange notes; and

• if the holder is a broker-dealer, that it will receive exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and that it will be required to acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. See “Plan of Distribution.”

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Terms of the Exchange Offer

Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal, we will accept for exchange any outstanding notes properly tendered and not properly withdrawn prior to the expiration date. We will issue US$1,000 principal amount of exchange notes in exchange for each US$1,000 principal amount of outstanding notes surrendered under the exchange offer. Outstanding notes may be tendered only in integral multiples of US$1,000.

The form and terms of the exchange notes will be substantially identical to the form and terms of the outstanding notes except the exchange notes will be registered under the Securities Act, will not bear legends restricting their transfer and will not provide for any additional amounts upon our failure to fulfill our obligations under the registration rights agreement to file, and cause to be effective, a registration statement. The exchange notes will evidence the same debt as the outstanding notes. The exchange notes will be issued under and entitled to the benefits of the same indenture that authorized the issuance of the outstanding notes.

The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of outstanding notes being tendered for exchange.

As of the date of this prospectus, US$300.0 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes are outstanding. This prospectus and a letter of transmittal are being sent to all registered holders of outstanding notes. There will be no fixed record date for determining registered holders of outstanding notes entitled to participate in the exchange offer.

We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the provisions of the registration rights agreement, the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC. Outstanding notes that are not tendered for exchange in the exchange offer will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest and will be entitled to the rights and benefits the holders have under the indenture relating to the outstanding notes, except for any rights under the registration rights agreement that by their terms terminate upon the consummation of the exchange offer.

We will be deemed to have accepted for exchange properly tendered outstanding notes when we have given oral or written notice of the acceptance to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering holders for the purposes of receiving the exchange notes from us and delivering exchange notes to the holders. Under the terms of the registration rights agreement, we reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer, and not to accept for exchange any outstanding notes not previously accepted for exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions specified below under the caption “—Conditions to the Exchange Offer.”

Holders who tender outstanding notes in the exchange offer will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the letter of transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of outstanding notes. We will pay all charges and expenses, other than applicable taxes described below, in connection with the exchange offer. It is important that you read the section labeled “—Fees and Expenses” below for more details regarding fees and expenses incurred in the exchange offer.

Resale of Exchange Notes

Based on interpretations of the staff of the SEC set forth in no action letters issued to unrelated third parties, we believe that exchange notes issued under the exchange offer in exchange for outstanding notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by any exchange note holder without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, if:

• the holder is not an affiliate of ours within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act;

• the exchange notes are acquired in the ordinary course of the holder’s business; and

• the holder does not intend to participate in the distribution of the exchange notes.

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Any holder who tenders in the exchange offer with the intention of participating in any manner in a distribution of the exchange notes:

• cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC enunciated in Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation or similar interpretive letters; and

• must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction.

This prospectus may be used for an offer to resell, for the resale or for other retransfer of exchange notes only as specifically set forth in this prospectus. With regard to broker-dealers, only broker-dealers that acquired the outstanding notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities may participate in the exchange offer. Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes, where the outstanding notes were acquired by the broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. Please read the section captioned “Plan of Distribution” for more details regarding the transfer of exchange notes.

Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments

The exchange offer will expire at midnight, New York City time on November     , 2003, unless in our sole discretion we extend it.

In order to extend the exchange offer, we will notify the exchange agent orally or in writing of any extension. We will notify the registered holders of outstanding notes of the extension no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

We reserve the right, in our sole discretion:

• to delay accepting for exchange any outstanding notes;

• to extend the exchange offer or to terminate the exchange offer and to refuse to accept outstanding notes not previously accepted if any of the conditions set forth below under “—Conditions to the Exchange Offer” have not been satisfied, by giving oral or written notice of the delay, extension or termination to the exchange agent; or

• under the terms of the registration rights agreement, to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner.

Any delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be followed promptly by oral or written notice to the registered holders of outstanding notes. If we amend the exchange offer in a manner that we determine constitutes a material change, we will promptly disclose the amendment in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the holder of outstanding notes of the amendment.

Without limiting the manner in which we may choose to make public announcements of any delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment of the exchange offer, we will have no obligation to publish, advertise or otherwise communicate any public announcement, other than by making a timely release to a financial news service.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

Despite any other term of the exchange offer, we will not be required to accept for exchange, or exchange any exchange notes for, any outstanding notes, and we may terminate the exchange offer as provided in this prospectus before accepting any outstanding notes for exchange if in our reasonable judgment:

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• the exchange notes to be received will not be tradable by the holder, without restriction under the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act and without material restrictions under the blue sky or securities laws of substantially all of the states of the United States;

• the exchange offer, or the making of any exchange by a holder of outstanding notes, would violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC; or

• any action or proceeding has been instituted or threatened in any court or by or before any governmental agency with respect to the exchange offer that, in our judgment, would reasonably be expected to impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer.

In addition, we will not be obligated to accept for exchange the outstanding notes of any holder that has not made to us:

• the representations described under “—Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer,” “—Procedures for Tendering” and “Plan of Distribution;” and

• such other representations as may be reasonably necessary under applicable SEC rules, regulations or interpretations to make available to it an appropriate form for registration of the exchange notes under the Securities Act.

We expressly reserve the right, at any time or at various times, to extend the period of time during which the exchange offer is open. Consequently, we may delay acceptance of any outstanding notes by giving oral or written notice of the extension to their holders. During any such extensions, all notes previously tendered will remain subject to the exchange offer, and we may accept them for exchange. We will return any outstanding notes that we do not accept for exchange for any reason without expense to their tendering holder promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

We expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer, and to reject for exchange any outstanding notes not previously accepted for exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions of the exchange offer specified above. We will give oral or written notice of any extension, amendment, nonacceptance or termination to the holders of the outstanding notes as promptly as practicable.

These conditions are for our sole benefit and we may assert them regardless of the circumstances that may give rise to them or waive them in whole or in part at any or at various times in our sole discretion. If we fail at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights, this failure will not constitute a waiver of this right. Each right will be deemed an ongoing right that we may assert at any time or at various times.

In addition, we will not accept for exchange any outstanding notes tendered, and will not issue exchange notes in exchange for any outstanding notes if, at the time, any stop order will be threatened or in effect with respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part or the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

Procedures for Tendering

Only a holder of outstanding notes may tender the outstanding notes in the exchange offer. To tender in the exchange offer, a holder must:

• complete, sign and date the accompanying letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal; have the signature on the letter of transmittal guaranteed if the letter of transmittal so requires; and mail or deliver the letter of transmittal or facsimile to the exchange agent prior to the expiration date; or

• comply with DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program procedures described below.

In addition, either:

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• the exchange agent must receive the outstanding notes along with the accompanying letter of transmittal; or

• the exchange agent must receive, prior to the expiration date, a timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of the outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC according to the procedures for book-entry transfer described below or a properly transmitted agent’s message; or

• the holder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

To be tendered effectively, the exchange agent must receive any physical delivery of a letter of transmittal and other required documents at the address set forth below under “—Exchange Agent” prior to the expiration date.

The tender by a holder that is not properly withdrawn prior to the expiration date will constitute an agreement between the holder and us in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal.

The method of delivery of outstanding notes, the letter of transmittal and all other required documents to the exchange agent is at the holder’s election and risk. Rather than mail these items, we recommend that holders use an overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases, holders should allow sufficient time to assure delivery to the exchange agent before the expiration date. Holders should not send the letter of transmittal or outstanding notes to us. Holders may request their respective brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or other nominees to effect the above transactions for them.

Any beneficial owner whose outstanding notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes to tender should contact the registered holder promptly and instruct it to tender on the owner’s behalf. If the beneficial owner wishes to tender on its own behalf, it must, prior to completing and executing the accompanying letter of transmittal and delivering its outstanding notes either:

• make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the outstanding notes in such owner’s name; or

• obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder of outstanding notes.

The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time and may not be completed prior to the expiration date.

Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal described below must be guaranteed by a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States or another “eligible institution” within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act, unless the outstanding notes are tendered:

• by a registered holder who has not completed the box entitled “Special Issuance Instructions” or “Special Delivery Instructions” on the accompanying letter of transmittal; or

• for the account of an eligible institution.

If the accompanying letter of transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder of any outstanding notes listed on the outstanding notes, the outstanding notes must be endorsed or accompanied by a properly completed bond power. The bond power must be signed by the registered holder as the registered holder’s name appears on the outstanding notes and an eligible institution must guarantee the signature on the bond power.

If the accompanying letter of transmittal or any outstanding notes or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, these persons should so indicate when signing. Unless waived by us, they should also submit evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to deliver the accompanying letter of transmittal.

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The exchange agent and DTC have confirmed that any financial institution that is a participant in DTC’s system may use DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program to tender. Participants in the program may, instead of physically completing and signing the accompanying letter of transmittal and delivering it to the exchange agent, transmit their acceptance of the exchange offer electronically. They may do so by causing DTC to transfer the outstanding notes to the exchange agent in accordance with its procedures for transfer. DTC will then send an agent’s message to the exchange agent. The term “agent’s message” means a message transmitted by DTC, received by the exchange agent and forming part of the book-entry confirmation, to the effect that:

• DTC has received an express acknowledgment from a participant in its Automated Tender Offer Program that is tendering outstanding notes that are the subject of the book-entry confirmation;

• the participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the accompanying letter of transmittal, or, in the case of an agent’s message relating to guaranteed delivery, that the participant has received and agrees to be bound by the applicable notice of guaranteed delivery; and

• the agreement may be enforced against that participant.

We will determine in our sole discretion all outstanding questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, including time or receipt, acceptance of tendered outstanding notes and withdrawal of tendered outstanding notes. Our determination will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any outstanding notes not validly tendered or any outstanding notes the acceptance of which would, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. We also reserve the right to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular outstanding notes. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, including the instructions in the accompanying letter of transmittal, will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of outstanding notes must be cured within such time as we will determine. Although we intend to notify holders of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of outstanding notes, neither we, the exchange agent, nor any other person will incur any liability for failure to give the notification. Tenders of outstanding notes will not be deemed made until any defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. Any outstanding notes received by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned to the exchange agent without cost to the tendering holder, unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, as soon as practicable following the expiration date.

In all cases, we will issue exchange notes for outstanding notes that we have accepted for exchange under the exchange offer only after the exchange agent timely receives:

• outstanding notes or a timely book-entry confirmation of the outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC; and

• a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal and all other required documents or a properly transmitted agent’s message.

By signing the accompanying letter of transmittal or authorizing the transmission of the agent’s message, each tendering holder of outstanding notes will represent or be deemed to have represented to us that, among other things:

• any exchange notes that the holder receives will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business;

• the holder has no arrangement or understanding with any person or entity to participate in the distribution of the exchange notes;

• if the holder is not a broker-dealer, that it is not engaged in and does not intend to engage in the distribution of the exchange notes;

• if the holder is a broker-dealer that will receive exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities,

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that it will deliver a prospectus, as required by law, in connection with any resale of any exchange notes. See “Plan of Distribution”; and

• the holder is not an affiliate, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act, of ours or, if the holder is an affiliate, it will comply with any, applicable registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

Book-Entry Transfer

The exchange agent will make a request to establish an account with respect to the outstanding notes at DTC for purposes of the exchange offer promptly after the date of this prospectus. Any financial institution participating in DTC’s system may make book-entry delivery of outstanding notes by causing DTC to transfer the outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC in accordance with DTC’s procedures for transfer. Holders of outstanding notes who are unable to deliver confirmation of the book-entry tender of their outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC or all other documents required by the letter? of transmittal to the exchange agent on or prior to the expiration date must tender their outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

Holders wishing to tender their outstanding notes but whose outstanding notes are not immediately available or who cannot deliver their outstanding notes, the accompanying letter of transmittal or any other available required documents to the exchange agent or comply with the applicable procedures under DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program prior to the expiration date may tender if:

• the tender is made through an eligible institution;

• prior to the expiration date, the exchange agent receives from the eligible institution either a properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery, by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery, or a properly transmitted agent’s message and notice of guaranteed delivery;

• setting forth the name and address of the holder, the registered number(s) of the outstanding notes and the principal amount of outstanding notes tendered;

• stating that the tender is being made thereby; and

• guaranteeing that, within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date, the accompanying letter of transmittal, or facsimile thereof, together with the outstanding notes or a book-entry confirmation, and any other documents required by the accompanying letter of transmittal will be deposited by the eligible institution with the exchange agent; and

• the exchange agent receives the properly completed and executed letter of transmittal, or facsimile thereof, as well as all tendered outstanding notes in proper form for transfer or a book-entry confirmation, and all other documents required by the accompanying letter of transmittal, within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date.

Upon request to the exchange agent, a notice of guaranteed delivery will be sent to holders who wish to tender their outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth above.

Withdrawal of Tenders

Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus, holders of outstanding notes may withdraw their tenders at any time prior to the expiration date.

For a withdrawal to be effective:

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• the exchange agent must receive a written notice of withdrawal, which notice may be by telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter of withdrawal at one of the addresses set forth below under —Exchange Agent,” or

• holders must comply with the appropriate procedures of DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program system.

Any notice of withdrawal must:

• specify the name of the person who tendered the outstanding notes to be withdrawn;

• identify the outstanding notes to be withdrawn, including the principal amount of the outstanding notes; and

• where certificates for outstanding notes have been transmitted, specify the name in which the outstanding notes were registered, if different from that of the withdrawing holder.

If certificates for outstanding notes have been delivered or otherwise identified to the exchange agent, then, prior to the release of the certificates, the withdrawing holder must also submit:

• the serial numbers of the particular certificates to be withdrawn; and

• a signed notice of withdrawal with signatures guaranteed by an eligible institution unless the holder is an eligible institution.

If outstanding notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described above, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawn outstanding notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of that facility. We will determine all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility, including time of receipt, of the notices, and our determination will be final and binding on all parties. We will deem any outstanding notes so withdrawn not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the exchange offer. Any outstanding notes that have been tendered for exchange but that are not exchanged for any reason will be returned to their holder without cost to the holder, or, in the case of outstanding notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agent’s account at DTC according to the procedures described above, the outstanding notes will be credited to an account maintained with DTC for outstanding notes, as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn, outstanding notes may be retendered by following one of the procedures described under “––Procedures for Tendering” above at any time on or prior to the expiration date.

Exchange Agent

JPMorgan Chase Bank has been appointed as exchange agent for the exchange offer. You should direct questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of this prospectus or for the letter of transmittal and requests for the notice of guaranteed delivery to the exchange agent as follows:

By Mail or Overnight Delivery:	By Facsimile:	By Hand Delivery:
JPMorgan Chase Bank 4 New York Plaza Fifteenth Floor New York, New York 10004 Attention: William Potes	(for Eligible Institutions only) (212) 623-6216 Attention: William Potes	JPMorgan Chase Bank 4 New York Plaza Fifteenth Floor New York, New York 10004 Attention: William Potes
	Confirm by Telephone: (212) 623-5136

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Delivery of the letter of transmittal to an address other than as set forth above or transmission via facsimile other than as set forth above does not constitute a valid delivery of the letter of transmittal.

Fees and Expenses

We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders. The principal solicitation is being made by mail; however, we may make additional solicitations by telephone or in person by our officers and regular employees and those of our affiliates.

We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the exchange offer and will not make any payments to broker-dealers or others soliciting acceptance of the exchange offer. We will, however, pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and reimburse it for its related reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

We will pay the cash expenses to be incurred in connection with the exchange offer. The expenses are estimated in the aggregate to be approximately US$150,000. They include:

• SEC registration fees;

• fees and expenses of the exchange agent and trustee;

• accounting and legal fees and printing costs; and

• related fees and expenses.

Transfer Taxes

We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of outstanding notes under the exchange offer. The tendering holder, however, will be required to pay any transfer taxes, whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person, if:

• certificates representing outstanding notes for principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of outstanding notes tendered;

• tendered outstanding notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing the letter of transmittal; or

• a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of outstanding notes under the exchange offer.

If satisfactory evidence of payment of the taxes is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of the transfer taxes will be billed to that tendering holder.

Holders who tender their outstanding notes for exchange will not be required to pay any transfer taxes. However, holders who instruct us to register exchange notes in the name of, or request that outstanding notes not tendered or not accepted in the exchange offer be returned to, a person other than the registered tendering holder will be required to pay any applicable transfer tax.

Consequences of Failure to Exchange

Holders of outstanding notes who do not exchange their outstanding notes for exchange notes under the exchange offer will remain subject to the restrictions on transfer of the outstanding notes:

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• as set forth in the legend printed on the notes as a consequence of the issuance of the outstanding notes under the exemption from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws; and

• otherwise as set forth in the offering memorandum distributed in connection with the private offering of the outstanding notes.

In general, you may not offer or sell the outstanding notes unless they are registered under the Securities Act, or if the offer or sale is exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Except as required by the registration rights agreement, we do not intend to register resales of the outstanding notes under the Securities Act. Based on interpretations of the staff of the SEC, exchange notes issued under the exchange offer may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by their holders (other than any holder that is our “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that the holders acquired the exchange notes in the ordinary course of the holders’ business and the holders have no arrangement or understanding with respect to the distribution of the exchange notes to be acquired in the exchange offer. Any holder who tenders in the exchange offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the exchange notes:

• cannot rely on the applicable interpretations of the SEC; and

• must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction.

Accounting Treatment

We will record the exchange notes in our accounting records at the same carrying value as the outstanding notes, which is the aggregate principal amount, as reflected in our accounting records on the date of exchange. Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes in connection with the exchange offer. We will record the expenses of the exchange offer as incurred.

Other

Participation in the exchange offer is voluntary, and you should carefully consider whether to accept. You are urged to consult your financial and tax advisors in making your own decision on what action to take.

We may in the future seek to acquire untendered outstanding notes in open market or privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange offers or otherwise. We have no present plans to acquire any outstanding notes that are not tendered in the exchange offer or to file a registration statement to permit resales of any untendered outstanding notes.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCHANGE NOTES

On July 9, 2003, we completed a private placement of US$300.0 million of outstanding notes. The Company issued the outstanding notes, and it will issue the exchange notes, under an indenture dated July 9, 2003 between ourselves and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as trustee. The outstanding notes were issued in a private transaction that was not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

The following summary of the material provisions of the indenture and the exchange notes does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the indenture and the exchange notes, including the definitions of certain terms therein. The terms and provisions of the exchange notes are identical in all material result to the outstanding notes except the exchange notes have been registered under the Securities Act and, therefore, the following summary is also applicable to the outstanding notes. References to the “notes” in this prospectus are references to both the outstanding notes and the exchange notes. The definitions of certain terms used in the following summary are set forth below under “—Definitions.” Capitalized terms used in the following summary and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the indenture.

General

The exchange notes will be issued by us, acting through our Panamanian agency.

The indenture does not limit the amount of indebtedness or other obligations that may be incurred by us. Under the indenture, we are permitted to issue additional notes (which may, in the case of additional notes of the same series as the exchange notes offered by this prospectus, have the same terms including interest rate, maturity and redemption provisions as the exchange notes, and may constitute one series with the exchange notes).

The exchange notes will be direct, unconditional and unsecured obligations of ours and will, other than in the case of certain obligations granted preferential treatment pursuant to Chilean law, rank pari passu in right of payment with all of our other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.

Assuming that all outstanding notes are exchanged for exchange notes, the aggregate principal amount of the exchange notes will be US$300.0 million. The exchange notes will mature on July 9, 2013. The exchange notes will bear interest at the rate per annum set forth on the front cover page of this prospectus from July 9, 2003 or from the most recent interest payment date for which interest has been paid or provided. Interest on the exchange notes will be payable semiannually on January 9 and July 9 of each year, commencing on January 9, 2004, to the person in whose name an exchange note is registered at the close of business on the preceding December 15 and June 15, as the case may be. Interest on the exchange notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. Holders must surrender the exchange notes to the paying agent for the exchange notes to collect principal payments. Except as described in “—Book-Entry; Delivery and Form” in the prospectus, we will pay principal and interest by check and may mail interest checks to a holder’s registered address.

The exchange notes will be issued only in fully registered form, without coupons, with a minimum denomination of US$1,000 and in integral multiples thereof. No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of exchange notes, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Initially the trustee will act as paying agent and registrar for the exchange notes. The exchange notes may be presented for registration of transfer and exchange at the offices of the registrar for the exchange notes.

Book-Entry; Delivery and Form

The exchange notes will be represented by one or more global notes in registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively, the “Global Exchange Note”). The Global Exchange Note initially will be deposited upon issuance with the trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), in New York, New York, and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, in each case for credit to an account of a direct or indirect participant as described below. Except as set forth below, the Global Exchange Notes may be transferred, in whole

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and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the Global Exchange Notes may not be exchanged for exchange notes in certificated form except in the limited circumstances described below. See “—Exchange of Global Exchange Notes for Certificated Notes.”

In addition, transfer of beneficial interests in the Global Exchange Note will be subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC and its direct or indirect participants (including, if applicable, those of Euroclear and Clearstream), which may change from time to time. The exchange notes may be presented for registration of transfer and exchange at the offices of the registrar.

Book-Entry Procedures for the Global Notes

The descriptions of the operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream set forth below are provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of the respective settlement systems and are subject to change by them from time to time. Neither we nor the initial purchasers take any responsibility for these operations or procedures, and investors are urged to contact the relevant system or its participants directly to discuss these matters.

DTC has advised us that it is (i) a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, (ii) a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York State Banking Law, (iii) a member of the Federal Reserve System, (iv) a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code, as amended, and (v) a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between participants through electronic book-entry changes to the accounts of its participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical transfer and delivery of certificates. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers (including the initial purchasers), banks and trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Indirect access to DTC’s system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies, or indirect participants that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. Investors who are not participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through participants or indirect participants.

We expect that pursuant to procedures established by DTC (i) upon deposit of each Global Exchange Note, DTC will credit the accounts of participants designated by the initial purchasers with an interest in the Global Exchange Note and (ii) ownership of the exchange notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to the interests of participants) and the records of participants and the indirect participants (with respect to the interests of persons other than participants).

The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Accordingly, the ability to transfer interests in the exchange notes represented by a Global Exchange Note to such persons may be limited. In addition, because DTC can act only on behalf of its participants, who in turn act on behalf of persons who hold interests through participants, the ability of a person having an interest in notes represented by a Global Exchange Note to pledge or transfer such interest to persons or entities that do not participate in DTC’s system, or to otherwise take actions in respect of such interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical definitive security in respect of such interest.

So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a Global Exchange Note, DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the notes represented by the Global Exchange Note for all purposes under the indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a Global Exchange Note will not be entitled to have exchange notes represented by such Global Exchange Note registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated exchange notes, and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the indenture for any purpose, including with respect to the giving of any direction, instruction or approval to the trustee thereunder. Accordingly, each holder owning a beneficial interest in a Global Exchange Note must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if such holder is not a participant or an indirect participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such holder owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder of exchange notes under the indenture or such Global Exchange Note. We understand that under existing industry practice, in the event that we request any action of holders of exchange notes, or a holder that is an owner of a beneficial interest in a Global Exchange Note desires to take any action that DTC, as the holder of such Global Exchange Note, is entitled to take, DTC would authorize the participants to take such action and the

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participants would authorize holders owning through such participants to take such action or would otherwise act upon the instruction of such holders. Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of exchange notes by DTC, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of DTC relating to such exchange notes.

Payments with respect to the principal or, premium, if any, and interest on any notes represented by a Global Exchange Note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee on the applicable record date will be payable by the trustee to or at the direction of DTC or its nominee in its capacity as the registered holder of the Global Exchange Note representing such notes under the indenture. Under the terms of the indenture, we and the trustee may treat the persons in whose names the exchange notes, including the Global Exchange Notes, are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving payment thereon and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Accordingly, neither we nor the trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for the payment of such amounts to owners of beneficial interests in a Global Exchange Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest). Payments by the participants and the indirect participants to the owners of beneficial interests in a Global Exchange Note will be governed by standing instructions and customary industry practice and will be the responsibility of the participants or the indirect participants and DTC.

Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in accordance with DTC’s procedures, and will be settled in same-day funds. Transfers between participants in Euroclear or Clearstream will be effected in the ordinary way in accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures. Subject to compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the notes, cross-market transfers between the participants in DTC, on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream participants, on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance with DTC’s rules on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by its respective depositary. However, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by the counterparty in such system in accordance with the rules and procedures and within the established deadlines (Brussels time) of such system. Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its respective depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in the relevant Global Exchange Notes in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear participants and Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositaries for Euroclear or Clearstream.

Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or Clearstream participant purchasing an interest in a Global Exchange Note from a participant in DTC will be credited, and any such crediting will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream participant, during the securities settlement processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear and Clearstream) immediately following the settlement date of DTC. Cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales of interest in a global security by or through a Euroclear or Clearstream participant to a participant in DTC will be received with value on the settlement date of DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream following DTC’s settlement date.

Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of interests in the Global Exchange Notes among participants in DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, they are under no obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream or their respective participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

Exchange Agent and Registrar for the Notes

The trustee will initially act as exchange agent and registrar. We may change the exchange agent or registrar without prior notice to the holders of the notes, and we or any of our Subsidiaries may act as exchange agent or registrar.

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Transfer and Exchange

A holder may transfer or exchange notes in accordance with the indenture. The registrar and the trustee may require a holder to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents in connection with a transfer of exchange notes. Holders will be required to pay all taxes due on transfer. The Company is not required to transfer or exchange any exchange note selected for redemption. Also, the Company is not required to transfer or exchange any exchange note for a period of 15 days before a selection of exchange notes to be redeemed. See “—Book-Entry, Delivery and Form” above for additional information.

Exchange of Global Exchange Notes for Certificated Exchange Notes

A Global Exchange Note is exchangeable for definitive exchange notes in registered certificated form (“Certificated Notes”) if:

(1) DTC (a) notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the Global Exchange Notes and the Company fails to appoint a successor depositary within 90 days or (b) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Securities Exchange Act;

(2) the Company, at its option, notifies the trustee that it elects to cause the issuance of the Certificated Exchange Notes; or

(3) there has occurred and is continuing a Default or Event of Default with respect to the exchange notes.

In all cases, Certificated Exchange Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Exchange Note or beneficial interests in Global Exchange Notes will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the depositary (in accordance with its customary procedures) and will bear the applicable restrictive legend referred to in the Indenture, unless that legend is not required by applicable law.

Exchange of Certificated Exchange Notes for Global Exchange Notes

Certificated Exchange Notes may not be exchanged for beneficial interests in any Global Exchange Note unless the transferor first delivers to the trustee a written certificate (in the form provided in the indenture) to the effect that such transfer will comply with the appropriate transfer restrictions applicable to such notes and written instructions directing the trustee to reflect the increase the amount of exchange notes represented by the Global Exchange Notes on its books.

Covenants

Limitation on Liens

We have agreed that we will not, and we will not permit any of our subsidiaries to, issue, assume or guarantee any Indebtedness, if that Indebtedness is secured by a Lien upon any Specified Property now owned or hereafter acquired, unless, together with the issuance, assumption or guarantee of such Indebtedness, the exchange notes shall be secured equally and ratably with (or prior to) such Indebtedness.

This restriction does not apply to:

(i) any Lien on any property acquired, constructed or improved by us or any subsidiary after the date of the indenture which is created, incurred or assumed contemporaneously with, or within 360 days after, that acquisition (or in the case of any such property constructed or improved, after the completion or commencement of commercial operation of such property, whichever is later) to secure or provide for the payment of any part of the purchase price of such property or the costs of that construction or improvement (including costs such as escalation, interest during construction and finance costs); provided that in the case of any such construction or improvement the Lien shall not apply to any such property owned by us

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or any of our subsidiaries, other than any unimproved real property on which the property so constructed, or the improvement, is located;

(ii) any Lien on any property existing at the time of its acquisition and which is not created as a result of or in connection with or in anticipation of that acquisition (unless such Lien was created to secure or provide for the payment of any part of the purchase price of that property and is otherwise permitted by clause (i) above);

(iii) any Lien on any property acquired from a corporation which is merged with or into us or our Subsidiaries, or any Lien existing on property of a corporation which existed at the time such corporation becomes a subsidiary and, in either case, which is not created as a result of or in connection with or in anticipation of any such transaction (unless such Lien was created to secure or provide for the payment of any part of the purchase price of such corporation and is otherwise permitted by clause (i) above);

(iv) any Lien which secures only Indebtedness owing by any of our Subsidiaries, to one or more of our Subsidiaries or, to us and one or more of our Subsidiaries;

(v) any Lien existing on the date of the indenture; and

(vi) any extension, renewal or replacement (or successive extensions, renewals or replacements) in whole or in part, of any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) through (v) inclusive; provided that the principal amount of Indebtedness secured thereby shall not exceed the principal amount of Indebtedness so secured at the time of such extension, renewal or replacement, and that such extension, renewal or replacement shall be limited to all or a part of the property which secured the Lien so extended, renewed or replaced (plus improvements on such property).

We or any of our Subsidiaries, however, may issue, assume or guarantee Indebtedness secured by a Lien which would otherwise be prohibited under the provisions of the indenture described in this section or enter into Sale and Lease-Back Transactions that would otherwise be prohibited by the provisions of the indenture described below under “—Limitations on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions”; provided that the total amount of such of our Indebtedness and that of our Subsidiaries together with the aggregate Attributable Value of all such Sale and Lease-Back Transactions of ours and our Subsidiaries at any time outstanding shall not exceed 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets at the time any such Indebtedness is issued, assumed or guaranteed by us or any of our Subsidiaries or at the time any such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction is entered into.

Limitations on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions

We will not, and will not permit any subsidiary to, enter into any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction with respect to any Specified Property, unless either:

(i) we or that subsidiary would be entitled pursuant to the provisions of the indenture described above under “—Limitation on Liens” to issue, assume or guarantee Indebtedness secured by a Lien on such Specified Property without equally and ratably securing the exchange notes, or

(ii) we or that subsidiary shall apply or cause to be applied, in the case of a sale or transfer for cash, an amount equal to the net proceeds thereof and, in the case of a sale or transfer otherwise than for cash, an amount equal to the fair market value of the Specified Property so leased, to the retirement, within 360 days after the effective date of the Sale and Lease-Back Transaction, of our Indebtedness ranking at least on a parity with the exchange notes and owing to a person other than us or any of our affiliates or to the construction or improvement of real property or personal property used by us or any of our Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business. These restrictions will not apply to:

(1) transactions providing for a lease term, including any renewal, of not more than five years, and

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(2) transactions between us and any subsidiary or between subsidiaries.

Consolidation, Merger, Sale or Conveyance

We may not consolidate with or merge into any other corporation or convey or transfer our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, unless:

(i) the successor corporation shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Chile, and shall expressly assume by a supplemental indenture the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on all the exchange notes then outstanding and the performance of every covenant in the indenture on our part to be performed or observed;

(ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing; and

(iii) we shall have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer and such supplemental indenture comply with the foregoing provisions relating to such transaction.

In case of any consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer, the successor corporation will succeed to and be substituted for us as obligor on the notes, with the same effect as if it had been named in the indenture as us.

Definitions

The following are some terms defined in the indenture:

“Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified person, any other person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified person. For purposes of this definition, “control,” when used with respect to any specified person, means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

“Attributable Value” means, as to any particular lease under which we or any of our Subsidiaries is at any time liable as lessee and any date as of which the amount thereof is to be determined, the total net obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of the lease (including any period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be extended) discounted from the respective due dates thereof to such date at a rate per annum equivalent to the interest rate inherent in such lease (as determined in good faith by us in accordance with generally accepted financial practice).

“Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means the total of all assets (including revaluations thereof as a result of commercial appraisals, price-level restatement or otherwise) appearing on our consolidated balance sheet, net of all applicable reserves and deductions, but excluding goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and all other like intangible assets (which term shall not be construed to include such revaluations), less the aggregate of our and our subsidiaries’ current liabilities appearing on such consolidated balance sheet, less the current portion of long-term debt.

“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person (without duplication):

(i) any liability of such person:

(1) for borrowed money or under any reimbursement obligation relating to a letter of credit, financial bond, or similar instrument or agreement,

(2) evidenced by a bond, note, debenture or similar instrument or agreement (including a purchase money obligation) given in connection with the acquisition of any business, properties or assets of

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any kind (other than a trade payable or a current liability arising in the ordinary course of business),

(3) for the payment of money relating to any obligations under any capital lease of real or personal property, or

(4) for purposes of the Limitation on Liens and Limitations on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions covenants, under any agreement or instrument in respect of an interest rate or currency swap, exchange or hedging transaction or other financial derivatives transaction; and

(ii) any liability of others described in the preceding clause (a) that the person has guaranteed or that is otherwise its legal liability.

For the purpose of determining any particular amount of Indebtedness under this definition, guarantees of (or obligations with respect to letters of credit or financial bonds supporting) Indebtedness otherwise included in the determination of such amount shall also not be included.

“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, Lien, security interest, charge or other similar encumbrance (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof other than a title retention agreement in connection with the purchase of goods in the ordinary course of business which is outstanding for not more than 360 days).

“Manufacturing Facility” means any of our or our Subsidiaries’ pulp mills, sawmills or wood processing facilities.

“Sale and Leaseback Transaction” means any transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which we or any subsidiary sells or transfers any property to any Person with the intention of taking back a lease of such property pursuant to which the rental payments are calculated to amortize the purchase price of such property substantially over the useful life thereof and such property is in fact so leased.

“Significant Subsidiary” means any of our Subsidiaries which would be a “significant subsidiary” within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC as in effect on the date of the indenture, assuming we are the registrant referred to in such definition.

“Specified Property” means Manufacturing Facilities and Timberlands.

“Subsidiary” means any corporation or other business entity of which we own or control (either directly or through one or more other Subsidiaries) more than 50% of the issued share capital or other ownership interests, in each case having ordinary voting power to elect or appoint directors, managers or trustees of such corporation or other business entity (whether or not capital stock or other ownership interests or any other class or classes shall or might have voting power upon the occurrence of any contingency).

“Timberlands” means at any time property owned by us or any subsidiary, or as to which we or any subsidiary has cutting rights, which contains standing timber which is, or upon completion of a growth cycle then in process is expected to become, of commercial quantity and of merchantable quality; excluding from the term “Timberlands,” however, any property which at the time is held primarily for development (other than as timberlands) and/or sale, and not primarily for the production of any wood products.

Highly Leveraged Transactions; Change of Control

The indenture does not include any debt covenants or other provisions which afford debt holders protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction or a change of control.

Periodic Reports

The indenture provides that if we are not required to file with the SEC information, documents, or reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act, then we will file with the trustee and the SEC, in

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accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the SEC, such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents, and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act in respect of a security of a “foreign private issuer” (as defined in Rule 3b-4 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act) listed and registered on a securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations.

Events of Default

An “Event of Default,” with respect to the exchange notes is defined in the indenture as:

(i) a failure of us to pay any principal of the exchange notes, when due and payable, whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise;

(ii) a failure of us for 30 days to pay interest or any additional amounts when due and payable on the exchange notes;

(iii) a failure of us or any of our subsidiaries to perform or observe any other term, covenant, warranty or obligation in the exchange notes, not otherwise expressly included as an Event of Default in (i) or (ii) above, and the continuance of such default for more than 60 days after written notice of such default has been given to us by the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding;

(iv) a failure of us or any of our subsidiaries to pay the principal of, or interest on, Indebtedness having a total principal amount exceeding US $40 million (or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies) when due, if such default shall continue for more than the originally applicable period of grace, if any, and such Indebtedness shall have been declared due and payable; or

(v) events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to us or a Significant Subsidiary.

The indenture provides that (i) if an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described in clause (v) above) shall have occurred and be continuing with respect to the exchange notes, either the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% of the total principal amount of the exchange notes then outstanding may declare the principal of all such notes then outstanding and the interest accrued thereon, if any, to be due and payable immediately and (ii) if an Event of Default described in clause (v) above shall have occurred the principal of all such outstanding exchange notes and the interest accrued thereon, if any, shall become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder of such exchange notes. The indenture provides that the exchange notes owned by us or any of our affiliates shall be deemed not to be outstanding for, among other purposes, declaring the acceleration of the maturity of the exchange notes. Upon certain conditions such declarations may be annulled and past defaults, other than nonpayment of principal, interest and compliance with certain covenants, may be waived by the holders of a majority of the total principal amount of the exchange notes then outstanding.

The trustee must give to the holders of the exchange notes notice of all uncured defaults known to it with respect to the exchange notes within 30 days after the trustee becomes aware of such a default; provided, however, that, except in the case of default in the payment of principal, interest or additional amounts, the trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if it in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the holders of such exchange notes.

No holder of any exchange notes may institute any action under the indenture unless (a) such holder shall have given the trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the exchange notes, (b) the holders of not less than 25% of the total principal amount of the exchange notes then outstanding shall have made written request to the trustee to institute proceedings in respect of the Event of Default, (c) such holder or holders shall have offered the trustee such reasonable indemnity as the trustee may require, (d) the trustee shall have failed to institute an action for 60 days thereafter and (e) no inconsistent direction shall have been given to the trustee during such 60-day period by the holders of a majority of the total principal amount of the exchange notes. Such limitations, however, do not apply to any suit instituted by a holder of an exchange note for enforcement of payment of the principal or interest on the exchange notes on or after the respective due dates expressed in such debt security.

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The indenture provides that, subject to the duty of the trustee during default to act with the required standard of care, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any holders of the exchange notes, unless such holders shall have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity.

We are required to furnish to the trustee annually a statement as to the performance by us of certain of our obligations under the indenture and as to any default in such performance.

Payment of Additional Amounts

We are required to make all payments in respect of the exchange notes free and clear of, and without withholding or deduction for or on account of, any present or future taxes, duties, fines, penalties, assessments or other governmental charges of whatever nature (or interest on any taxes, duties, fines, penalties, assessments or other governmental charges of whatever nature), imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed by, within or on behalf of Chile, Panama or any other jurisdiction in which we are organized or engaged in business for tax purposes or, in each case, any political subdivision or governmental authority of either thereof or therein having power to tax, unless such withholding or deduction is required by law. In such event, we are required to pay such additional amounts (“additional amounts”) as may be necessary to ensure that the net amounts received by the holders of notes (including additional amounts) after such withholding or deduction shall equal the amounts which would have been receivable in respect of the notes in the absence of such withholding or deduction, except that no such additional amounts shall be payable in respect of a exchange note:

(i) in the case of payments for which presentation of an exchange note is required, if such exchange note is presented for payment more than 30 days after the later of (a) the date on which such payment first became due and (b) if the full amount payable has not been received in the place of payment by the trustee on or prior to such due date, the date on which the full amount having been so received, notice to that effect shall have been given to the holder by the trustee, except to the extent that such holder would have been entitled to such additional amounts on presenting such notes for payment on the last day of such period of 30 days;

(ii) for any estate, inheritance, gift, sales, transfer, personal property or similar tax, duty, fine, assessment or other governmental charge;

(iii) if such exchange note is held by or on behalf of a holder or beneficial owner who is liable for taxes, duties, fines, penalties, assessments or other governmental charges in respect of such note by reason of having some present or former, direct or indirect, connection with Chile, Panama or any other jurisdiction in which we are organized or engaged in business for tax purposes (or any political subdivision or governmental authority either thereof or therein), as the case may be, other than the mere holding of such exchange note or the receipt of payments in respect thereof; or

(iv) any combination of (i), (ii), or (iii).

In addition, no additional amounts shall be paid with respect to any payment to any holder of exchange notes who is a fiduciary or a partnership or other than the sole beneficial owner of such notes to the extent that the beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary, the member of such partnership or the beneficial owner of such notes would not have been entitled to additional amounts had such beneficiary, settlor, member or beneficial owner held such exchange notes directly.

References to principal, interest, premium or other amounts payable in respect of the exchange notes shall be deemed also to refer to any additional amounts which may be payable.

We will also (i) make such withholding or deduction and (ii) remit the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant authority in accordance with applicable law. We will furnish to the holders, within 60 days after the date the payment of any taxes so deducted or withheld is due pursuant to applicable law, either certified copies of tax receipts evidencing such payment by us, or, if such receipts are not obtainable, other evidence of such payments by us reasonably satisfactory to the holders.

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We will pay any present or future stamp, court or documentary taxes or any excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies that arise in any jurisdiction from the execution, delivery or registration of the exchange notes or any other document or instrument relating to the issuance thereof, excluding any such taxes, charges or similar levies imposed by any jurisdiction outside of Chile or Panama.

Optional Redemption

The exchange notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at our option at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the exchange notes to be redeemed, and (ii) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments of principal and interest on the exchange notes to be redeemed (exclusive of interest accrued to the applicable redemption date) discounted to that redemption date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 25 basis points; plus, in the case of both clause (i) and clause (ii) above, accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of the exchange notes being redeemed to the date of redemption. Notwithstanding the foregoing, payments of interest on the notes that are due and payable on or prior to a date fixed for redemption of exchange notes will be payable to the holders of those exchange notes registered as such at the close of business on the relevant record dates according to the terms and provisions of the indenture. In connection with such optional redemption, the following defined terms apply:

“Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity (computed as of the third business day immediately preceding that redemption date) of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for that redemption date.

“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security selected by the Independent Investment Banker that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate notes of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the exchange notes. “Independent Investment Banker” means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers appointed by us to act as the “Independent Investment Banker”.

“Comparable Treasury Price” means, with respect to any redemption date, (i) the average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third business day preceding that redemption date, as set forth in the daily statistical release designated H.15 (519) (or any successor release) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and designated “Composite 3:30 p.m. Quotations for US Government Securities” or (ii) if such release (or any successor release) is not published or does not contain such prices on such business day, (A) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for that redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest of such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (B) if the Independent Investment Banker for the notes obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations.

“Reference Treasury Dealer” means each of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and their respective successors and two other nationally recognized investment banking firms that are Primary Treasury Dealers specified from time to time by us, provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a primary US Government securities dealer in New York City (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”), we shall substitute therefor another nationally recognized investment banking firm that is a Primary Treasury Dealer.

“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation” means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Independent Investment Banker, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Independent Investment Banker by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding that redemption date.

“Remaining Scheduled Payments” means, with respect to each exchange note to be redeemed, the remaining scheduled payments of the principal thereof and interest thereon that would be due after the related redemption date but for such redemption, provided, however, that, if that redemption date is not an interest payment date with respect to such exchange notes, the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment thereon will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued thereon to that redemption date.

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Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of the notes to be redeemed. On and after any redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the notes or any portion thereof called for redemption.

Upon presentation of any exchange note redeemed in part only, we will execute and the trustee will authenticate and deliver to us on the order of the holder thereof, at our expense, a new exchange note or exchange notes, of authorized denominations, in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the exchange note so presented.

Reacquisition. There is no restriction on our ability or any of our subsidiaries or affiliates to purchase or repurchase exchange notes.

Redemption for Taxation Reasons

We may redeem the exchange notes in whole, but not in part, upon giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice to the holders of the exchange notes at their principal amount, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption, if we certify to the trustee immediately prior to the giving of such notice that: we have or will become obligated to pay (x) additional amounts with respect to the notes as a result of any change in or amendment to the laws or regulations of Panama or any other jurisdiction other than Chile in which we are organized or engaged in business for tax purposes, or, in each case, any political subdivision or governmental authority thereof or therein having the power to tax, or any change in the application or official interpretation of such laws or regulations, which change or amendment occurs after the date of issuance of the exchange notes or (y) additional amounts with respect to the notes in excess of the additional amounts that would be payable were payments of interest on the exchange notes subject to a Chilean 4.0% withholding tax as a result of any change in or amendment to the laws or regulations of Chile or any political subdivision or governmental authority thereof or therein having the power to tax, or any change in the application or official interpretation of such laws or regulations, which change or amendment occurs after the date of issuance of the exchange notes and, in the case of either (x) or (y), we cannot avoid such obligations by taking reasonable measures available to us; provided, however, that no such notice of redemption shall be given earlier than 60 days prior to the earliest date on which we would be obligated to pay such additional amounts, if payment in respect of the exchange notes were then due.

Prior to the effective date of any notice of redemption described in this paragraph, we shall deliver to the trustee an officers’ certificate stating that we are entitled to effect such redemption in accordance with the terms set forth in the indenture and setting forth in reasonable detail a statement of the facts relating thereto (together with a written opinion of counsel to the effect that we have become obligated to pay such additional amounts or to withhold or deduct such Taxes, as the case may be, as a result of a change or amendment described above and that we cannot avoid payment of such additional amounts or withholding or deduction of such Taxes, as the case may be, by taking reasonable measures available to us and that all governmental approvals necessary for us to effect such redemption have been obtained and are in full force and effect or specifying any such necessary approvals that as of the date of such opinion have not been obtained).

Modification of the Indenture

We and the trustee may, without the consent of the holders of exchange notes, amend, waive or supplement the indenture or the exchange notes for certain specified purposes, including among other things:

(i) curing ambiguities, defects or inconsistencies; or

(ii) making any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the indenture or the exchange notes or making any other change to the indenture as shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the exchange notes in any material respect.

In addition, with certain exceptions, the indenture and the exchange notes may be modified by us and the trustee with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the exchange notes affected thereby then outstanding, but no such modification may be made without the consent of the holder of each outstanding note affected by the modification which would:

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(i) change the maturity of any payment of principal of, or any installment of interest on, any such exchange note, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest (or additional amounts, if any) payable thereon, or change the method of computing the amount of principal thereof or interest (or additional amounts, if any) payable thereon on any date, or change any place of payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any such note or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right of holders to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the date when due;

(ii) reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding exchange notes, where the consent of holders is required for any such modification or where the consent of holders is required for any waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or certain defaults thereunder and their consequences provided for in the indenture; or

(iii) modify any of the provisions of certain sections of the indenture, including the provisions summarized in this paragraph, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of the indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of each outstanding exchange note affected by the modification.

The indenture provides that the exchange notes owned by us or any of our affiliates shall be deemed not to be outstanding for, among other purposes, consent to any such modification.

Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

We may, at our option, at any time upon the satisfaction of certain conditions described below, elect to be discharged from our obligations with respect to the exchange notes (a “Defeasance”). In general, upon a defeasance, we shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the exchange notes and to have satisfied all of our obligations under the exchange notes, except for:

(i) the rights of holders of such exchange notes to receive, solely from the trust fund established for such purposes as described below, payments in respect of the principal of, and interest, and additional amounts, if any, on such exchange notes when such payments are due;

(ii) certain provisions relating to ownership, registration and transfer of such exchange notes;

(iii) the covenant relating to the maintenance of an office or agency in New York City; and

(iv) certain provisions relating to the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the trustee.

In addition, we may, at our option, at any time, upon the satisfaction of certain conditions described below, elect to be released with respect to the exchange notes from the covenants of the indenture described above under the caption “—Covenants” (a “Covenant Defeasance”). Following such Covenant Defeasance, the occurrence of a breach or violation of any such covenant with respect to the notes will not constitute an Event of Default under the indenture, and certain other events (not including, among other things, nonpayment of other obligations or bankruptcy and insolvency events) described under “—Events of Default” also will not constitute Events of Default.

In order to cause a Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance with respect to the exchange notes, we will be required to satisfy, among other conditions, the following:

(i) we shall have irrevocably deposited with the trustee in trust cash or US Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, sufficient, in the opinion of an internationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay and discharge the principal of, additional amounts, if any, and each installment of interest on, the exchange notes on the stated maturity of such principal or installment of interest in accordance with the terms of the exchange notes;

(ii) in the case of a Defeasance, we shall have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that:

(x) we have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or

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(y) since the date of the indenture there has been a change in the applicable US federal income tax statutes or regulations, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the holders of the exchange notes will not recognize gain or loss for US federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to US federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred;

(iii) in the case of a Covenant Defeasance, we shall have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of the exchange notes will not recognize gain or loss for US federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and covenant defeasance and will be subject to US federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and covenant defeasance had not occurred;

(iv) no Event of Default, or event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing with respect to the exchange notes, including with respect to certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, at any time during the period ending on the 121st day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period); and

(v) we shall have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that payments of amounts deposited in trust with the trustee, as described above, will not be subject to future taxes, duties, fines, penalties, assessments or other governmental charges imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed by, within or on behalf of Panama, Chile or any political subdivision or governmental authority thereof or therein having power to tax, except to the extent that additional amounts in respect thereof shall have been deposited in trust with the trustee as described above.

The Trustee

JPMorgan Chase Bank is the trustee under the indenture and has been appointed by us as registrar and paying agent with respect to the exchange notes. The address of the trustee is JPMorgan Chase Bank, 4 New York Plaza, 15^th Floor, New York, New York 10004. JPMorgan Chase Bank is an affiliate of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., one of the initial purchasers of the outstanding notes.

Governing Law

The indenture provides that it and the notes will be governed by, and be construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

We have irrevocably consented to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any court of the State of New York or any United States federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York, United States (the “New York Courts”), and any appellate court from any of these courts, and have waived any immunity from the jurisdiction of the New York Courts over any suit, action or proceeding that may be brought in connection with the indenture and the exchange notes. We have appointed CT Corporation System as initial authorized agent upon which all writs, process and summonses may be served in any suit, action or proceeding brought in connection with the indenture or the exchange notes against us in any such court and have agreed that such appointment shall be irrevocable so long as any of the exchange notes remain outstanding or until the irrevocable appointment by us of a successor in the City of New York as our authorized agent for such purpose and the acceptance of such appointment by such successor.

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TAXATION

General

This following summary contains a description of the principal Panamanian, Chilean and United States federal income tax considerations of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes, but does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase the notes. This summary does not describe any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, locality or taxing jurisdiction other than the United States, Panama and Chile.

This summary is based on the tax laws of Panama, Chile and the United States as in effect on the date of this prospectus, as well as regulations, rulings and decisions of Panama, Chile and the United States available on or before such date and now in effect. All of the foregoing are subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect the continued validity of this summary.

In deciding whether to tender outstanding notes in the exchange offer you should consult their own tax advisors as to the Panamanian, Chilean, United States or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes, including in particular the application of the tax considerations discussed below to their particular situations, as well as the application of state, local, foreign or other tax laws.

Panamanian Taxation

As the notes will be issued and offered outside of Panama to non-Panamanian purchasers, the notes will qualify for an exemption from Panamanian income taxation pursuant to the currently in effect Panamanian Fiscal Code as amended and implemented. Thus, the exchange of an outstanding note for an exchange note in the exchange offer will not be a taxable event in Panama for the holders of notes, and there will be no taxes imposed by withholding or otherwise in Panama on interest income, capital gains or appreciations of the holders of the notes or any taxes on the holders of the notes in the nature of estate duty or capital transfer tax.

Chilean Taxation

The following is a general summary of the relevant consequences under Chilean tax law, as currently in effect, of an investment in the notes held by a Foreign Holder. The term “Foreign Holder” means (i) an individual who is neither domiciled nor resident in Chile (for purposes of Chilean taxation, an individual is domiciled in Chile if he or she has his or her principal place of business in Chile, and resident in Chile if he or she has resided in Chile for more than six months in one calendar year, or a total of more than six months in two consecutive fiscal years) or (ii) a legal entity that is not organized under the laws of Chile, unless the notes are assigned to a branch or an agent, representative or permanent establishment of such entity in Chile.

Payments of interest on these notes by our Panamanian agency will not be subject to Chilean withholding tax. The exchange of the outstanding notes for the exchange notes in the exchange offer will not be a taxable event in Chile for the holders of the notes. However, in the event that we make payments of interest in respect of the notes directly from Chile to a Foreign Holder, these payments will be subject to a 4% Chilean withholding tax. In such an event, the payor of the interest shall give to the Chilean Revenue Service notice of the terms of the transaction through an affidavit that shall be presented by the following March.

As described above, we have agreed, subject to specific exceptions and limitations, to pay to the foreign holders of the notes additional amounts in respect of the Chilean withholding tax on interest mentioned above so that the interest the Foreign Holder receives, net of the Chilean withholding tax on interest, will equal the amounts that the Foreign Holder could have received in the absence of such Chilean withholding tax on interest. See “Description of the Notes—Payment of Additional Amounts.”

Under Chile’s Income Tax Law and regulations thereunder, payments of principal on the notes that we make to a Foreign Holder will not be subject to any Chilean taxes.

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According to general principles of Chile’s Income Tax Law, any capital gains realized that a Foreign Holder realizes on the sale or other disposition of the notes generally will not be subject to any Chilean income taxes; provided that the sale or disposition occurs outside of Chile.

A Foreign Holder will not be liable in Chile for estate, gift, inheritance or similar taxes with respect to the notes unless the Foreign Holder’s notes are located in Chile at the time of his or her death or, if the Foreign Holder was domiciled in Chile at the date of his or her death, the notes were acquired with money from Chilean sources.

The initial issuance of the notes is subject to stamp tax at a rate of 1.608% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes when and if the notes are brought into Chile or accounted for in Chile or protocolized before a notary public in Chile. If the stamp tax is not paid when due, Chilean tax law imposes a penalty of up to three times the amount of the tax due plus interest. In addition, until such tax (and any penalty) is paid, Chilean courts would not enforce any action based on the notes.

United States Taxation

The following is a summary of the material United States federal income tax consequences for beneficial owners of the notes that (1) are US Persons (as defined below), (2) are not residents or domiciliaries of Chile and (3) do not hold the notes through a branch or a permanent establishment in Chile. As used in this summary, a US Person is a person who is for United States federal income tax purposes:

• a citizen or resident of the United States;

• a corporation or other entity properly classified as a corporation for US federal income tax purposes created or organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof;

• an estate whose income is subject to United States federal income tax regardless of its source; or

• a trust that (x) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (y) has a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.

This summary is based on current law, which is subject to change (perhaps retroactively). It is for general purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. This summary does not represent a detailed description of the United States federal income tax considerations to you in light of your particular circumstances. In addition, it does not represent a detailed description of the United States federal income tax consequences to you if you are subject to special treatment under the United States federal income tax laws, including if you are:

• an insurance company;

• a tax-exempt organization;

• a regulated investment company or real estate investment trust;

• a US Person whose “functional currency” is not the US dollar;

• a person holding the notes as part of a hedging, integrated, conversion or constructive sale transaction or a straddle;

• a financial institution;

• a dealer in securities or currencies;

• a trader that elects to mark-to-market its securities;

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• an investor in a pass-through entity; or

• a person liable for the alternative minimum tax.

This discussion is limited to holders who hold their notes as “capital assets” as defined under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). This discussion does not consider the effect of any state, local or foreign tax laws or any United States tax considerations (e.g., estate or gift) other than United States federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to particular holders.

If a partnership holds the notes, the tax treatment of the partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership holding our notes, you should consult your tax advisor.

Except to the limited extent below under “Information Reporting and Backup Withholding,” the following discussion does not address a beneficial holder who is not a US Person (a “Non-US Holder”) and each Non-US Holder is advised to consult his, her or its own tax advisor regarding the tax considerations applicable to an investment in the notes.

YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISOR CONCERNING THE PARTICULAR UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU OF THE OWNERSHIP OF THE NOTES, AS WELL AS THE CONSEQUENCES TO YOU ARISING UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION.

Exchange of Notes

The exchange of an outstanding note for an exchange note in the exchange offer will not constitute a taxable event to you. Consequently, no gain or loss will be recognized by you upon receipt of an exchange note, your holding period for the exchange note will include your holding period for the outstanding note and your basis in the exchange note will be the same as your basis in the outstanding note immediately before the exchange.

Payments of Interest

Interest received on a note will be taxable as ordinary income at the time it is received or accrued, depending on your method of accounting for tax purposes. In addition to interest on the notes, you will be required to include in your income any additional amounts paid in respect of the notes, including any tax withheld from the interest payment even if you did not in fact receive this withheld tax. You may be entitled to a deduction or credit for such tax, subject to applicable limits under the Code. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for the United States foreign tax credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. For this purpose, interest income that you receive on the notes, or that the guarantor pays under the guarantee, including any additional amounts and any withheld tax, generally will be treated as foreign source income and will be considered “passive” income or, for certain holders, “financial services” income. You may be subject to special rules if your foreign source income during the taxable year consists entirely of “qualified passive income” and if you have $300 or less ($600 or less if you file a joint return) of creditable foreign taxes which you have paid or accrued during the taxable year. Guidance issued by the United States Treasury may deny a foreign tax credit for foreign taxes imposed with respect to your notes if you hold such notes in an arrangement that is expected to result in insubstantial economic profit after non-United States taxes. The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex. You are therefore urged to consult your advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit in your particular circumstances.

Market Discount

If you purchase a note for an amount that is less than its stated redemption price at maturity, the amount of the difference will be treated as “market discount” for United States federal income tax purposes, unless the difference is less than a specified de minimis amount. Under the market discount rules, you will be required to treat any payment, other than qualified stated interest, on, or any gain on the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of, a note as ordinary income to the extent of the market discount that you have note previously included in income and you are treated as having accrued on the note at the time of its payment or disposition. In addition, you may be required to defer, until the maturity of the note or its earlier disposition in a taxable transaction, the deduction of all or a portion of the interest expense on any indebtedness attributable to the note. In certain

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circumstances, you may elect, on a bond-by-bond basis, to deduct the deferred interest expense in a tax year prior to the year of disposition. You should consult your own tax advisor before making this election. Any market discount will be considered to accrue ratably during the period from the date of acquisition to the maturity date of the note, unless you elect to accrue on a constant interest method. Your election to accrue market discount on a constant interest method is to be made for the taxable year in which you acquired the note, applies only to that note, and may not be revoked. You may elect to include market discount in income currently as it accrues, on either a ratable or constant interest method, in which case the rule described above regarding deferral of interest deductions will not apply. Your election to include market discount in income currently, once made, applies to all market discount obligations acquired by you on or after the first taxable year to which your election applies and may not be revoked without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Yu should consult your own tax advisor before making either election described in this paragraph.

Amortizable Bond Premium

If you purchase a note for an amount in excess of the sum of all amounts payable on the note after the purchase date other than qualified stated interest, you will be considered to have purchased the note at a “premium.” You generally may elect to amortize the premium over the remaining term of the note on a constant yield method as an offset to interest when includible in income under your regular accounting method. If you do not elect to amortize bond premium, that premium will decrease the gain or increase the loss you would otherwise recognize on disposition of the note. Your election to amortize premium on a constant yield method will also apply to all debt obligations held or subsequently acquired by you on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which the election applies. You may not revoke the election without the consent of the IRS. You should consult your own tax advisor before making this election.

Purchase, Sale, Retirement and Other Disposition of the Notes

When you sell, exchange or retire a note, you will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount you receive (not including any accrued interest you have not included in income, which will be taxable as ordinary income) and your adjusted tax basis in the note. Your tax basis in a note will generally be your cost of obtaining the note. Your gain or loss realized on the sale, exchange or retirement of a note will generally be treated as United States source gain or loss. Your gain or loss will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale, exchange or retirement of a note, you have held the note for more than one year. If you are an individual and the debt security being sold, exchanged or retired is a capital asset held for more than one year, you may be eligible for reduced rates of taxation on any capital gain recognized. Your ability to deduct capital losses is subject to limitations.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

In general, unless you are an exempt recipient such as a corporation, information reporting will apply to principal and interest payments that we make to you and to the proceeds from the sale of your note. Additionally, if you fail to provide your taxpayer identification number, or in the case of interest payments, fail either to report in full dividend and interest income or to make certain certifications, you will be subject to backup withholding. If you are a Non-US Holder, information reporting and backup withholding could apply to you if you fail to properly certify that you are not a US Person.

Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your United States federal income tax liability, provided you furnish the required information to the Internal Revenue Service.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for outstanding notes where such outstanding notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. To the extent any such broker-dealer participates in the exchange offer and so notifies us, or causes us to be so notified in writing, we have agreed that a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, we will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to such broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale, and will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the letter of transmittal.

We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of exchange notes by broker-dealers. Exchange notes received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the exchange notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at prevailing market prices at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer or the purchasers of any such exchange notes. Any broker-dealer that resells exchange notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such exchange notes may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any profit on any such resale of exchange notes and any commissions or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer (other than commissions and concessions of any broker-dealers), subject to certain prescribed limitations, and will indemnify the holders of the outstanding notes against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities that may arise under the Securities Act.

By its acceptance of the exchange offer, any broker-dealer that receives exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer hereby agrees to notify us prior to using the prospectus in connection with the sale or transfer of exchange notes, and acknowledges and agrees that, upon receipt of notice from us of the happening of any event which makes any statement in the prospectus untrue in any material respect or which requires the making of any changes in the prospectus in order to make the statements therein not misleading or which may impose upon us disclosure obligations that may have a material adverse effect on us (which notice we agree to deliver promptly to such broker-dealer), such broker-dealer will suspend use of the prospectus until we have notified such broker-dealer that delivery of the prospectus may resume and has furnished copies of any amendment or supplement to the prospectus to such broker-dealer.

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the exchange notes will be passed upon for us by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York, New York, Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman, Panama, Panama and by Portaluppi, Guzmán y Bezanilla, Santiago, Chile.

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002 included herein and incorporated in this prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2002 have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers, our independent accountants, given on the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

With respect to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial information as of June 30, 2003 and for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2002 and 2003, included in this prospectus, PricewaterhouseCoopers reported that they have applied limited procedures in accordance with professional standards for a review of such information. However, their separate report dated August 8, 2003, appearing herein, states that they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on that unaudited condensed consolidated financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their report with respect to such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. PricewaterhouseCoopers is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 for their report on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial information because that report is not a “report” or a “part” of the registration statement prepared or certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.

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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 27, 2003

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 20-F

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

for the transition period from                  to                 

Commission File Number: 33-99720

Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Arauco and Constitution Pulp Inc.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Republic of Chile

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

El Golf 150

14^th Floor

Santiago, Chile

(Address of principal executive offices)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

None

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

Title of each class:

6.75% Notes due 2003

6.95% Notes due 2005

7% Notes due 2007

7.20% Notes due 2009

8.625% Notes due 2010

7.75% Notes due 2011

7.50% Notes due 2017

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: Shares of Common Stock, without par value: 113,152,446.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:    Item 17  ¨    Item 18  x

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
ITEM 1.	IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS	65
ITEM 2.	OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE	65
ITEM 3.	KEY INFORMATION	65
ITEM 4.	INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY	71
ITEM 5.	OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS	95
ITEM 6.	DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES	112
ITEM 7.	MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	116
ITEM 8.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	118
ITEM 9.	THE OFFER AND LISTING	119
ITEM 10.	ADDITIONAL INFORMATION	119
ITEM 11.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	127
ITEM 12.	DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES	129
ITEM 13.	DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES	129
ITEM 14.	MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND THE USE OF PROCEEDS	129
ITEM 15.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	129
ITEM 16.	[RESERVED]	129
ITEM 17.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	130
ITEM 18.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	130
ITEM 19.	EXHIBITS	130

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Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. is a sociedad anónima abierta (a public corporation) organized under the laws of the Republic of Chile. In this annual report, when we refer to the “Company,” we mean Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A., and when we refer to “Arauco,” or “we,” we mean the Company together with its subsidiaries. When we refer to “Chile” or the “Republic” in this annual report we mean the Republic of Chile, and when we refer to the “Government” we mean the government of the Republic of Chile. All references to “tons” are to metric tons (1,000 kilograms), which are equal to 2,204.6 pounds. One “hectare” equals 10,000 square meters or 2.471 acres. Any discrepancies in any table between totals and the sums of the amounts listed are due to rounding.

Unless otherwise specified, all references to “$”, “U.S.$”, “U.S. dollars” and “dollars” are to United States dollars, references to “Chilean pesos” or “Ch$” are to Chilean pesos, references to “UF” are to Unidades de Fomento, a daily indexed Chilean peso-denominated monetary unit that takes into account the effect of the Chilean inflation rate, and references to “Argentine pesos” are to Argentine pesos.

Item 18 of this annual report includes our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 and for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, including the notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, known as “U.S. GAAP.”

Certain selected financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002, prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, is provided in Item 3 herein. Audited information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998 is not available. Accordingly, the selected financial information as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998 provided in Item 3 herein is unaudited. It is derived from Arauco’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998 as prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Chile, known as “Chilean GAAP.”

For the convenience of the reader, we have included translations of certain amounts into dollars at a specified rate. Unless otherwise indicated, the U.S. dollar equivalent for information in Chilean pesos is based on the Observed Exchange Rate (as defined under “Item 10. Additional Information—Exchange Controls––Chile”) reported by Banco Central de Chile (the Central Bank of Chile, which we refer to as the “Central Bank”) for December 31, 2002, which was Ch$718.61 = U.S.$1.00. You should not construe these translations as representations that the Chilean peso amounts actually represent such dollar amounts or could be converted into dollars at the rates indicated or at any other rate. The Observed Exchange Rate on June 23, 2003 was Ch$705.46 = U.S.$1.00. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report a noon buying rate for Chilean pesos. See “Item 3. Key Information—Exchange Rates” for information regarding historical rates of exchange in Chile from January 1, 1998. Unless otherwise specified, references to the devaluation or the appreciation of the Chilean peso against the U.S. dollar are in nominal terms (without adjusting for inflation), based on the Observed Exchange Rates for the relevant period.

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PART I

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers.

Not applicable.

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable.

Not applicable.

Item 3. Key Information.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected financial information presented below is prepared in U.S. dollars in accordance with U.S. GAAP as of and for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002. The selected U.S. GAAP financial information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, Arauco’s audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP included in Item 18. The report of the independent accountants is included in this annual report.

The selected U.S. GAAP financial information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 is derived from Arauco’s audited consolidated financial statements provided in Item 18.

Audited information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998 is not available. Accordingly, the selected information presented below as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998 is unaudited. It is derived from Arauco’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998 as prepared in accordance with Chilean GAAP.

The financial data in the following table for all periods are expressed in U.S. dollars, the currency in which Arauco publishes its financial statements. See Note 1(m) to the consolidated financial statements in Item 18.

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	At or for the year ended December 31,
	1998(1)			1999(1)			2000			2001			2002
	(in thousands of U.S.$, except ratios and per share data)
Income Statement Data
Sales revenue	U.S.$	870,192		U.S.$	1,089,928		U.S.$	1,260,342		U.S.$	1,173,826		U.S.$	1,188,018
Cost of sales		(556,830	)		(595,086	)		(604,130	)		(689,837	)		(620,464	)
Depreciation		(107,970	)		(105,053	)		(106,576	)		(119,796	)		(103,885	)
Administration and selling expenses		(76,553	)		(88,207	)		(102,701	)		(94,047	)		(100,515	)
Operating income		128,839			301,582			446,935			270,146			363,154
Interest income		16,009			14,723			12,563			14,794			21,995
Other income (expense)		11,023			15,493			5,151			(3,871	)		1,513
Foreign exchange gains (losses		1,399			(2,578	)		(5,070	)		(26,058	)		11,668
Interest expenses		(76,008	)		(51,526	)		(62,201	)		(62,362	)		(61,692	)
Income before taxes, minority interest and equity from earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		81,262			277,694			397,378			192,649			336,638
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(6,640	)		(6,419	)		(55,552	)		(12,956	)		(52,578	)
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries		(2,099	)		(43	)		(2,051	)		(225	)		(267	)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		1,141			4,829			1,377			1,463			2,558
Net income		73,664			276,061			341,152			180,931			286,351
Dividends paid		20,290			47,105			193,353			67,610			71,702
Balance Sheet Data
Property, plant and equipment (less forests), net		1,500,981			1,573,001			1,639,293			1,653,466			1,851,240
Forests		960,392			1,040,871			1,078,394			1,167,462			1,188,013
Total assets		3,213,397			3,347,920			3,550,989			3,899,257			4,110,336
Total long-term liabilities		1,242,587			1,200,709			1,242,645			1,711,740			1,570,080
Total shareholders’ equity		1,495,359			1,707,433			1,832,108			1,974,785			2,157,665
Other Financial Data
Capital expenditures(2)		148,752			257,202			263,588			223,831			330,804
Depreciation		107,970			105,053			106,576			119,796			103,885
Number of shares		113,152,446			113,152,446			113,152,446			113,152,446			113,152,446
Net income from operations per share		0.65			2.44			3.01			1.60			2.53
Dividends per share		0.18			0.42			1.71			0.60			0.63
Cash Flow Data
Total operating cash flow		183,091			510,159			417,353			(55,692	)		481,651
Total flow arising from financing activities		(125,169	)		(231,230	)		34,268			238,453			(124,566	)
Total flow arising from investment activities		(51,646	)		(206,409	)		(405,342	)		(224,154	)		(330,362	)

(1) In 2000, the Company acquired 97.5% of the outstanding shares of Forestal Cholguán S.A., of which 85.8% were acquired from indirect controlling shareholders of the Company and considered to be an exchange of ownership interests between companies under common control. As such, the financial information presented above for the years 1999 and 1998 has been adjusted to incorporate the historical value of the assets and liabilities acquired.

(2) Accrued for the period. See Arauco’s consolidated financial statements included in Item 18.

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EXCHANGE RATES

The following table sets forth, for the periods and dates indicated, certain information concerning the Observed Exchange Rate reported by the Central Bank. No representation is made that the Chilean peso or U.S. dollar amounts referred to herein could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or Chilean pesos, as the case may be, at the rates indicated or at any other rate. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report a noon buying rate for Chilean pesos. On June 23, 2003, the Observed Exchange Rate was Ch$705.46 = U.S.$1.00. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Exchange Controls.”

	Observed Exchange Rates (Ch$ per U.S.$)
Year	Low(1)	High(1)	Average(2)	Period-End
1998	439.18	475.41	460.29	472.41
1999	468.69	550.93	504.78	530.07
2000	501.04	580.37	539.49	573.65
2001	557.13	716.62	634.94	654.79
2002	641.75	756.56	688.94	718.61
December	692.94	718.61	701.95	718.61
2003 (through June 23)	694.22	758.21	723.97	705.46
January	709.22	738.87	722.48	736.15
February	733.10	755.26	745.21	750.28
March	725.79	758.21	743.28	731.56
April	704.42	729.73	718.25	704.42
May	694.22	714.10	703.58	714.10
June (through June 23)	705.24	717.40	711.03	705.46

Source: Central Bank.

(1) Exchange rates are the actual high and low, on a day-by-day basis, for each period.

(2) For the years 1998 through 2002 and for 2003 (through June 23), the average of monthly average rates during the period. For the months January through June 23, 2003, the daily average rates during the period.

RISK FACTORS

Arauco is subject to various changing economic, political, social and competitive conditions, particularly in its principal markets. These conditions are described below.

Risks Relating to Arauco and the Forestry Industry

Fluctuations in market price for Arauco’s products could adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations

Prices for pulp, forestry and wood products, like those of other commodities, can be expected to fluctuate significantly. Arauco’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected if the price of pulp or other forestry products were to decline significantly from current levels. The prices that Arauco is able to obtain for pulp products and, to a lesser extent, other forestry products depends on:

• prevailing world prices, which historically have been subject to significant fluctuations over relatively short periods of time, depending on worldwide demand;

• world production capacity;

• the business strategies adopted by major integrated forestry, pulp and paper producers and other major producers; and

• the availability of substitutes.

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All of these factors are beyond Arauco’s control. For example, as an indication of the cyclicality of pulp products’ prices, the average price (CIF) for Norscan bleached softwood kraft market pulp (pulp produced in Canada and Northern Europe sold to manufacturers of paper products delivered in Northern Europe, “NBSK”) was U.S.$520 in 1999, rose to U.S.$681 in 2000, fell to U.S.$539 in 2001 and fell again to U.S.$460 in 2002. Worldwide competition in the markets for Arauco’s products could adversely affect its business and results of operations.

Arauco experiences substantial worldwide competition in each of its geographical markets and in each of its product lines. Several of Arauco’s competitors are larger than it and have greater financial and other resources. The market pulp industry is highly competitive and is also sensitive to changes in industry capacity, producer inventories and cyclical changes in the world’s economies, all of which may significantly affect selling prices and thereby Arauco’s profitability. Increased competition could materially and adversely affect Arauco’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Arauco depends on free international trade as well as economic and other conditions in its principal export markets

During 2002, export sales accounted for approximately 86.4% of Arauco’s total sales revenues. During this period approximately 35.9% of Arauco’s export sales were to Europe, 33.3% to Asia, 15.4% to Central and South America and 12.8% to North America. As a result, Arauco’s results of operations depend to a significant degree on economic, political and regulatory conditions in its principal export markets. Arauco’s ability to compete effectively in its export markets could be materially and adversely affected by a number of factors beyond its control including a deterioration in macroeconomic conditions, exchange rate volatility, government subsidies, or the imposition of increased tariffs or other trade barriers. If Arauco’s ability to sell its products competitively in one or more of its significant export markets were impaired by any such developments, it might be difficult to re-allocate its products to other markets on equally favorable terms and its financial condition and results of operations might be adversely affected.

The application of environmental regulations could adversely affect Arauco’s ability to accomplish its development goals and adversely affect its results of operations

Arauco and other Chilean companies are subject to numerous national and local environmental laws concerning, among other things, health, the handling and disposal of wastes and discharges into the air and water. Chilean environmental regulations have become increasingly stringent in recent years, particularly in connection with the approval of new projects, and this trend is likely to continue. Arauco has made, and expects to continue to make, substantial expenditures to comply with such environmental requirements.

Chilean environmental legislation to which Arauco is subject includes Ley No. 19,300 Sobre Bases Generales del Medio Ambiente (the “Chilean Environmental Law”). Under the Chilean Environmental Law, Arauco is required to conduct environmental impact studies of any future projects or activities that may affect the environment. The regulations also establish procedures for private citizens to object to the plans or studies submitted by project owners. Future developments in the establishment or implementation of environmental requirements, or in the interpretation of such requirements, could result in substantially increased capital, operating or compliance costs or otherwise adversely affect Arauco’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our activities in Argentina are subject to Argentine environmental legislation including regulation by municipal, provincial and federal governmental authorities. Our Argentine subsidiary Alto Paraná S.A. (“Alto Paraná”) has incurred and expects to continue to incur capital and operating expenditures to comply with applicable environmental requirements. Changes in environmental laws, or the interpretation thereof, may require Alto Paraná to incur significant unforeseen capital or operating expenditures to comply with such requirements. The occurrence of such events could have an adverse effect on Alto Paraná’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Pulp producers and forestry companies around the world are periodically subject to adverse effects from unfavorable market perceptions of the environmental impact of their operations. Given the possibility of unanticipated regulatory or other developments, including more stringent environmental laws, the amount and timing of future expenditures which Arauco will be required to make in order to remain in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations could vary substantially from their current levels. These changes could limit the availability of Arauco’s funds for other purposes.

In addition to the financial costs of compliance, Arauco is required to conduct environmental impact studies of any future projects or activities that may affect the environment. As a result, application of environmental laws may require Arauco to change its development plans and, thus, may adversely affect the manner in which Arauco seeks to implement its business strategy and its ability to accomplish its development goals.

Fire or disease could affect Arauco’s forests and manufacturing processes and in turn adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations

Our operations are subject to various risks affecting our forests and manufacturing facilities, including fire and disease. Although in the past the forestry industries in Chile and Argentina have not been affected significantly

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by certain pests and diseases afflicting radiata or taeda pine plantations in other parts of the world, such pests or diseases may appear in Chile or Argentina in the future. Arauco’s operations and, as a result, its financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected if any of such risks were to be realized.

Risks Relating to Chile

Chilean political and economic conditions have a direct impact on Arauco’s business and the market price of the Notes

A substantial portion of Arauco’s assets and operations are located in Chile and, in 2002, approximately 10.6% of Arauco’s sales revenue was derived from sales in Chile. Accordingly, Arauco’s financial condition and results of operations are to a considerable extent dependent upon economic conditions prevailing from time to time in Chile. Future developments in the Chilean economy could adversely affect Arauco’s financial condition or results of operations and may impair its ability to proceed with its strategic plan of business.

The Chilean government has exercised and continues to exercise a substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector, and has changed monetary, fiscal, taxation and other policies to influence the course of Chile’s economy. Arauco has no control over, and cannot predict, how such intervention and government policies will affect the Chilean economy and, both directly and indirectly, Arauco’s operations and revenues. Arauco’s operations, financial condition and the market price of the Notes (as defined below) may be adversely affected by changes in policy involving exchange controls, tax and other matters, as well as factors such as:

• fluctuation in exchange rates;

• base interest rate fluctuations; and

• other political, diplomatic, social and economic developments in or affecting Chile.

Changes in inflation, which has been a rate of 2.6% in 2001 and 2.8% in 2002, as measured by changes in the official consumer price index and as reported by the Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas (the Chilean National Institute of Statistics), may also adversely affect Arauco’s operations, financial condition and the market price of the Notes (as defined below). Future developments in the Chilean economy and government policies may adversely affect Arauco’s financial condition and results of operations. In addition, such developments may impact the market price of the Company’s 6.75% Notes Due 2003 (the “6.75% Notes”), 6.95% Notes Due 2005 (the “6.95% Notes”), 7% Notes Due 2007 (the “7% Notes”), 7.20% Notes Due 2009 (the “7.20% Notes”), 8.625% Notes Due 2010 (the “8.625% Notes”), 7.75% Notes Due 2011 (the “7.75% Notes”) and 7.50% Notes Due 2017 (the “7.50% Notes”) (together, the “Notes”).

Risks Relating to Argentina

The economic crisis in Argentina may adversely affect Arauco’s financial condition and results of operations

As of December 31, 2002, approximately 20.0% of Arauco’s consolidated assets were located in Argentina, and in 2002 approximately 12.8% of its net sales were derived from Alto Paraná, its Argentine subsidiary. Accordingly, Arauco’s financial condition and results of operations to a certain extent are dependent upon political and economic conditions prevailing in Argentina. Since 1999, the Argentine economy has been in an economic recession marked by reduced levels of consumption and investment and an elevated unemployment rate. The Argentine gross domestic product decreased by 3.4% in 1999, 0.8% in 2000, 4.4% in 2001 and 10.9% (estimated) in 2002.

The current Argentine economic crisis may have an adverse effect on Arauco’s Argentine operations, including Alto Paraná’s ability to raise capital, and as a result, its overall financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the Argentine government has exercised, and continues to exercise, a significant influence over many aspects of the Argentine economy. Accordingly, Argentine government actions, whether taken to

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address the current economic crisis or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on the Argentine economy and private sector companies, including Alto Paraná.

Argentine Central Bank restrictions on the transfer of funds outside Argentina may impose an obstacle to Alto Paraná’s ability to transfer money abroad

The Company guarantees some of Alto Paraná’s debt. Since December 2001, the Central Bank of Argentina has imposed a number of significant monetary and currency exchange restrictions that limit the free disposition of funds deposited in Argentine banks and transfers of funds abroad. If Alto Paraná is unable to transfer funds abroad, the Company may be obligated to pay under its guarantees.

Beginning in February 2002, some transfers of funds outside of Argentina require the approval of the Central Bank of Argentina. On March 25, 2002, the Central Bank of Argentina placed further restrictions on the transfer of funds abroad by requiring the approval of the Central Bank of Argentina for some payments outside Argentina, including approval of both principal and interest payments on financial debt. The Central Bank of Argentina began to ease these restrictions in December 2002. Effective January 2, 2003, Central Bank of Argentina approval is no longer required for interest payments made outside Argentina. In addition, principal payments made outside Argentina are permitted without Central Bank of Argentina approval under certain conditions.

There can be no assurance that the Central Bank of Argentina will not reverse its position and once again restrict payments in the future, which could impose material obstacles to Alto Paraná’s ability to transfer money abroad.

Risks Relating to Other Markets

Arauco’s business, earnings and prospects may be adversely affected by developments in other countries which are beyond its control

Arauco’s business and results of operations are to a large extent dependent on the level of economic activity, government and foreign exchange policies, and political and economic developments in its principal export markets. In 2002, approximately 94.5% of its total pulp sales and approximately 78.2% of its total forestry, wood products and panels product sales were attributable to exports, principally to customers in Asia, the Americas and Western Europe. Arauco’s business, earnings and prospects may be materially and adversely affected by developments with respect to inflation, interest rates, currency fluctuations, protectionism, government subsidies, price and wage controls, exchange control regulations, taxation, expropriation, social instability or other political, economic or diplomatic developments in these export markets. Arauco has no control over such conditions and developments. Further, such conditions and developments may adversely affect Arauco’s financial condition, results of operations or the price of or market for the Notes.

Developments in other emerging markets may adversely affect the market price of the Notes

The market price of the Notes may be adversely affected by declines in the international financial markets and world economic conditions. Chilean securities markets are, to varying degrees, influenced by economic and market conditions in other emerging market countries, especially those in Latin America. Although economic conditions are different in each country, investors’ reactions to developments in one country can affect the securities markets and the securities of issuers in other countries, including Chile. Since the fourth quarter of 1997 the international financial markets have experienced volatility. Developments in other countries have also at times adversely affected the market price of Arauco’s Notes. If the current economic situation in Argentina continues to deteriorate, or if similar developments occur in the international financial markets in the future, the market price of the Notes could be adversely affected.

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Risks Relating to the Notes

The non-payment of funds by Arauco’s subsidiaries could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and ability to service its debt, including the Notes

The Company’s cash flow and its ability to service debt is dependent in part on the cash flow and earnings of its subsidiaries and the payment of funds by those subsidiaries to the Company in the form of loans, interest, dividends or otherwise. The subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due under the terms of the Notes or to make any funds available for such purpose. Furthermore, claims of creditors of such subsidiaries, including trade creditors of such subsidiaries, will have priority over the Company’s creditors, including holders of the Notes, with respect to the assets and cash flow of such subsidiaries. Any right of the Company to receive assets of any of its subsidiaries upon their liquidation or reorganization (and the consequent right of the holders of Notes to participate in those assets) will be effectively subordinated to the claims of that subsidiary’s creditors.

Changes in Chilean tax laws could lead to Arauco redeeming the Notes

Under current Chilean law and regulations, payments of interest to holders of debt securities that are not residents of Chile for purposes of Chilean taxation will generally be subject to Chilean withholding tax at a rate of 4.0%. Subject to certain exceptions, Arauco will pay additional amounts (as defined herein) so that the amount received by the holder of Notes after Chilean withholding tax will equal the amount that would have been received if no such taxes had been applicable. In the event of certain changes in Chilean tax laws requiring that Arauco pay additional amounts which are in excess of the additional amounts that it would owe if payments of interest on the Notes were subject only to a 4.0% withholding tax, Arauco will have the right to redeem the debt securities.

Forward Looking Statements

This Form 20-F contains words, such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate” and similar expressions, that identify forward-looking statements, which reflect our views about future events and financial performance. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and therefore readers should not place undue reliance on them. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors that may be beyond our control, including but not limited to our ability to service our debt, fund our working capital requirements and comply with financial covenants in certain of our debt instruments, our ability to fund and implement our capital expenditure programs, the maintenance of relationships with customers, a change in the control of the Company, the effects on us from competition, future demand for forestry and wood products in the Chilean, Argentine and export markets, international prices for forestry and wood products, the state of the Chilean and world economies and manufacturing industries and the relative value of the Chilean peso compared to other currencies, inflation, increases in interest rates and changes in our regulatory environment. In any event, these statements speak only as of their dates, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Item 4. Information on the Company.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Arauco believes that it is Chile’s largest forest plantation owner, holding 541,283 hectares of radiata pine plantations in Chile, and its largest exporter of forestry and wood products in terms of sales revenue based on information for the year ended December 31, 2002. Arauco believes that it was one of the world’s largest producers of bleached and unbleached softwood kraft market pulp in terms of production in 2002, based on information published by Resource Information Systems, Inc. (“RISI”), an independent research company for the pulp and paper industry. Based on this information, Arauco believes that in 2002 it had a share of total world production of softwood kraft market bleached pulp of 5.4% and a 16.6% share of total world production of softwood kraft market unbleached pulp. “Market pulp” is pulp sold to manufacturers of paper products as opposed to pulp produced by an

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integrated paper producer for use in its paper production facilities. “Kraft pulp” is pulp produced using a chemical process.

During the year ended December 31, 2002, Arauco harvested 9.7 million cubic meters of sawlogs and pulplogs and exported 1,786,643 cubic meters of forestry and wood products, including sawlogs, sawn timber (green and kiln dried lumber and remanufactured wood products) and panels (plywood, medium density fiber board (“MDF”) and high density fiber board (“HB”)).

Export sales constituted 86.4% of Arauco’s sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002. Arauco was Chile’s largest non-mining exporter in terms of sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002. Arauco’s principal overseas markets are Asia, Western Europe and the United States.

Arauco believes that it is one of the world’s lowest cost producers of softwood kraft market pulp. Arauco’s low costs are attributable to the high growth rate and short harvest cycle of radiata pine as compared to other commercial softwoods, the advanced genetic and silviculture techniques it applies in its forest management, competitive labor costs, economies of scale, modern mill facilities and the proximity of its operations to Pacific coast ports.

The market pulp industry is highly competitive and is also sensitive to changes in industry capacity, producer inventories and cyclical changes in the world’s economies, all of which may significantly affect selling prices and thereby Arauco’s profitability. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Overview” and “—Prices.”

As of December 31, 2002, Arauco’s planted forests in Chile consisted of 88.7% radiata pine with the balance primarily of eucalyptus. Radiata pine has a rapid growth rate and a short harvest cycle compared to other commercial softwoods. Radiata pine is sufficiently versatile for both the production of forestry and wood products as well as the production of long fiber pulp for sale to manufacturers of paper and packaging.

Arauco seeks to manage its forestry resources in such a way as to ensure that the annual growth of its forest is equal to or higher than the volume harvested each year. In 2002, Arauco planted 27,529 hectares and harvested 18,875 hectares in Chile. Arauco believes that a long-term sustainable equilibrium will be reached in the latter part of this decade with annual harvests of approximately 33,000 hectares.

At December 31, 2002, Arauco owned and operated three pulp mills in Chile, with an aggregate annual production capacity of approximately 1,240,000 metric tons, which produced 869,276 metric tons of bleached pulp and 354,135 metric tons of unbleached pulp in 2002. One of Arauco’s pulp mills, which we refer to as the “Arauco Mill,” is located on an industrial site in the center of one group of Arauco’s radiata pine plantations. The second facility, the Constitución pulp mill (the “Constitución Mill”), is located in another of Arauco’s significant radiata pine plantations. The third facility, the Licancel pulp mill (the “Licancel Mill”), is located in Licantén, near Constitución. A fourth pulp mill is under construction in Valdivia (the “Valdivia Mill Project”), an area with significant radiata pine and eucalyptus plantations. This pulp mill will have an installed capacity of approximately 700,000 metric tons annually and is expected to enter into operations during the first quarter of 2004. See “—Pulp—Pulp Mills” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

As of December 31, 2002, Arauco owned and operated one pulp mill in Argentina, through its subsidiary Alto Paraná. Alto Paraná manufactures and sells bleached softwood kraft market pulp in Argentina and the export market. In 2002, Alto Paraná produced 322,770 metric tons of pulp. Arauco owns 99.97% of Alto Paraná.

As of December 31, 2002, Arauco owned 11 sawmills in Chile and one in Argentina, with an aggregate annual production capacity of 2,510,000 cubic meters of lumber.

As of December 31, 2002, Arauco owned five remanufacturing facilities that reprocess sawn timber into remanufactured wood products, such as moldings, jams and pre-cut pieces that end users require for doors, furniture

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and door and window frames. These facilities produced 919,753 cubic meters of remanufactured wood products in 2002.

As of December 31, 2002, Arauco owned one plywood mill (with two production lines), one HB mill and three MDF mills.

History of Arauco

Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. is a sociedad anónima abierta (a public corporation) organized under the laws of the Republic of Chile. Its principal executive office is located at El Golf 150, 14^th Floor, Santiago, Chile, and its telephone number is 56-2-461-7200.

The Company as currently constituted was formed on September 14, 1979 in a merger between Industrias de Celulosa Arauco S.A. (“Industrias Arauco”) and Celulosa Constitución S.A. (“Celulosa Constitución”) in which Celulosa Constitución S.A. was the surviving entity. These two predecessor companies were created in the late 1960s and early 1970s by Corporación de Fomento de la Producción (“Corfo”), a Chilean government development corporation, in order to develop forest resources, improve soil quality in former farming areas and promote employment. As part of the Chilean government’s privatization program, Corfo sold Industrias Arauco to Compañía de Petróleos de Chile S.A. (“Copec”) in 1977 and Celulosa Constitución to Copec in 1979.

At the beginning of the 1980s, Arauco began to expand its operations through purchasing land and plantations in order to ensure its supply of materials and to support its ability to respond to market opportunities around the world. Later in that decade, as part of a drive to improve its efficiency both on an environmental basis and in terms of production, Arauco modernized many of its operations at the Arauco Mill through the replacement of old machinery and the introduction of new technology, at a total cost of approximately U.S.$65 million. Arauco also modernized the Constitución Mill for a total cost of approximately U.S.$68 million. At the same time, Arauco reorganized the administration of its forest holdings. Arauco founded Investigaciones Forestales Bioforest S.A. (“Bioforest”) in 1990 to conduct applied research in genetic improvement, site productivity, pest and disease control and wood quality, with the goal of increasing the productivity of Arauco’s forest resources.

In 1990 Arauco began the construction of a second line at the Arauco Mill. It was completed in 1991 with an annual production capacity of 350,000 metric tons. The second line at the Arauco Mill (“Arauco II”), which was built next to the existing line (“Arauco I”), had a total cost of approximately U.S.$600 million.

In 1997, Arauco completed a U.S.$120 million capital expenditure program relating to Arauco’s existing mills in Chile (the “Arauco 21 Project”). The Arauco 21 Project included:

• converting Arauco I to produce bleached eucalyptus pulp as well as pine bleached pulp and replacing existing equipment with a new bleaching system that eliminates the use of chlorine gas;

• expanding the annual production capacity of Arauco II to 500,000 metric tons of bleached softwood kraft pulp and expanding annual production capacity at Arauco I to 290,000 metric tons of eucalyptus kraft pulp or 200,000 metric tons of bleached radiata pine kraft pulp; and

• installing condensing turbogenerators at each of Arauco’s then-existing mills, thereby increasing the generation of energy by 30 megawatts in the aggregate at the Arauco Mill and by 12 megawatts at the Constitución Mill.

Arauco acquired Alto Paraná in Argentina in 1996. At that time, Alto Paraná owned approximately 57,000 hectares of land and a pulp mill with a production capacity of 250,000 metric tons per year of softwood bleached pulp. With this acquisition, Arauco expanded its market opportunities abroad.

In September 1999, Arauco acquired the Licancel Mill in Chile for approximately U.S.$126 million. The Licancel Mill is a pulp mill with a production capacity of 160,000 metric tons of bleached pulp per year.

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In the last quarter of 1999, Arauco also successfully completed a project known as the “APSA 300 Project”. Through the APSA 300 Project, Alto Paraná raised its production capacity to 300,000 metric tons of pulp per year and implemented modifications in its processes which reduce emissions as well as chemical, fossil fuel and water consumption. In particular, Alto Paraná invested U.S.$2.9 million in new effluent treatment. In the aggregate, the APSA 300 Project cost approximately U.S.$33 million.

In 2000, Arauco acquired 98% of the shares of Forestal Cholguán S.A. (“Cholguán”) and 50% of Trupán S.A. (“Trupán”) for a total purchase price of approximately U.S.$303 million, thus entering the MDF and HB markets. Arauco acquired 72.9% of the shares of Cholguán from a group of investors headed by Mr. Anacleto Angelini (the “Angelini Group”). The Angelini Group is also the beneficial owner of 70.2% of the shares of AntarChile S.A. (“AntarChile”), a Chilean holding company, which in turn is the indirect beneficial owner of approximately 60.1% of the shares of Arauco. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders.” In 2000, Arauco also built a second plywood production line for a total cost of approximately U.S.$45 million.

In December 2001, Arauco began constructing a fourth pulp mill (the “Valdivia Mill”) with a projected annual production capacity of approximately 700,000 metric tons of bleached pulp, consisting of 300,000 metric tons of softwood pulp and 400,000 metric tons of eucalyptus pulp. The total estimated cost of this project is expected to be U.S.$600 million, of which 25% was paid during 2002, 65% is expected to be paid during 2003 and the remaining 10% during 2004. The Valdivia Mill is expected to enter into operations during the first quarter of 2004.

During the third quarter of 2002, Arauco began operations at two new MDF mills, one in Chile and one in Argentina, with an annual production capacity of 250,000 cubic meters each. These mills were built through an aggregate investment of U.S.$135 million.

Corporate Structure

The Company is substantially wholly-owned by Copec, a public company listed on the Santiago Stock Exchange, the Valparaíso Stock Exchange and the Chilean Electronic Stock Exchange. Copec’s principal interests are in Arauco, gasoline distribution, retailing, electricity, gas distribution, and fishing. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders.”

The Company conducts its corporate, treasury, sales and pulp mill operations directly. The Company conducts its Chilean forestry operations through its substantially wholly-owned subsidiary Forestal Arauco S.A. (“Forestal Arauco”). In turn, Forestal Arauco oversees and coordinates the activities of its four substantially wholly-owned forestry subsidiaries: Forestal Celco S.A. (“Forestal Celco”), Bosques Arauco S.A. (“Bosques Arauco”), Cholguán, and Forestal Valdivia S.A. (“Forestal Valdivia”), each of which owns Arauco’s forests in a particular geographic region of Chile.

Arauco’s sawmill operations and its remanufacturing operations are managed through Aserraderos Arauco.

Arauco’s subsidiary Paneles Arauco was formed in October 1995 to produce plywood from radiata pine and commenced operations in 1997. Paneles Arauco also operates an HB plant and two of Arauco’s three MDF mills.

Another of Arauco’s subsidiaries, Bioforest, engages in research and development connected with genetic selection, forestry management practices and improvement of site, soil and fiber quality. Bioforest also coordinates Arauco’s phytosanitary protection of its forests.

Servicios Logísticos Arauco S.A., formerly Portuaria Arauco S.A. (“Servicios Logísticos Arauco”), is a substantially wholly-owned subsidiary that manages port operations for all of Arauco’s Chilean business units. Arauco also owns a 20.1% equity interest in Puerto de Lirquén S.A. (“Puerto Lirquén”), a major Chilean port, and 50% of Puerto de Coronel S.A. (“Puerto Coronel”), a port facility at Coronel, which lies between Concepción and Arauco.

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Distribuidora Centromaderas S.A. (“Centromaderas”), which is 50% owned by Aserraderos Arauco and 50% owned by Paneles Arauco, was formed in September 1995 and sells the Aserraderos Arauco and Paneles Arauco products to the Chilean market.

Arauco Generación S.A. (“Arauco Generación”), originally created in 1988 as Inmobiliaria y Promotora Habitacional Arauco S.A. to construct employee housing, was renamed Arauco Generación in 1994. It is now a wholly-owned subsidiary which owns condensing turbogenerators designed to supply energy to Arauco’s pulp mills and sell any excess energy into Chile’s national electric grid. Arauco Generación commenced electricity generation operations in October 1996. This subsidiary no longer constructs employee housing.

Through Industrias Forestales S.A. (“IFSA”), Arauco acquired Alto Paraná in December 1996 and Industrial y Forestal Misiones S.A. (“Misiones”) in December 1997. Misiones and Alto Paraná were maintained as substantially wholly-owned subsidiaries of Arauco until December 1999, when Misiones was merged into Alto Paraná. Alto Paraná remains a substantially wholly-owned subsidiary of Arauco. Alto Paraná owns forests in Argentina and owns and operates a pulp mill, a sawmill and an MDF mill in Argentina. IFSA is a substantially wholly-owned subsidiary that Arauco formed at the end of 1996 for the purpose of conducting Arauco’s investments in Argentina.

Inversiones Celco S.L. (“Inversiones Celco”) was incorporated in Spain on December 2002 for the purpose of conducting Arauco’s investments in Argentina. Inversiones Celco holds 99.999% of IFSA.

Southwoods Arauco Lumber LLC was incorporated in the United States in September 2002. Its purpose is to conduct Arauco’s activities in the sawntimber and related products industry in the United States.

Arauco Internacional S.A. (previously Inversiones Cholguán S.A.) was incorporated in Chile in 1989. Beginning in 2002, it manages and holds Arauco’s foreign subsidiaries, with the exception of its Argentine operations.

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The following table sets out our ownership interests in our significant subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002.

	Country of incorporation	Stock held directly		Stock held indirectly		Total stock held
Agenciamiento y Servicios Profesionales S.A.	Mexico	0.0020	%	99.9965	%	99.9985	%
Alto Paraná S.A.	Argentina	0.0000		99.9722		99.9722
Arauco Denmark ApS	Denmark	0.0000		99.9310		99.9310
Arauco do Brasil Ltda.	Brazil	0.0002		99.9983		99.9985
Arauco Ecuador S.A.	Ecuador	0.1000		99.8985		99.9985
Arauco Europe S.A.	Switzerland	0.0100		58.7932		58.8032
Arauco Forest Products B.V.	The Netherlands	0.0000		99.9310		99.9310
Arauco Generación S.A.	Chile	99.0000		0.9992		99.9992
Arauco Honduras S. de R.L. de C.V.	Honduras	1.0000		98.9985		99.9985
Arauco Internacional S.A. (previously Inversiones Cholguán S.A.)	Chile	98.0377		1.9608		99.9985
Araucomex S.A. de C.V.	Mexico	0.0005		99.9980		99.9985
Arauco Perú S.A. (previously Cholguán Lima S.A.).	Peru	0.0013		99.9972		99.9985
Arauco Wood Products, Inc.	U.S.A.	0.3953		99.6032		99.9985
Aserraderos Arauco S.A.	Chile	99.0000		0.9992		99.9992
Bosques Arauco S.A.	Chile	1.0000		98.9256		99.9256
Controladora de Plagas Forestales S.A.	Chile	0.0000		51.0943		51.0943
Distribuidora Centromaderas S.A.	Chile	0.0000		99.9992		99.9992
Forestal Arauco S.A.	Chile	99.9248		0.0000		99.9248
Forestal Arauco Costa Rica S.A.	Costa Rica	10.0000		89.9987		99.9987
Forestal Arauco Guatemala S.A.	Guatemala	0.1515		99.8470		99.9985
Forestal Celco S.A.	Chile	1.0000		98.9256		99.9256
Forestal Cholguán S.A.	Chile	0.0000		97.3143		97.3143
Forestal Conosur S.A.	Uruguay	0.0000		99.9985		99.9985
Forestal Misiones S.A.	Argentina	0.0000		99.9861		99.9861
Forestal Valdivia S.A.	Chile	1.0000		98.9256		99.9256
Industrias Forestales S.A.	Argentina	0.0000		99.9999		99.9999
Inversiones Celco S.L	Spain	99.9310		0.0676		99.9986
Investigaciones Forestales Bioforest S.A	Chile	1.0000		98.9256		99.9256
Paneles Arauco S.A.	Chile	99.0000		0.9992		99.9992
Servicios Logísticos Arauco S.A. (previously Portuaria Arauco S.A.)	Chile	45.0000		54.9586		99.9586
Southwoods-Arauco Lumber LLC	U.S.A.	0.0000		99.6110		99.6110
Trupán Argentina S.A.	Argentina	0.0000		99.9999		99.9999

Business Strategy

Arauco’s business strategy is to maximize the commercial value of its plantations by pursuing growth opportunities in its core businesses and expanding into new markets and products. Arauco is implementing its business strategy through the following initiatives:

• implementing a capital expenditure plan designed to increase production capacity for pulp and forestry and wood products and to improve efficiency and productivity;

• improving the growth rate and quality of its plantations and increasing production of higher margin clear wood through advanced forest management techniques; and

• expanding its product line in order to penetrate new markets by, among other things, planting eucalyptus trees to provide hardwood pulp.

Forestry Activity

Radiata pine grows at the fastest rates within a narrow band of latitude and under certain climatic conditions. One of Chile’s principal advantages in the forestry products industry lies in the short growing cycle of its radiata pine plantations. The faster rate of growth of radiata pine trees in Chile allows harvesting of pulplogs and sawlogs 16 to 18 years after planting and of high quality sawlogs 25 years after planting. For most temperate softwood forests in the Northern Hemisphere this range is between 18 to 45 years for pulplogs and 50 to 150 for high quality sawn timber. Consequently, the Chilean forestry industry is a relatively low cost producer, since a Chilean producer generally requires less time and a smaller area to produce the same volume of pine as its North American or European competitors, who face lower forest growth rates and higher transportation and investment

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costs as a result of the larger tracts of forests necessary to produce equivalent yields of softwood. Accordingly, since the mid-1970s, Arauco has focused its forest management toward the application of advanced genetic and silviculture techniques to increase productivity and the quality of its plantations.

Eucalyptus, which Arauco started planting in 1989, grows well in the forest regions of Chile. Once planted, Eucalyptus trees require no further forest management (other than fire control and reduction of weeds) until harvest. The average harvest cycle of eucalyptus plantations is approximately 12 years. Once cut, eucalyptus regrows and it is only after two additional harvest rotations of approximately 12 years each that it becomes necessary to replant.

Arauco has adopted environmentally sensitive policies towards its holdings of native forests. In selected areas, Arauco will thin native forests in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, but Arauco does not permit clear cutting of native forests in areas surrounding rivers and streams, areas of notable environmental interest or areas with particularly fragile soil conditions. See “—Government Regulation.”

All of Arauco’s forest activities have the environmental certification ISO 14001. Arauco is also undergoing certification in Chile for the National Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (CERTFOR), which is a member of the Pan European Forest Certification (PEFC). Arauco expects to complete the certification process during the second half of 2003.

Forest Plantations

The majority of Arauco’s radiata pine is less than 15 years old. Arauco’s planted forests are located in central and southern Chile, most of which are located in close proximity to Arauco’s major production facilities and to port facilities.

The following table sets out the number of hectares and types of uses of Arauco’s land holdings and rights in Chile at December 31, 2002.

	At December 31, 2002
	Total	Distribution
	(in hectares)	(percentage)
Radiata pine plantations(1)
0-5 years	146,478	15.9	%
6-10 years	123,474	13.4
11-15 years	113,549	12.3
16-20 years	100,399	10.9
21+ years	57,383	6.2
Subtotal(2)	541,283	58.8
Eucalyptus plantations(3)	65,999	7.2
Other species	3,201	0.4
Land for plantations	30,784	3.3
Land for other uses(4)	279,559	30.4
Subtotal	379,543	41.2
Total	920,826	100.00	%

(1) All years are calculated from the date of planting.

(2) These figures include 14,389 hectares as to which Arauco has the right to harvest, but does not own.

(3) Approximately 94% of Arauco’s eucalyptus plantations are less than 10 years old.

(4) Includes roads, fire breaks, native forests and yards.

At December 31, 2002, Arauco’s aggregate radiata pine holdings comprised approximately 33% of the total Chilean radiata plantations, making Arauco the country’s largest radiata pine plantation owner, according to the Chilean Forestry Institute.

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Land Acquisition and Afforestation

Arauco’s total land assets in Chile have increased from under 170,000 hectares in 1980 to 921,793 hectares at December 31, 2002. That figure includes 14,389 hectares owned by third parties as to which Arauco has harvesting rights. Although Arauco has acquired afforested land, the bulk of the increase in its forest plantations has been through the acquisition of bare land which is subsequently planted with trees. In the five years ending December 31, 2002, Arauco purchased 72,372 hectares of bare land for plantations and other uses and 66,706 hectares of forested land in Chile.

Although Arauco does not currently expect to make significant acquisitions of additional land in Chile, it may nevertheless do so if presented with the opportunity to buy land at a desired price or location. Arauco anticipates continuing its policy of supplementing its pulplog production with purchases from domestic third parties. Arauco believes that this policy is efficient given the significant quantities of pulpwood available from third parties and Arauco’s increasing proportion of sawlogs yielded from its plantations. Arauco believes that the aggregate of its existing plantations in Chile, land currently held by it that Arauco intends to afforest, and the third-party purchases it makes in the ordinary course of its business will be sufficient to satisfy Arauco’s anticipated future demand for sawlogs and pulplogs.

In December 2002, Alto Paraná won a bid for 60,000 hectares of forestry land and plantations sold by the Argentine company Perez Companc. Alto Paraná agreed to pay U.S.$40 million for the land, which includes a sawmill with a capacity of 90,000 cubic meters and other related assets, and is located in Argentina, close to Alto Paraná’s operations. This transaction is still subject to the approval of Argentina’s antitrust authorities.

Forest Management

The forestry management activities of Arauco (with respect to its radiata pine plantations in Chile) seek to increase sawlogs through advanced genetic techniques, planting and site preparation procedures, thinning and pruning. Managed forests can produce trees of larger diameter, and, if pruned, a higher proportion of clear wood, which generally commands a higher price than knotted wood. Although some land is not suitable for the production of pruned logs, over 48.8% of Arauco’s radiata forests in Chile are actively managed for clear wood production.

In the case of eucalyptus, Arauco aims its forestry management activities at increasing the amount of fiber per hectare through advanced genetic techniques and planting and site preparation procedures. While eucalyptus is more expensive to plant than radiata pine, thereafter eucalyptus requires minimal forest management, yields more fiber per hectare and has a shorter growth cycle and greater wood density than radiata pine, resulting in a greater amount of pulp per hectare.

Arauco has five nurseries. Seedlings are grown both from seeds and from cuttings from genetically selected trees. In order to achieve higher quality trees and an increased growth rate, Arauco applies strict selection criteria to the trees from which seedlings are produced. Seedlings are planted manually. Depending upon the species of tree to be planted and the nutrient and physical characteristics of the soil, a certain amount of ground preparation may be undertaken prior to planting. Other principal forest activities are thinning, pruning and harvesting.

Thinning (which consists of the selected culling of inferior trees from the plantation) occurs in two stages:

• thinning to waste, where some thinned trees are chipped and used in pulp production; thinning to waste occurs after four to six years and results in an average reduction of the number of trees per hectare from 1,250 to approximately 700; and

• commercial thinning, where thinned trees are used in pulp production or, depending on the quality of the particular land, as sawlogs; commercial thinning occurs at 10 to 12 years and results in an average reduction of the number of trees per hectare from 700 to approximately 450.

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This high level of culling is economical because of the comparatively low cost of planting, the fact that a higher number of young trees provide each other with natural protection from the elements and because it allows a high degree of selection, leaving only the highest quality trees to be harvested.

Pruning involves removing branches, the source of knots, which are the main defect in sawn timber. Pruning results in a high-quality clearwood sawlog of 5.3 meters from each tree, and is conducted at the time of the first thinning, again two years later when trees are six to eight years old and a final time one year later, when trees are seven to nine years old. Eucalyptus plantations are neither thinned nor pruned.

Harvesting timber involves felling trees, removing branches from the logs, cutting the logs into appropriate sections and loading the logs onto trucks for transport to sawmills, pulp mills or ports for direct export. The lower section of the radiata pine tree, comprising the first seven to 12 meters, is used in sawmills and plywood mills or exported as sawlogs. The mid-section of the tree, comprising, on average, the next eight to 13 meters, is destined either for the sawmills or pulp mills, depending on its diameter and quality. The top section of the tree is used for pulp and MDF production.

Arauco keeps apprised of product demand and its current inventory levels, and matches harvests from sections of its plantations that will provide the optimal yield given its product requirements. This process involves the use of sophisticated operations research models and continual liaison between different operating areas of Arauco to ensure that correct amounts of timber of the required characteristics are supplied. Arauco replants as soon as practicable after harvesting, with an average period between harvesting and replanting of one year.

The following table illustrates on a hectare basis the extent of Arauco’s thinning, pruning and harvesting activities in Chile.

	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002
			(in hectares)
Thinning	34,935	30,787	30,737	35,039	33,824
Pruning	34,814	42,061	50,707	46,245	40,377
Harvesting	13,580	12,875	14,821	17,779	18,875

Arauco manages its forest activities in Chile, but hires independent contractors to perform the bulk of its operations, including planting, maintenance, thinning, pruning, harvesting, transportation and access road construction. Arauco commenced this practice in 1980 and currently has arrangements with more than 300 independent contractors, which in turn employ over 10,000 workers. Many of these contractors have had long-standing relations with Arauco. A substantial number of these contracts are awarded on the basis of competitive bids. Arauco believes that its arrangements with independent contractors provide greater flexibility and efficiency than performing such activities on its own.

The fact that Arauco’s forest holdings are geographically split by areas of farmland and native forests provides natural protection against the spread of certain diseases among its plantations. In addition, among its other activities, Bioforest, Arauco’s research and development subsidiary, has developed techniques to protect Arauco’s forests from pests and diseases. The most prevalent pest is the European pine shoot moth, which may damage the tips of the radiata pine resulting in deformations to the tree. Arauco controls this moth with biological methods. Specifically, Arauco introduced a parasitic wasp, the Orgilus Obscurator, which attacks only the European pine shoot moth. Other methods used to control pests include the mechanical removal of affected tips and the use of low toxicity chemical products. Other potential diseases and pests include a fungus called Dothistroma, which reduces a tree’s growth rate, and the Sirex insect, which attacks decaying trees and results in a thinned forest.

Arauco operates an extensive fire control organization, which interacts with those of other forestry companies, in order to ensure minimum fire damage. The operation consists primarily of a system of spotter towers, manned 24 hours a day during the summer months, from which spotters report the direction of any fire observed to a central command post, where the fire’s exact location is determined and an appropriate ground and/or aerial response is formulated. This system has limited fire damage to Arauco’s forests to an average of 0.38% of the plantations per year over the last five years. See “—Description of Property.”

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Forest Production

Arauco harvested 8.8 million cubic meters of logs in Chile during the year ended December 31, 2002, consisting of 5.4 million cubic meters of sawlogs, 2.3 million cubic meters of radiata pine pulplogs and 1.1 million cubic meters of eucalyptus pulplogs and other logs. Arauco did not export any pulp logs during 2002, as substantially all of the pulplogs from its forests were used in Arauco’s pulp mills. During 2002, 4,748,755 cubic meters of sawlogs were used by Arauco’s sawmills and panel mills and 48,732 cubic meters of sawlogs were exported. Arauco also sold 532,876 cubic meters of sawlogs to unaffiliated domestic sawmills during the same period.

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Domestic and Export Sales

The following table sets out Arauco’s sales revenue derived from exports and domestic sales for the years indicated.

	Year ended December 31,
	2000		2001		2002
	(in millions of U.S.$)
Export Sales
Bleached pulp	$	580	$	518	$	466
Unbleached pulp		151		150		129
Sawlogs		3		0		3
Flitches		9		6		6
Sawn timber		133		117		155
Remanufactured wood products		78		99		128
Plywood and fiber panels		59		93		133
Posts		8		6		7
Other		5		—		—
Total export sales revenue		1,026		989		1,027
Domestic Sales
Bleached pulp		58		36		33
Unbleached pulp		3		1		2
Sawlogs		38		16		14
Pulplogs		11		11		7
Sawn timber		61		49		44
Remanufactured wood products		3		13		9
Chips		2		1		1
Electric power		4		3		5
Plywood and fiber panels		37		48		45
Other		17		6		1
Total domestic sales revenue		234		185		161
Total sales revenue	$	1,260	$	1,174	$	1,188

The following table sets out a geographic market breakdown of Arauco’s export sales revenue for the years indicated.

	Year ended December 31,
	2000		2001		2002
	(in millions of U.S.$)
North America	$	108	$	188	$	131
Central and South America		160		155		158
Asia		381		442		342
Europe		342		192		369
Others		36		11		26
Total	$	1,027	$	989	$	1,026

Pulp

Arauco believes that it was Chile’s largest producer of bleached and unbleached softwood market pulp in terms of production in 2002. For the year ended December 31, 2002, pulp sales were U.S.$628.8 million, representing 52.9% of Arauco’s total sales revenue for the period.

Pulp obtained from wood fibers is used in the manufacture of printing and writing paper, hygienic and sanitary paper, board and packaging. Whether a specific kind of pulp is suitable for a particular end use depends not only on the type of wood, but also on the process used to transform the wood into pulp. Pulp made from softwoods, such as radiata pine, has long fibers and is used to provide durability and strength to paper products. Bleached pulp

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is used primarily for printing and writing papers and for tissue. Unbleached pulp is used primarily for linerboard (a packaging material). Pulp made from hardwoods, such as eucalyptus, has short fibers and is used in combination with long fiber in manufacturing paper products.

Arauco uses a chemical process, known as the “kraft” process, in its three pulp mills in Chile and the pulp mill in Argentina. The raw wood is in the form of pulplogs and chips, which are combined in the production process to produce pulp. The pulplogs are first debarked and chipped. The chips are then screened, mixed and cooked with chemicals in order to separate the bulk of the lignin from the wood fibers. After the material is screened and washed, it is then passed to high-density tanks. For bleached pulp, the next step is a five-stage bleaching process using chemicals, primarily chlorine dioxide. At the Arauco II and Licancel Mills, the bleaching process is preceded by an oxygen delignification stage. The fibers are then subjected to a final stage where the sheets are formed and subsequently dried and baled for transport to customers. The lignin and bark produced during this process is used to fuel the boilers that produce steam, providing heat and generating electricity for the mill. Arauco’s bleached pulp is bleached to a 90+ brightness level as measured by the International Standards Organization (“ISO”) test procedure, which is one of the industry’s measurement methods.

Pulp Mills

Arauco owns and operates three pulp mills in Chile, which had an aggregate annual production capacity at December 31, 2002 of approximately 1,240,000 metric tons, and in December 2001 it began construction of a fourth mill, the Valdivia Mill. No seasonal factors affect plant utilization. The pulp mills are kept running at full capacity throughout the year with eight to 10 days of maintenance scheduled every 12 months.

The following table sets out bleached and unbleached kraft pulp production in Chile by plant for each of the five years from 1998 through 2002.

	Year ended December 31
	1998	1999		2000	2001	2002
	(in thousands of metric tons)
Arauco Mill (bleached)
Arauco I	219	237		255	284	258
Arauco II	459	468		484	485	498
Constitución Mill (unbleached)	309	330		334	350	354
Licancel Mill (bleached)	—	14	(1)	118	110	113
Total	987	1,049		1,191	1,229	1,223

(1) For the period from October 1, 1999, when Arauco began its administration of Licancel Mill, to December 31, 1999.

Arauco I. Arauco I, which was completed in 1972, is located in the heart of one group of Arauco’s radiata pine plantations in the Eighth Region in Chile, approximately 600 kilometers south of Santiago. Arauco I underwent a modernization between 1986 and 1989 which increased its annual capacity to 190,000 metric tons and substantially improved its automation and environmental controls, including the ability to produce elementary chlorine-free (“ECF”) pulp. Annual capacity increased to 290,000 metric tons of eucalyptus kraft pulp (“EKP”) or 200,000 metric tons of bleached kraft pulp (“BKP”) as a result of the Arauco 21 Project. In June 1998, Arauco began producing eucalyptus bleached pulp at Arauco I. It continues to produce pine bleached pulp as well.

Arauco II. Located at the same site as Arauco I, Arauco II was completed in 1991 with an annual production capacity of 350,000 metric tons. Arauco II’s pulping process is fundamentally the same as that of Arauco I, but includes technological improvements in its production process and environmental design. Arauco II is equipped to produce ECF pulp, which does not use chlorine gas. ECF pulp is also produced by a significant portion of Arauco’s competitors in each of the world’s major pulp producing regions. Annual capacity increased to 500,000 metric tons as a result of the Arauco 21 Project.

Constitución Mill. The Constitución Mill is located in the heart of another group of Arauco’s radiata pine forests in the Seventh Region in Chile, approximately 360 kilometers southwest of Santiago. In 1990 the plant underwent a modernization and expansion that increased its annual production capacity to 265,000 metric tons per

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year, making it the largest unbleached softwood market pulp mill in the world, and substantially improved its automation and environmental controls. In the following years, improved operational procedures and minor capital improvements expanded annual production capacity to approximately 350,000 metric tons.

Licancel Mill. Arauco acquired the Licancel Mill in September 1999 for U.S.$133 million. Licancel is a pulp mill located in Licantén, near Constitución, which is 250 kilometers south of Santiago. The mill has a production capacity of 160,000 tons of EKP or 130,000 tons of pine BKP. Like Arauco I and Arauco II, the Licancel Mill is equipped to produce ECF pulp. Arauco also acquired 29,000 hectares of radiata pine plantations in connection with its purchase of the Licancel Mill.

Valdivia Mill (under construction). See “—History of Arauco” and “—Capital Expenditures.”

A significant proportion of Arauco’s planned capital expenditures is focused on its pulp operations. These projects include the construction of the Valdivia Mill in an area with significant radiata pine and eucalyptus plantations. The Valdivia Mill has a projected annual production capacity of approximately 700,000 metric tons of bleached pulp, consisting of 300,000 metric tons of softwood pulp and 400,000 tons of eucalyptus pulp. Construction of the mill began in December 2001. See “—Capital Expenditures.” To date, costs have been below the amount budgeted. The mill is expected to start producing during the first quarter of 2004.

Itata Project. Arauco has proposed the construction of another industrial complex in southern Chile. As proposed, the project, known as the “Itata Project,” would include a pulp mill, a plywood mill, a sawmill and other wood processing facilities. The Company’s Board of Directors has approved the construction of the first phase of the Itata Project, consisting of a sawmill, a plywood mill and an energy complex for the supply of steam and energy. Construction of this first phase began in May 2003 with an estimated investment cost of approximately U.S.$120 million. The necessary environmental approvals for the proposed project have been obtained. However, the pulp mill has not received final approval from the Company’s Board of Directors, and there can be no assurance that the second phase of the project will be undertaken.

Production Costs

Based on information published by RISI, Arauco’s cash costs for softwood pulp production are significantly lower than the average costs of market pulp producers in Canada, the United States and Scandinavia, particularly with respect to timber and labor costs. While Arauco’s modern facilities result in depreciation exceeding that of such Northern Hemisphere producers, Arauco’s costs are still significantly lower than those of the average of its Northern Hemisphere competitors on a total delivered cost basis. The following table compares Arauco’s costs for the production of bleached softwood kraft market pulp with the average costs of market pulp producers in Chile and selected regions in the Northern Hemisphere for the year ended December 31, 2001.

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	Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp Producers’ Cost
	Arauco(3)	British Columbia Coast	British Columbia Interior	United States South	Sweden	Finland
	(in U.S.$ per metric ton for the year ended December 31, 2001)
Wood	108	150	131	128	175	193
Total chemicals	36	46	49	60	38	33
Labor	12	55	41	39	28	30
Others(1)	33	81	85	73	26	16
Total cash cost	189	332	306	300	267	272
Depreciation	68	48	35	63	36	50
Total mill cost	257	380	341	363	303	322
Transportation(2)	37	43	70	58	20	23
Total delivered cost	294	423	411	421	323	345

(1) Includes energy, materials and other production costs.

(2) Delivered Northern Europe.

(3) Includes Chilean operations only.

Source: RISI World PULP Annual Historical Data, July 2002, except Arauco information, which is furnished by Arauco.

Sales

The world market for bleached softwood kraft market pulp during the year ended December 31, 2002 was approximately 19.2 million metric tons. Based on information published by RISI, Arauco believes that its production represented 5.4% of this market in 2002. During the year ended December 31, 2002, Arauco sold approximately 93.4% of its bleached pulp abroad, principally to customers in Asia and Western Europe. In the early 1990’s, sales were made primarily to Western Europe, but with the expanded capacity provided by Arauco II as it came on line starting in late 1991, Arauco has been able to diversify its customer base, especially in Asia. The domestic market in Chile is dominated by a single integrated pulp and paper manufacturer so that the Chilean market for bleached market pulp is relatively small.

The world production of unbleached softwood pulp is dominated by integrated manufacturers, leaving non-integrated companies, such as Arauco, with only a small percentage of total production. With a total world production of unbleached softwood kraft market pulp of 2.1 million metric tons for 2002, according to RISI, Arauco’s Constitución Mill was the world’s largest single producer, with 16.6% of the total market in 2002. During the year ended December 31, 2002, approximately 98.6% of Arauco’s total unbleached market pulp sales consisted of export sales. While for the last five calendar years Asia has been Arauco’s principal export market for unbleached market pulp, Arauco continually seeks niche markets for its product in Western Europe and the United States. Historically, Arauco’s sales in the domestic market have been less than 5% of its total unbleached pulp sales revenue.

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The following table sets out by region the sales volumes of bleached and unbleached pulp for each of the five years from 1998 through 2002, excluding sales from Alto Paraná.

	Year ended December 31,
	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002
	(in metric tons)
Bleached Pulp
North and South America	35,093	55,783	60,559	60,933	82,873
Europe	269,996	276,775	277,307	290,980	322,038
Asia	391,139	488,352	299,890	635,295	473,740
Other	—	—	11,935	15,036	11,156
Total	696,228	820,910	649,691	1,002,244	889,807
Unbleached Pulp
North and South America	26,619	26,785	34,156	29,521	24,398
Europe	21,303	17,500	13,877	12,598	13,558
Asia	230,831	312,767	223,848	377,897	311,406
Other	8,147	1,998	9,409	3,519	—
Total	286,900	359,050	281,290	423,535	349,362

While there are many grades and varieties, pulp is a commodity that is marketed primarily on the basis of price and service. In marketing its pulp, Arauco seeks to establish long-term relationships with non-integrated end users of pulp by providing a competitively-priced, high-quality, consistent product and excellent service. The consistency of Arauco’s Chilean pulp derives from its state-of-the-art mills and its use of a single species of tree, in contrast to pulp producers in some of the world’s major softwood pulp producing regions that use a mix of different species depending on availability and seasonality. Arauco’s bleached pulp is marketed under the brand names “Arauco” and its unbleached pulp under the brand name “Celco.”

Prices for bleached softwood kraft market pulp produced from radiata pine generally fluctuate depending on prevailing world prices, which historically have been cyclical. The fluctuations generally depend upon worldwide demand, world production capacity, the business strategies adopted by major forestry, pulp and paper producers and the availability of substitutes. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations—Overview” and “—Prices.”

Prices in the world market for unbleached kraft market pulp are determined by a small number of producers and customers. While Arauco runs its pulp mills at capacity, Arauco varies its inventory of unbleached pulp depending on the prevailing market price.

The following table sets forth Arauco’s Chilean bleached and unbleached pine pulp prices (CIF) per metric ton at the indicated dates, during the years set out below.

	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002
	(U.S.$ per metric ton)
Bleached Pulp
March 31	422	419	622	456	360
June 30	504	479	666	408	439
September 30	425	523	684	365	448
December 31	397	596	644	378	414
Unbleached Pulp
March 31	360	362	537	361	348
June 30	436	403	580	348	405
September 30	382	430	542	342	379
December 31	327	487	426	370	361

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In accordance with customary pulp market practice, Arauco does not have long-term sales contracts with its customers, but rather maintains long-standing relationships with its customers pursuant to which agreement is reached from time to time on specific volumes and prices. The Company has a diversified customer base located throughout the world, totaling more than 480 clients. The Company employs more than 20 sales agents to represent it in more than 50 countries, but its worldwide sales network is managed from its Santiago headquarters.

Forestry Products

Arauco’s forestry products are sawlogs and pulpwood. As a result of Arauco’s forest management policies and the increasing maturity of Arauco’s plantations in Chile, Arauco’s plantations are yielding increasing volumes of forestry products, particularly clear wood. As the volume of clear wood has grown, Arauco has broadened its range of forestry products. For the year ended December 31, 2002, sales of forestry products were U.S.$31 million, representing 2.6% of Arauco’s total sales revenue for the period.

Sawmills

Arauco’s sawmill products are sawn timber (green and kiln-dried lumber) and remanufactured wood products. For the year ended December 31, 2002, sales of sawmill products were U.S.$343.9 million, representing 29.0% of Arauco’s total sales revenues for the period.

As of December 31, 2002, Arauco owned 11 sawmills in Chile and one in Argentina, with an aggregate annual processing capacity at December 31, 2002 of approximately 4,300,000 cubic meters of sawlogs and an aggregate annual production capacity at December 31, 2002 of approximately 2,510,000 cubic meters of lumber. Arauco’s 11 sawmills in Chile are operated by contractors, which are not related to Arauco or to each other. Arauco operates its sawmills in coordination with its forestry and sales operations, since its sawn timber is generally produced in accordance with customer specifications. All of the sawmills are located near Arauco’s radiata pine plantations. As of December 31, 2002, Arauco also owned five remanufacturing facilities that reprocess the sawn timber into remanufactured wood products, with an aggregate annual production capacity of approximately 325,000 cubic meters.

In the last quarter of 1999 and the first quarter of 2000, Arauco completed construction of two new high production capacity sawmills, the first, the Horcones II Sawmill, in the province of Arauco, Chile and the second, the Misiones Sawmill, in the province of Misiones, Argentina. Arauco’s total investment in these projects was approximately U.S.$52 million. The Horcones II Sawmill commenced partial operations in September 1999 and was fully operational by December 1999, with an annual production capacity of 220,000 cubic meters of sawn timber. The Misiones Sawmill commenced operations in April 2000 and has an annual production capacity of 300,000 cubic meters of sawn timber. During 2002, this mill produced 210,000 cubic meters of sawn timber. The Cholguán sawmill, located 150 kilometers east of Arauco with a production capacity of 300,000 cubic meters of lumber per year, was acquired by Arauco in March 2000 through its acquisition of Cholguán.

Aserraderos Arauco was established in June 1993 to centralize management and control production at Arauco’s sawmill and remanufacturing operations. Prior to that time, Arauco leased its mills to independent third-party operators that could sell into the domestic market any products that Arauco did not purchase for export. All of Arauco’s sawmill and remanufacturing facilities are currently run by independent contractors that are paid sawing services fees calculated on a fixed and variable basis depending on productivity, with price renegotiations in the event of material changes in costs or productivity. Each independent contractor operates exclusively for Arauco and only with respect to one sawmill facility and, at the mills that have adjacent remanufacturing facilities, one remanufacturing facility. The 11 independent contractors that operate Arauco’s Chilean sawmills employed 3,230 employees at December 31, 2002 and the five independent contractors that operate Arauco’s Chilean remanufacturing facilities employed 1,740 employees at December 31, 2002. Arauco believes that its arrangements with independent contractors provide it with greater flexibility and efficiency than performing such activities on its own.

A log merchandising facility located at the same site as the Horcones I Mill described below was completed in early 1997. This facility cuts and classifies wood destined for the plywood facility, the sawmills, the export market or the pulp mills.

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The following is a brief description of Arauco’s sawmills and remanufacturing facilities on the basis of their production capacity. Processing capacity measures a facility’s input, while production capacity measures its output. Typically, a facility’s production capacity is 45% to 50% smaller than its processing capacity.

Araucana. This sawmill processes logs to produce sawn timber, including high-grade sawn timber for remanufacturing and flitches. It has an annual production capacity of 125,000 cubic meters of lumber.

Cholguán. This sawmill was acquired in March 2000 and has an annual production capacity of 300,000 meters of lumber, as well as drying kiln facilities and two remanufacturing facilities with an annual production capacity of 45,000 cubic meters of remanufactured wood products. This sawmill also has a special facility for making laminating beams, with an annual production capacity of 6,000 cubic meters and drying facilities with an annual production capacity of 220,000 cubic meters.

Colorado. This sawmill, which was expanded in 1995 and has an annual production capacity of 320,000 cubic meters of lumber, produces “green” sawn timber (or sawn timber that is not kiln dried) for the Japanese and Middle Eastern markets, as well as the domestic market. It also has drying facilities with an annual production capacity of 170,000 cubic meters.

El Cruce. This sawmill was acquired in March of 1999 and has an annual production capacity of 80,000 cubic meters of lumber, as well as remanufacturing facilities.

Escuadrón. This sawmill was acquired by Arauco in 1976 and modernized in 1994. Its annual production capacity is 90,000 cubic meters of lumber, and it produces all types of sawn timber. It also has drying kilns with an annual production capacity of 80,000 cubic meters.

Horcones I. This sawmill started production in the third quarter of 1996. It has an annual production capacity of 320,000 cubic meters of lumber. It also has drying kilns with an annual production capacity of 400,000 cubic meters and a remanufacturing facility with an annual production capacity of 110,000 cubic meters of remanufactured wood products.

Horcones II. This sawmill has an annual production capacity of 220,000 cubic meters of lumber, as well as drying kiln facilities. It commenced operations of its drying kiln facilities in September 1999 and was fully operational by December 1999, with an annual production capacity of 200,000 cubic meters.

Coelemu. This sawmill was acquired by Arauco in 1991 and has an annual production capacity of 80,000 cubic meters of lumber. Much of the mill’s production is sold into the Japanese market for thin and narrow sawn timber.

Mariquina. This sawmill started production in the fourth quarter of 1996 and has an annual production capacity of 300,000 cubic meters of lumber. It also has drying facilities with an annual production capacity of 180,000 cubic meters of remanufactured wood products and a remanufacturing facility with an annual production capacity of 36,500 cubic meters of remanufactured wood products.

Misiones (Argentina). Construction of this sawmill was completed in the first quarter of 2000. It has an estimated annual production capacity of 300,000 cubic meters of lumber. It is also equipped with drying kilns with an annual production capacity of 300,000 cubic meters and a remanufacturing facility with an annual production capacity of 36,000 cubic meters of remanufactured wood products.

Mutrún. This sawmill, which was modernized in 1992, has an annual production capacity of 125,000 cubic meters of lumber. It is also equipped with drying kilns with an annual production capacity of 80,000 cubic meters.

Viñales. This sawmill started production in the second quarter of 1994. It has an annual production capacity of 250,000 cubic meters of lumber. It is also equipped with drying kilns with an annual production

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capacity of 200,000 cubic meters and a remanufacturing facility with an annual production capacity of 120,000 cubic meters of remanufactured wood products.

Panels

Arauco’s panel products are plywood and fiber panels. In October 1997, Arauco’s subsidiary, Paneles Arauco, completed construction of a plywood facility in the Arauco province at an estimated total cost of U.S.$44 million. The facility reached its projected annual processing capacity of 230,000 cubic meters of logs during the second half of 1998. During 2000, Arauco completed the construction of a second production line with an annual production capacity of 200,000 cubic meters of plywood, which expanded the annual total production capacity of the facility to 340,000 cubic meters of plywood. This second line had a total cost of U.S.$30 million. During 2002, the facility produced a total of 310,122 cubic meters of plywood.

For the year ended December 31, 2002, sales of panels were U.S.$178.4 million, representing 15.0% of Arauco’s total sales revenues for the period.

Cholguán’s subsidiary Maderas Prensadas Cholguán S.A. (“Maderas Prensadas”), which runs the Cholguán HB Mill (the “Cholguán HB Mill”), became a subsidiary of Arauco through Arauco’s acquisition of Cholguán. Through a tender offer for the shares of Maderas Prensadas not previously held by Cholguán, Cholguán became the owner of 96.6% of Maderas Prensadas at the close of the offer on May 31, 2000. The Cholguán HB Mill has an annual production capacity of 60,000 tons per year.

At the time of the Cholguán acquisition, Maderas Prensadas held 50% of the shares of Trupán, which owned the Trupán MDF mill, which had an annual production capacity of 145,000 cubic meters per year. In March 2000 Maderas Prensadas bought the remaining 50% of the shares of Trupán from Carter Holt Harvey International Limited (Chile) through the exercise of an option. As a result, Trupán became a substantially wholly-owned subsidiary of Arauco. In October 2000, Trupán was merged with Paneles Arauco S.A., with Trupán as the surviving entity. In October 2000, Trupán changed its name to “Paneles Arauco S.A.”

During the third quarter of 2002, Arauco began operations at two new MDF mills, one in Chile (“Trupan II”) and one in Argentina, with a capacity of 250,000 cubic meters each. These mills were built at a combined investment of U.S.$135 million.

With the inauguration of these two new mills, Arauco’s total annual production capacity now exceeds a million cubic meters, placing it among the main companies in Latin America in the wood panel business:

Sales

The following table sets out Arauco’s forestry and wood products sales to unaffiliated third parties by category for each of the five years from 1998 through 2002.

	Year ended December 31,
	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002
	(in thousands of cubic meters)
Sawlogs	1,250	1,252	989	515	585
Pulplogs	489	526	516	451	419
Sawn timber	835	915	1,078	1,190	1,510
Remanufactured wood products	92	157	185	273	248
Plywood and fiber panels	68	115	314	466	643

Exports accounted for 78.2% of Arauco’s total sales revenues of panels, forestry and wood products for the year ended December 31, 2002. Arauco sells sawlogs primarily to Korea and the Middle East, sawn timber to Japan, the Middle East and the United States, and remanufactured wood products to the United States and Japan.

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Alto Paraná

In December 1996, Arauco acquired a 96.04% interest in Alto Paraná, a company headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, that manufactures and sells bleached softwood kraft market pulp in Argentina and the export market. In 2002, Alto Paraná produced 322,770 metric tons of pulp at its mill and realized revenues from such sales of approximately U.S.$132.8 million. In December 1997, Arauco acquired a 97.58% interest in Misiones, an Argentine forestry company. Each such acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase accounting method in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As a result of Arauco’s subsequent acquisitions of stock in the two companies, immediately prior to the merger of Misiones into Alto Paraná in December 1999, Arauco held a 99.98% interest in Alto Paraná and a 99.98% interest in Misiones. Alto Paraná remains a 99.98% subsidiary of the Company.

Pulp Mill and Properties

Alto Paraná’s principal assets are its pulp production facility, located on the Paraná River in the Province of Misiones, Argentina, its cultivated forest lands, which serve as a source of raw materials for the production of softwood pulp, the Misiones Sawmill and an MDF mill, which started operations during the third quarter of 2002.

Alto Paraná’s softwood pulp mill is located approximately 1,300 kilometers northwest of Buenos Aires in Puerto Esperanza, a province of Misiones, Argentina, a region whose soil and climate are favorable for the rapid growth of pine trees. The Alto Paraná mill, which commenced operations in November 1982, is the only bleached softwood kraft market pulp facility in Argentina. The mill has a production capacity of 340,000 tons of pulp per year, which currently represents almost all of total bleached softwood pulp production capacity in Argentina. The mill produced:

• 306,649 metric tons in 2000;

• 299,628 metric tons in 2001; and

• 322,770 metric tons in 2002.

Through Alto Paraná, Arauco owned approximately 200,989 hectares of forest and other land in Argentina and Uruguay as of December 31, 2002. Of these, 173,307 were located in the Province of Misiones, Argentina and the balance in Uruguay. Of these 200,989 hectares, approximately 90,800 hectares are planted with taeda pine as well as elliotti pine (a species of softwood which has a growth rate similar to that of radiata pine). The balance includes plantings of other species of trees, land to be planted, protected areas and natural forests. The majority of Arauco’s Argentine pine is under 15 years old.

In December 2002, Alto Paraná won a bid for 60,000 hectares of forestry land and plantations sold by the Argentine company Perez Companc. Alto Paraná agreed to pay U.S.$40 million for the land, which is located in Argentina, close to Alto Paraná’s operations. The transaction is still subject to the approval of the Argentine antitrust authorities. Alto Paraná expects to acquire additional land depending on price and location; however, there can be no assurance that Alto Paraná will be able to acquire land at its desired price or location.

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The following table sets out the number of hectares and types of uses of Arauco’s land holdings in Argentina at December 31, 2002.

Arauco’s Argentine Forest Reserves

	At December 31, 2002
	Total	Distribution
	(in hectares)	(percentage)
Taeda & Elliotti Pine Plantations(1)
0-5 years	46,900	23.3	%
6-10 years	10,882	5.4
11-15 years	10,905	5.4
16-20 years	9,313	4.6
21+ years	12,800	6.4
Subtotal	90,800	45.2
Araucaria	3,277	1.6
Eucalyptus	5,358	2.7
Land for plantations	23,219	11.6
Land for other uses(2)	78,335	39.0
Subtotal	110,189	54.8
Total	200,989	100.0	%

(1) All years are calculated from the date of planting.

(2) Includes roads, fire, breaks, native forests and yards.

Alto Paraná owns a sawmill, Aserradero Misiones, with an annual production capacity of 300,000 cubic meters of lumber, and an MDF mill with an annual production capacity of 250,000 cubic meters. Both are located in Puerto Piray, 50 kilometers south of Puerto Esperanza in the Province of Misiones, Argentina.

Costs

Arauco believes that Alto Paraná is a low cost producer of softwood kraft pulp, due mainly to its low chemical and wood costs. The favorable climate and soil conditions in the province of Misiones, Argentina, enable Alto Paraná to harvest its softwood pine trees in only 16 years, while harvest rotations for pine trees in the Northern Hemisphere typically range from 18 to 45 years.

Alto Paraná’s business strategy is to be a low cost producer of high quality bleached softwood kraft market pulp and forestry and wood products with a diversified customer base. It seeks to operate its production facilities profitably and at a high level of capacity utilization, even during periods of low prices.

In early 2002, the Argentine government changed from a fixed exchange rate, where the Argentine peso was tied to the U.S. dollar on a one-to-one basis, to a floating exchange rate. The Argentine peso devalued by approximately 70% as a result. During the first half of 2003, this tendency has reversed and the Argentine peso has begun to appreciate against the dollar.

Since most of Alto Paraná’s fixed costs are Argentine peso-denominated, the devaluation led to reduced costs, as measured in U.S. dollars. At the same time, the devaluation led to a loss on Argentine peso-denominated assets, resulting in a net loss for 2002.

Sales

Alto Paraná’s operations are equidistant from Buenos Aires, Argentina and Sao Paulo, Brazil. As a result, the Company believes that Alto Paraná is well positioned to benefit from future growth in the Mercosur market. Excluding Latin America, Alto Paraná’s principal markets are in Europe and Asia. The following table sets out by region the pulp sales volumes of Alto Paraná for 1998 through 2002.

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	Year ended December 31,
	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002
			(in metric tons)
Latin America	174,217	168,857	193,826	165,456	195,598
Europe	92,873	91,592	78,032	101,205	98,227
Asia	4,638	1,992	2,194	21,951	25,344
Other	6,946	7,407	12,508	6,167	6,617
Total	278,674	269,848	286,560	294,779	325,786

Alto Paraná does not have long-term sales contracts with its customers, but rather maintains long-standing relationships with its customers pursuant to which agreement is reached from time to time on specific volumes and prices. In response to the current Argentine economic crisis, Alto Paraná is increasing the proportion of its sales which are directed to other markets, while continuing to provide products to its long-standing Argentine clients.

Competition

Arauco experiences substantial worldwide competition in each of its geographical markets and in each of its product lines. Several of its competitors are larger than Arauco and may have greater financial and other resources.

Arauco faces competition in its pulp sales from one other major Chilean producer and from long-fiber pulp producers in other regions, particularly Canada, the United States, New Zealand and the Scandinavian countries for bleached market pulp, and South Africa, the United States, Portugal and New Zealand for unbleached market pulp. Arauco has been able to compete successfully because of its reputation for dependable service and its low production costs, which provide it with a competitive price advantage. Arauco has begun to produce short fiber pulp, which is made from eucalyptus, in limited volumes, in an effort to diversify its product line and to reach new markets. Arauco faces competition largely from Brazilian and Indonesian producers for its new short fiber pulp product.

Arauco’s principal competitors in the forestry and wood products markets are the major European, North American, New Zealand and Chilean forestry companies. Arauco believes that its relatively low cost of wood, its operating efficiencies, such as in transportation, its ability to customize orders, its domestic and off-shore sales and marketing organizations and the versatility of radiata pine allow it to compete effectively in the world market for forestry and wood products.

Transportation, Storage and Distribution

In order to remain competitive with pulp suppliers elsewhere in the world, Arauco ships pulp to various distribution centers around the world from which final delivery to the customer is made. Historically, Arauco and other Chilean pulp and forestry products producers have coordinated their transportation requirements in order to achieve larger lots to fill specially designed pulp and log ships and thus obtain competitive freight rates.

The Company’s subsidiary Servicios Logísticos Arauco manages all of Arauco’s Chilean port activities. Work is performed by independent contractors, who receive the pulp and forestry products at the port and prepare shipments. The principal Chilean ports used by Arauco are:

• San Vicente and Talcahuano, which are both state-owned ports in the Concepción area and through which Arauco shipped approximately 25.8% of its aggregate export volume during 2002;

• Lirquén, a private port in Concepción in which Arauco has an equity interest of 20.1% and through which Arauco shipped approximately 21.4% of its aggregate export volume during 2002; and

• Coronel, a private port located between Concepción and Arauco which opened in July 1996 and which Arauco constructed as part of a consortium with five other companies; Arauco shipped approximately 49.5% of its aggregate export volume through this port in 2002.

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These ports are approximately 60 kilometers from the Arauco Mill and 300 kilometers from Constitución Mill. Arauco has a pulp storage warehouse at Concepción with a capacity of 60,000 metric tons and a pulp storage warehouse at the port of San Vicente which has a capacity of 21,000 metric tons.

Arauco ships pulp to various ports in Europe, North and South America and Asia and, as is customary in the pulp industry, it stores some stock in those ports. Standard storage terms provide that Arauco is entitled to a certain period of storage free of charge. Arauco seeks to ensure that such initial period is not exceeded for each shipment. Arauco uses 18 foreign ports which have warehouse facilities available. At December 31, 2002, Arauco had approximately 122,036 metric tons in storage in warehouses at foreign ports.

Arauco believes that its shipping costs are broadly comparable with those of its international competitors, notwithstanding Chile’s greater distance from Europe, because of the proximity of its plantations and mills to the Pacific coast and the economies of scale achieved through its coordinated shipments with other Chilean producers.

Alto Paraná’s finished products generally are marketed on a CIF price basis and transported by common carriers. Timely and economical delivery of finished products to its customers are important factors in Alto Paraná’s ability to compete effectively. Most orders are shipped from the Puerto Esperanza mill almost immediately after they are produced, either by truck or railway.

Description of Property

Arauco’s principal properties consist of land and production plants and facilities, the majority of which are located in Chile. As of December 31, 2002, Arauco owned approximately 921,793 hectares of land in Chile, over 602,673 hectares of which consist of forest plantations, and 200,989 hectares of land in Argentina, of which 99,435 consist of forest plantations. Arauco additionally owns various plants and facilities, including pulp mills, panel mills, sawmills and remanufacturing facilities in Chile and one pulp mill, one sawmill and one MDF mill in Argentina. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Description of Business—Pulp”, “—Sawmills” and “—Panels.”

Consistent with industry practice, Arauco maintains fire insurance coverage for all its Chilean forest holdings but does not insure against pests or disease. Its insurance covers timber loss, either at replacement cost or commercial value, depending on the age of the trees affected. Arauco also carries insurance, consistent with industry practice, covering its Chilean production plants, facilities and equipment. Such insurance includes coverage in the event of fire, explosion or natural disaster for 12 months’ profits (18 months in the case of a boiler explosion in Arauco’s Chilean pulp mills). All of Arauco’s Chilean insurance policies covering its forest holdings and production plants, facilities and equipment have been entered into with Compañía de Seguros Generales Cruz del Sur S.A. (“Cruz del Sur”), an affiliated company. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders.”

Alto Paraná does not maintain fire insurance for its timber assets because the Company believes that the risk of damage from fire is low because Argentina receives significant amounts of rainfall, particularly during the summer months. Alto Paraná carries insurance covering its mills and its equipment in the event of fire, explosion or natural disaster.

For a description of environmental issues that may affect the Company’s utilization of its assets, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Government Regulation.”

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

In order to utilize its increasing volumes of forest production, Arauco has continually added on to, expanded and modernized its processing facilities. Arauco’s planned capital expenditures include the construction of the Valdivia Mill in the Tenth Region of Chile for the production of bleached pulp. This facility is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2004 with a projected annual capacity of approximately 700,000 metric tons of bleached pulp. Construction of the mill began in December 2001. The project is expected to require capital

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expenditures of approximately U.S.$600 million, to be funded with a mix of debt and the Company’s general cash flows, of which approximately U.S.$173.8 million had already been paid as of December 31, 2002.

Aggregate capital expenditures were U.S.$263.6 million for 2000, consisting primarily of U.S.$110.8 million in investments in the wood products business (including the second plywood line), U.S.$99.8 million in investments in the pulp business and U.S.$52.9 million in investments in the forestry area.

Aggregate capital expenditures were U.S.$223.8 million for 2001, consisting primarily of U.S.$110.4 million in investments in the pulp business, U.S.$58.8 million in investments in the wood products business and U.S.$53.3 million in investments in the forestry area.

Aggregate capital expenditures were U.S.$330.8 million for 2002, consisting primarily of U.S.$235.7 million in investments in the pulp business (including the first stage of the Valdivia Mill Project), U.S.$51.6 million in investments in the wood products business and U.S.$40.5 million in investments in the forestry area.

During the third quarter of 2002, Arauco began operations at two new MDF mills, one in Chile and one in Argentina. These plants were built through an aggregate investment of U.S.$135 million.

In the wood products sector, Arauco expects to build an average of one sawmill every two years during the next decade, each to have an annual production capacity of approximately 250,000 cubic meters of sawn timber, with total capital expenditures of approximately U.S.$20 million each, to be funded with the Company’s general cash flows.

The capital expenditures described above represent amounts accrued for purposes of Arauco’s financial statements and do not necessarily represent the cash cost of capital expenditures during the period.

Arauco believes that cash flow generated by operations, cash balances, borrowings from commercial banks, export credit agencies and multilateral lending agencies, debt offerings in the domestic and international capital markets, will be sufficient to meet Arauco’s working capital, debt service and capital expenditure requirements for the foreseeable future.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

Environment

Arauco’s policy is to maintain high standards of environmental performance and to comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. Arauco believes that it is in material compliance with all governmental environmental requirements affecting its facilities and products.

In 2002, Arauco incurred annual operating expenditures of approximately U.S.$1.6 million on environmental management and improvement programs, in addition to varying amounts of annual capital expenditures for such purposes, which totaled approximately U.S.$8.1 million, including expenses related to the Valdivia Mill Project. Arauco believes that expenditures on environmental management and improvement programs can be expected to increase in the future.

Chile. Chilean companies, including Arauco, are subject to numerous national and local environmental laws, regulations, decrees and municipal ordinances concerning, among other things, health, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes and discharges into the air and water. Chilean environmental regulations have become increasingly stringent in recent years, particularly for the approval of new projects, and this trend is likely to continue. Arauco has made and will continue to make substantial expenditures to comply with such environmental laws, regulations, decrees and ordinances.

Chilean legislation to which Arauco is subject include the Chilean Environmental Law, which was enacted in 1994 and entered into effect in April 1997 after publication of the related regulations. The Chilean Environmental Law created the Comisión Nacional del Medio Ambiente (the National Environmental Commission or “CONAMA”)

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and Comisiones Regionales del Medio Ambiente (the Regional Environmental Commissions or “COREMA”), which are agencies of the Secretaría General de la Presidencia (the “Ministry of the Presidency”), having responsibility for, among other things, coordinating existing environmental regulations and evaluating environmental impact studies. Under this law, Arauco is required to conduct environmental impact studies of any future projects or activities that may effect the environment. These regulations also establish procedures for private citizens to object to the plans or studies submitted by project owners.

In addition to the evaluation of environmental impact studies, CONAMA and COREMA also oversee the implementation of projects in accordance with their environmental impact statements. Under the Chilean Environmental Law, affected persons, including private citizens, as well as public agencies and local governmental authorities can sue to enforce environmental compliance. Enforcement remedies include temporary or permanent closure of facilities and fines. As a result, application of the environmental laws may adversely affect the manner in which Arauco seeks to implement its business strategy and, to a certain extent, Arauco’s ability to realize its strategy.

Argentina. Alto Paraná is subject to Argentine environmental legislation, including regulation by municipal, provincial and federal governmental authorities. Alto Paraná has incurred and expects to incur significant capital and operating expenditures to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Arauco believes that Alto Paraná is currently in material compliance with all applicable local and national environmental regulations governing the operations of its pulp mill and forestry operations.

Water used or recovered in the production process is treated and purified before being returned to the Alto Paraná River at the proper temperature. All gaseous emissions are scrubbed to ensure satisfactory levels of waste particle recovery and odor removal. Regular testing of river and air quality is used to monitor the ultimate impact of the mill on the environment.

Forestry Regulation

Chile. The management and exploitation of forests in Chile is regulated by the Forests Law of 1931, as amended (the “Forests Law”), and Decree-Law No. 701 of 1974, as amended (“Decree-Law 701”). The Forests Law and Decree-Law 701 impose a variety of restrictions on the management and exploitation of forests. Forestry activities, including thinning, on land which is designated as preferably suited for forests or which has natural or planted forest, are subject to management plans that require the approval of the Corporación Nacional Forestal (the National Forestry Corporation, or “CONAF”). In addition, the Forests Law and Decree-Law 701 impose certain standards for the prevention of forest fires as well as fines for the harvesting or destruction of trees and shrubs in violation of the terms of a forest management plan. Arauco believes that it is in material compliance with the Forests Law and Decree-Law 701.

Decree-Law No. 701 granted a subsidy to persons who plant forests on lands specifically designated as preferably suited for such purpose pursuant to a forest management plan approved by CONAF. These benefits expired on December 31, 1995. Law No. 19,561 extended the subsidy provided by Decree-Law 701 for 15 years, but such extension only benefits small landowners and owners of eroded land, and such extension is only available once for each area of land. Even without such benefits, Arauco believes that the potential profits to be earned from its plantations will support the resulting higher cost structure, and thus continued planting during 2002.

The Chilean Congress is currently considering a bill which provides for the management and conservation of native tree forests and forest development (the “Recuperation Bill”). The Recuperation Bill would establish a fund for the conservation and sustainable management of native forests. Owners of native forests would be able to participate so long as they had a management plan approved by CONAF. Depending on the owner’s approved plan, as well as other factors, the subsidy provided by the fund would be between U.S.$200 and U.S.$400 per hectare. The Recuperation Bill would prohibit the harvesting of native trees in certain areas and under certain conditions. The possible effect of this bill on the business of Arauco, if any, cannot be quantified, but management believes it will not have an adverse effect. Currently Arauco does not perform clear cutting of native forest or any cutting in areas surrounding rivers and streams, areas of notable environmental interest or areas with particularly fragile soil conditions. See “—Environment.”

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All of Arauco’s forest activities have the environmental certification ISO 14001. Arauco is also undergoing certification in Chile for the National Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (CERTFOR), which is a member of the Pan European Forest Certification (PEFC). Arauco expects to complete the certification process during the second half of 2003.

Argentina. The management and exploitation of forests in Argentina is regulated by National Law 13,273, National Law 25,080, National Decree 710, Provincial Law No. 854 and other regulations promulgated thereunder, which collectively constitute the “Regulatory Framework.” The Regulatory Framework imposes a variety of restrictions on the management and exploitation of forests in Argentina. The Regulatory Framework regulates the replanting of land after harvesting. Alto Paraná believes that it is in material compliance with the Regulatory Framework.

National Law 25,080 provides, among other benefits, for subsidies to individuals and companies for the recovery of a portion of their costs in planning and managing forest land. These subsidies are not material to Alto Paraná, however, as they are only available with respect to a maximum of 500 hectares per year.

In June 2002, Alto Paraná certified its Forestry Operations under ISO 14001 Certification.

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL  
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion is based on Arauco’s consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, included elsewhere herein, and should be read in conjunction therewith. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in U.S. dollars in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Overview

Arauco derives its sales revenue from the sale of bleached and unbleached pulp and forestry and wood products, such as sawlogs, pulpwood, sawn timber, remanufactured wood products and panels. For 2002, export sales constituted approximately 86.4% of Arauco’s total sales revenue, and were made primarily to Europe, Asia and the United States, Central and South America, and, to a lesser extent, Africa and the Middle East. Sales of pulp constitute the single largest component of Arauco’s sales revenue. As with many commodities, pulp, and accordingly Arauco’s sales revenue, is subject to cyclical fluctuations in price determined by global supply and demand. World prices for forestry and wood products, which are also generally marketed as commodities, fluctuate significantly.

Although prices tend to have the most significant effect on Arauco’s results of operations, sales volume and product mix, costs, and exchange rate fluctuations also can have a substantial impact on Arauco’s results.

Arauco’s business and results of operations are, to a large extent, dependent on the level of economic activity, government and foreign exchange policies and political and economic developments in its principal export markets. In 2002, approximately 94.5% of Arauco’s total pulp sales and approximately 78.2% of its total panels, forestry and wood product sales were attributable to exports, principally to customers in Asia and Europe. Arauco’s business, earnings and prospects may be materially affected by developments with respect to inflation, interest rates, currency fluctuations, protectionism, government subsidies, price and wage controls, exchange control regulations, taxation, expropriation, social instability or other political, economic or diplomatic developments in these export markets.

At December 31, 2002, approximately 74.6% of Arauco’s long-lived assets were located in Chile and approximately 25.4% were located in Argentina. In 2002, approximately 10.6% of Arauco’s consolidated sales revenue was derived from sales in Chile and approximately 2.9% was derived from sales in Argentina. Accordingly, Arauco’s financial condition and results of operations are to a certain extent dependent upon the economic conditions in Chile and Argentina.

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The Chilean economy grew every year between 1984 and 1998, expanding at a real average annual rate of approximately 7.3% from 1990 through 1998. Despite its growth, it has remained smaller than the economies of certain other Latin American countries. In 1999, the Chilean economy contracted at a real rate of 0.8%, compared to growth of 3.2% in 1998. The unemployment rate during the fourth quarter of 1999 reached 8.9%. In 2000 and 2001, the Chilean economy showed some signs of recovery, such as gross domestic product growth of 4.2% in 2000 and 3.1% in 2001, but slowed to 2.1% in 2002. Unemployment remained high, reaching 7.9% in the fourth quarter of 2001 and averaging 9.0% during 2002. There can be no assurance that future developments in the Chilean economy will not impair Arauco’s ability to proceed with its strategic plan or its business, financial condition or results of operations. Arauco’s financial condition and results of operations could also be adversely affected by changes in economic or other policies of the Chilean government (which has exercised and continues to exercise a substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector) or other political or economic developments in Chile, as well as regulatory changes or administrative practices of Chilean authorities, over which Arauco has no control.

Since 1999, the Argentine economy has been in an economic recession marked by reduced levels of consumption and investment and an elevated unemployment rate. The Argentine gross domestic product decreased by 3.4% in 1999, 0.8% in 2000, 4.4% in 2001 and 10.9% (estimated) in 2002. In December 2001, amid public demonstrations and the resignation of the Argentine President, Argentina declared a suspension on payment of its foreign debt. In early 2002, Argentina released the Argentine peso from its one-to-one peg to the dollar and allowed the exchange rate to float, resulting in a 49.6% devaluation of the Argentine peso from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002. The ongoing economic crisis may have an adverse effect on Arauco’s Argentine operations and, as a result, Arauco’s overall financial condition and results of operations.

Prices

Arauco’s sales revenue in recent years has been affected by price level volatility in the export market. The prices for each of Arauco’s pulp products and forestry and wood products depend on the markets in which they are sold; while prices are generally similar for a given product on a global basis, more regionalized market conditions affect prices in markets such as Asia, Europe and the United States.

The prices that Arauco is able to obtain for its pulp products depend on prevailing world prices, which historically have been cyclical, with prices subject to significant fluctuations over relatively short periods of time depending on worldwide demand, world production capacity, the business strategies adopted by major integrated forestry, pulp and paper producers and other major producers and the availability of substitutes. All of these factors are beyond Arauco’s control.

As a result of industry overcapacity and recession in many of the world’s economies, the worldwide pulp and paper industry experienced a period of low prices, beginning in early 1990, through the first quarter of 1994. In 1994 prices began to increase, reaching a peak during the third quarter of 1995. Prices declined sharply in 1996 and improved modestly during 1997. Prices decreased in 1998, principally due to the reduction in demand for pulp caused by the Asian economic crisis. Specifically, the benchmark world NBSK price (CIF Northern Europe for Northern bleached softwood kraft market pulp) fell from a high of U.S.$975 per ton during the fourth quarter of 1995 to U.S.$448 in 1998.

NBSK pulp prices steadily and consistently increased during 1999 and 2000 due to a recovery of demand for pulp in Asia and a reduction in producers’ inventories. The increase in pulp prices was accompanied by a decline in stocks, increasing NBSK prices to U.S.$670 per ton on December 31, 2000. There has not been a corresponding increase in pulp production capacity, as few pulp projects have been undertaken in recent years. However, in 2000 prices began to fall, and they further declined in 2001 to U.S.$470 per ton in the fourth quarter of 2001, due to decreases in demand for pulp, combined with industry overcapacity. The market price of pulp fell by a total of U.S.$197.5 per ton in 2001, a decrease of 29.5% from December 31, 2000, largely due to the global recession, which depressed prices to their lowest levels ever in real terms. In 2002 prices remained low, largely due to the sluggish global economic recovery, ranging from a low in the monthly average market price of U.S.$435 per ton in April and a high of U.S.$483 per ton in July. The market price of pulp ended the year at U.S.$435 per ton on December 31, 2002. Prices rose during the first quarter of 2003, reaching an average price of U.S.$520 per ton in March 2003, a 20% increase from March 2002.

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Unbleached softwood kraft market pulp prices also follow cyclical patterns. However, the fluctuations tend to be less extreme, notwithstanding the relatively small number of producers and customers of unbleached market pulp. As an indication of this product’s cyclicality, the price for unbleached softwood kraft market pulp (delivered in the United States) fell from a high of U.S.$925 per ton in 1995 to U.S.$440 in 1996, rising to U.S.$485 in 1997 to fall again to U.S.$398 in 1998. The price for unbleached softwood kraft market pulp (delivered in the United States) rose to as high as U.S.$495 per ton in 1999, with a high of U.S.$595 in December 2000. However, in 2000 and 2001, prices of unbleached kraft pulp (“UKP”) softened, due to lower levels of economic activity resulting in less demand for export packaging material and lower prices of UKP substitutes, such as old corrugated containerboard (“OCC”). The price of UKP delivered in the United States was U.S.$440 per ton in December 2001 and U.S.$400 per ton at the end of March 2002. The UKP market began showing signs of recovery beginning in the second quarter of 2002, as prices increased to U.S.$430 in May 2002. This tendency continued until September 2002, when the price was U.S.$455 per ton. During the following months prices decreased, ending the year at U.S.$430 per ton in December 2002. During the first quarter of 2003 UKP prices rose, reaching U.S.$480 per ton in March 2003, a 17% increase from March 2002.

Prices for forestry and wood products, as for any commodity, can also fluctuate significantly. In 1995, the forestry and wood products market was volatile, with relatively lower prices towards the end of the year due primarily to excessive supply. Prices continued to be low in the first half of 1996 but improved in the second half of the year as a result of an increase in demand. During the first six months of 1997, the demand and prices for wood products increased in major international markets primarily as a result of low inventories in Asia and the Middle East and high demand in the United States and Chile. Demand remained steady during the second half of 1997, despite declines in financial markets worldwide, particularly in emerging markets. During 1998, prices were generally weaker as a result of the Asian economic crisis. Prices and sales volume increased on an aggregate basis during 1999. Development of the United States construction sector and an improved economic environment resulted in significant increases in both prices and sales volume to the United States during 1999. The economic recovery in Asia during 1999 allowed sales volume to increase to levels comparable to price levels prior to the Asian economic crisis; nonetheless, prices remained below 1997 highs. At the same time, the European market was oversupplied by Scandinavian producers, resulting in lower prices during 1999, while European sales volumes remained level. Domestic prices remained steady during 1999, while sales volumes increased.

There were oversupplies of lumber and remanufactured products in the year 2000 in the United States market, which reduced prices and profits for that market throughout 2000. A slight recovery began in the fourth quarter of the year, as inventories began to be depleted. Competition from new suppliers in the Asian and Middle Eastern markets reduced Arauco’s revenues from these areas. Scandinavian and Baltic products created an oversupply in Europe similar to the one in the United States, which also resulted in lower prices throughout the year. However, prices and sales volumes in the domestic market increased during 2000.

The recovery in the last quarter of 2000 extended itself into the early second quarter of 2001. Strong housing starts in the U.S. and low levels of inventory increased prices in forestry and wood products in the U.S. market. Asian and Latin American markets followed the same trend. However, Europe continued to have oversupplies of wood products, and exchange rate considerations rendered prices even less favorable. The economic downturn following the events of September 11, 2001 led to considerable declines in sales volumes and price levels for wood products across North America. Japan’s poor economic performance led to reduced import volumes, and prices decreased to their lowest levels in 15 years. In China, on the other hand, import volumes continued to increase and prices were unaffected by developments in other markets.

The beginning of 2002 marked an increase in demand for forestry and wood products, primarily because inventories had been reduced in most markets as a result of the business downsizing that followed September 11, 2001. Demand for panel products and lumber products rose in the first three months of 2002, led by the recovery in the U.S. market, a stronger euro in Europe and increased market activity in Korea and China. The Japanese market continued to lag behind, but showed some improvement over the previous quarter. Demand in the Chilean domestic market also increased as a consequence of the seasonal rise in construction.

During the second and third quarters of 2002 the prices for forestry products in the United States were weak and fluctuating. This led to similar pricing in Mexico and Brazil, markets that have become increasingly important in Arauco’s export sales portfolio. The same situation arose in Europe, with the exceptions of England

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and Spain. The situation was different in Asia, especially for plywood in China and Korea, due in large part to increased economic activity relating to the soccer World Cup. The Chilean market showed a decrease in activity, mostly due to the appreciation of the Chilean peso against the U.S. dollar. The combined effect of these factors led to a decrease in sales prices and volumes.

The last quarter of 2002 was marked by a decrease in the volumes and prices for forestry and wood products in the United States largely because of the possibility of a war in Iraq. Europe showed signs of recovery with higher volumes, while prices remained stable, enhanced by the appreciation of the euro. The activity in Korea slowed after the soccer World Cup, leading to a decrease in prices of MDF. At the same time, prices of remanufactured products increased in China, Japan, Taiwan and Korea. During this quarter, the global market was affected by the uncertainty of the effects that the war in Iraq might have on the economy.

During the first quarter of 2003, the plywood market was affected by the closing of some plywood mills in the United States and prices decreased. The same effect was observed in the remanufactured products market in the United States. Latin America maintained relatively higher prices for forestry and wood products. The war in Iraq did not significantly affect the Middle Eastern market, where prices remained high for the period. Asia had similar levels of activity. The impact of SARS could affect the market during the rest of the year.

There can be no assurance that the prices for Arauco’s pulp, forestry and wood products will remain stable or that they will not decline in the future. Arauco’s results of operations would be materially adversely affected if the price of its products were to decline from current levels.

These average unit sales prices for Arauco’s products are set forth in the table below for the periods indicated.

	Year ended December 31,
Product(1)	2000	2001	2002
	(U.S.$ per metric ton)(2)
Bleached pulp	681.3	427.8	410.1
Unbleached pulp	547.8	355.5	373.0
	(U.S.$ per cubic meter)(2)
Sawlogs	41.4	32.3	29.0
Sawn timber	180.3	139.4	132.4
Remanufactured wood products	437.3	409.2	554.1
Plywood and fiber panels	342.7	302.8	277.3

(1) Each category of product contains different grades and types and the shipping terms vary with the product, as well as the customer.

(2) Arauco generally makes its price quotations in U.S. dollars both for domestic and export sales.

Costs

Arauco’s major costs of sales are costs related to harvesting (forestry works), the cost of timber, the cost of mill processing, freight, depreciation and maintenance costs. Arauco’s major administration and selling expenses are wages and salaries and selling expenses.

Arauco’s cost of timber consists of the cost of growing its own trees, the cost of timber purchased from third parties and the cost of purchasing the right to harvest plantations owned by third parties (known as “stumpage”). The cost of its own trees consists of the cost of planting, capitalized direct and indirect interest, cost of forest development and the cost of forestry management activities (planting and site preparation procedures, thinning and pruning, protection and maintenance) performed in each plantation during the harvest cycle prior to harvesting.

Arauco accounts for the accumulated cost of its own trees on a plantation-by-plantation basis as long-term forest assets. The cost of each plantation differs depending on the types of forest management activities performed (e.g., pruning and extensive thinning for plantations managed for a high proportion of clear wood production and application of fertilizer in areas of relatively poor soil quality), as well as the plantation’s accessibility, so that total inventory cost will depend on the mix of plantations designated for harvest. Such costs are charged to cost of sales at the time of sale.

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Arauco’s property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the remaining useful lives of the underlying assets. However, the amount of such depreciation that relates to Arauco’s fixed production assets (such as pulp mills and sawmills) is allocated to finished goods held as inventories and accumulates until charged to cost of sales when the finished goods are sold. Forests and land are not depreciated.

Arauco’s transportation costs are accounted for as cost of sales and include port costs and freight and other transportation costs. Port costs are those costs arising from the transportation of products from one of Arauco’s site storage facilities into the hold of the ship. Freight is the cost of shipping the product to the port of destination. Other transportation costs are primarily incurred in the transportation of products from the forest to one of Arauco’s facilities and between such facilities. Selling expenses consist primarily of per ton fees paid by Arauco to its selling agents.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations

The Chilean peso has been subject to devaluation in the past and could be subject to significant fluctuations in the future. In the period from December 31, 1998 to December 31, 2002 the value of the Chilean peso relative to the U.S. dollar decreased approximately 34.3% in nominal terms and 25.8% in real terms, as compared to a 9.2% increase in value in real terms in the period from December 31, 1994 to December 31, 1998. During the first three months of 2003, the value of the Chilean peso relative to the U.S. dollar decreased approximately 1.8% in nominal terms and increased approximately 0.3% in real terms, in each case based on the observed exchange rates on December 31, 2002 and March 31, 2003. The observed exchange rate on June 23, 2003 was Ch705.46 = U.S.$1.00. See “Item 3. Key Information—Exchange Rates.”

During the first six months of 2002, the value of the Chilean peso relative to the U.S. dollar decreased approximately 4.8% in nominal terms (before adjusting for inflation) and decreased approximately 4.1% in real terms (after adjusting for inflation), in each case based on the observed exchange rates on December 31, 2001 and June 30, 2002. The value of the Chilean peso relative to the U.S. dollar continued to decrease in the third and fourth quarters of 2002 and as a result, during 2002, the value of the Chilean peso relative to the U.S. dollar decreased approximately 6.3% in real terms (after adjusting for inflation), in each case based on the observed exchange rates published by the Central Bank on December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2002.

Arauco generally prices its exports in U.S. dollars and domestic sales in Chilean pesos. To the extent that the Chilean peso depreciates against the U.S. dollar, Arauco’s domestic sales revenues may be adversely affected as measured in U.S. dollars. Conversely, appreciation of the Chilean peso may have a positive effect on domestic sales revenue as measured in U.S. dollars. The effect of exchange rate fluctuations is partially offset by the fact that certain of Arauco’s operating expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars (such as its freight costs and selling expenses in the form of commissions paid to its sales agents abroad) and a significant part of its indebtedness is denominated in U.S. dollars. As of December 31, 2002, Arauco’s U.S. dollar-denominated indebtedness was U.S.$1.6 billion. In addition, as the U.S. dollar appreciates against the local currency in any of Arauco’s export markets, Arauco must from time to time price its sales in that local currency to compete effectively.

Critical Accounting Policies

A summary of Arauco’s significant accounting policies is included in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 18. Management believes that the consistent application of these policies enables Arauco to provide readers of the financial statements with more useful and reliable information about Arauco’s operating results and financial condition. The following are the accounting policies that management believes are the most important to the portrayal of Arauco’s financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments.

Property, Plant and Equipment

The key judgments management must make under the property, plant, and equipment policy include the estimation of the useful lives of Arauco’s various asset types, the election to utilize primarily the straight-line

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method for recording depreciation, management’s judgment regarding appropriate capitalization or expensing of costs related to fixed assets, and management’s determination that no impairment exists.

Property, plant, and equipment is stated on Arauco’s balance sheet at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of buildings, equipment, and other depreciable assets is determined using primarily the straight-line method. The estimation of useful lives for fixed assets impacts the level of annual depreciation expense recorded. Utilization of the straight-line method for recording depreciation or any of the other acceptable methods for depreciating assets will result in the same amount of depreciation over the life of an asset; however, the amount of annual depreciation expense and the resulting carrying amount of net property, plant, and equipment can vary significantly depending on the method elected.

Property, plant, and equipment assets are evaluated for possible impairment on a specific asset basis or in groups of similar assets, as applicable. This process requires management’s estimate of future cash flows generated by each asset or group of assets. For any instance where this evaluation process indicates impairment, the appropriate asset’s carrying values are written down to net realizable value and the amount of the write-down is charged against the results of continuing operations.

Expenditures that substantially improve and/or increase the useful life of facilities or equipment are capitalized. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Management’s evaluation of whether an expenditure related to property, plant, and equipment substantially improves and/or increases the useful life of an asset and is appropriately capitalized as an addition to the asset’s cost basis or is expensed as normal maintenance and repair expense can significantly affect results of operations for a given period, as well as Arauco’s financial position.

Forests

Forests are stated at cost of development less the cost of forest harvested. Forest costs consist primarily of purchased timber, planting, maintenance, protection, and other direct costs related to the plantation of the forest. Direct and indirect interest costs of developing forests are capitalized until the forest is deemed to have reached an exploitable stage. These capitalized interest costs are included in the historical cost of the forest. Forests do not include any estimated future reforestation costs. The cost of forest harvested is based on the volume of forest harvested in relation to the estimated volume of forest recoverable. Arauco’s estimated volume of forest recoverable is based on statistical information and data obtained from physical measurements and other information gathering techniques. Such information gathered and data used requires, to a certain extent, estimates and judgments in determining the amount of forest recoverable.

Inventories

Inventories of raw materials, work-in-process and spare parts are stated at the lower of cost or market, primarily using the average cost method. Finished goods are stated at the lower of average production costs for the period, or market. Inventory costs include materials, labor, transportation, depreciation of fixed assets and production overhead as appropriate. Determination of the net realizable value of each component of inventory is based on the current invoice price. Work-in-process inventories require estimation of the future cost per unit to complete manufacturing from each stage of processing, using historical manufacturing costs. These estimates can affect the carrying value for inventories, and any required inventory write-down can affect results of operations in both current and future periods.

Goodwill

Goodwill is the excess of acquisition cost of a business over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is deemed to have an indefinite life and not amortized. However, these indefinite life assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis and when indicators of impairment are determined to exist by applying a fair-value based test. Management must exercise judgment in assessing goodwill for impairment. Management reviews the recorded value of Arauco’s goodwill annually or sooner if changes in circumstances indicate that the

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carrying amount may exceed fair value. Recoverability of the carrying value of the asset is determined by comparing it to net book value, including goodwill and the estimated future net cash flows of the relevant assets.

Deferred Income Tax

Arauco uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, the provision for income taxes includes amounts currently payable and amounts deferred as tax assets and liabilities, based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities, and is measured using the enacted tax rates that are assumed will be in effect when the differences reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance which is established when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. In making the determination of the valuation allowance, management considers both positive and negative evidence and makes certain assumptions, including projections of taxable income. Changes in these assumptions may have a material impact on results.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Arauco provides an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a review of the specific receivable. A 100% provision is applied for those customers for which collectibility is in doubt. Management must make certain judgments and estimates in determining accounts that are considered to be in doubt.

Changes in Accounting Standards

In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (“FAS No. 143”). FAS No. 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, the entity capitalizes the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, the entity either settles the obligation for the amount recorded or incurs a gain or loss. FAS No. 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. Although Arauco is evaluating the effects of this Statement on its financial position and results of operations, management does not believe that the adoption of this Statement will have a material impact on the results of its operations.

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146 “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” (“FAS 146”). This statement supersedes Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 94-3 “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)”. FAS 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under EITF 94-3, a liability is recognized at the date an entity commits to an exit plan. FAS 146 also establishes that the liability should initially be measured and recorded at fair value. The provisions of FAS 146 will be effective for any exit and disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. Arauco is evaluating the effect of this statement on its financial position and results of operations. However, it does not expect the adoption will have a material impact on Arauco’s results of operations or financial position.

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (FIN 45). FIN 45 requires that upon issuance of a guarantee, a guarantor must recognize a liability for the fair value of an obligation assumed under a guarantee. FIN 45 also requires additional disclosures by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about the obligations associated with guarantees issued. Initial recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 45 are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified. Arauco is evaluating the impact of the new interpretation. However, the adoption of FIN 45 is not expected to have a material impact on Arauco’s results of operations or financial position.

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”). FIN 46 requires that companies that control another entity through interests other than voting interests

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should consolidate the controlled entity. FIN 46 applies to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date. The related disclosure requirements are effective immediately. Arauco has evaluated the impact of the new interpretation and the adoption will not have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.

Effective January 1, 2003, Arauco implemented FAS No. 145, “Rescission of FAS Nos. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FAS 13, and Technical Corrections” (“FAS No. 145”), under which gains and losses from extinguishment of debt should be classified as extraordinary items only if they meet criteria outlined in Accounting Principles Bulletin No. 30. Under FAS No. 145 Arauco has recorded losses on the early extinguishment of debt in earnings from continuing operations in its statements of earnings.

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Results of Operations

The following table provides a breakdown of Arauco’s sales revenue and volumes, cost of sales and administration and selling expenses for the last three fiscal years.

	Year ended December 31,
	2000			2001			2002
	Sales		Volume	Sales		Volume	Sales		Volume
	(in millions of U.S.$, except where indicated)
Sales Revenue:
Bleached pulp(1)	637.9		936	554.8		1,297	498.5		1,216
Unbleached pulp(1)	154.1		281	150.6		424	130.3		349
Sawlogs (net)(2)	40.9		989	16.6		515	17.0		585
Pulplogs(2)	11.4		516	11.1		451	6.7		419
Posts	8.0		5	5.9		27	7.5		45
Sawn timber(2)	194.4		1,078	165.9		1,190	199.9		1,510
Flitches	8.5		72	5.6		43	6.0		54
Remanufactured wood products(2)	80.9		185	111.7		273	137.4		248
Chips	1.5		65	1.2		58	0.7		36
Plywood and fiberboard panels	107.6		314	141.1		466	178.4		643
Other	15.2		NA	9.2		NA	5.8		NA
Total sales revenue	1,260.3			1,173.8			1,188.0
Cost of Sales:
Forestry labor costs	131.5			129.8			122.9
Timber	119.8			132.9			110.0
Port costs	9.2			11.4			8.5
Freight and other transportation costs	123.2			157.6			146.3
Other costs of sales	220.4			258.1			233.1
Total cost of sales	604.1			689.8			620.5
Gross margins	52.1	%		41.2	%		47.8	%
Depreciation	106.6			119.8			103.9
Administration and Selling Expenses:
Wages and salaries	36.0			33.2			27.5
Other administration and selling expenses	66.7			60.8			73.0
Total administration and selling expenses	102.7			94.0			100.5
Total cost of sales and administration and selling expenses	813.4			903.7			824.9
Operating margin	35.5	%		23.0	%		30.6	%

(1) Volumes measured in thousands of metric tons.

(2) Volumes measured in thousands of cubic meters.

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Year Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2001

Net Sales

Net sales increased 1.2% from U.S.$1,173.8 million in 2001 to U.S.$1,188.0 million in 2002, principally as a result of a 26.4% increase in sales of plywood and fiberboard panels and a 20.9% increase in sales of wood products, partially offset by a 10.9% decrease in pulp sales.

Pulp Sales

Sales revenue of bleached and unbleached pulp decreased 10.9% from U.S.$705.4 million in 2001 to U.S.$628.8 million in 2002, reflecting a 9.0% decrease in sales volume and a decrease of 2.0% in nominal prices for pulp. Sales of bleached pulp decreased by 10.2% due to a 6.3% decrease in sales volume and a 4.1% decrease in the average nominal price of bleached pulp. Sales of unbleached pulp decreased by 13.5% due to a decrease in sales volume of 17.5%, which was partially offset by the effect of a 4.9% increase in the average nominal price of unbleached pulp.

Forestry Sales

Sales revenue of forestry products decreased 7.6% from U.S.$33.6 million in 2001 to U.S.$31.1 million in 2002, reflecting a 12.5% decrease in nominal prices, which was partially offset by the effect of a 5.6% increase in sales volume. Sales revenue of pulplogs decreased 39.7% as the result of a 35.0% decrease in average nominal prices and a 7.1% decrease in pulplog sales volume. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in post sales revenue of 25.8% due to a 65.0% increase in sales volume, the impact of which was partially offset by a 23.7% decrease in the nominal price of posts.

Wood Products Sales

Sales of wood products increased 21.2% from U.S.$284.4 million in 2001 to U.S.$343.9 million in 2002, reflecting an 18.1% increase in sales volume and a 2.4% increase in nominal prices of wood products. Sawntimber sales revenue increased 20.5% from U.S.$165.9 million in 2001 to U.S.$199.9 million in 2002 due to a 26.9% increase in sawntimber sales volume, which was partially offset by the effect of a 5.0% decrease in nominal prices. Sales of remanufactured wood products increased 23.0% from U.S.$111.7 million in 2001 to U.S.$137.4 million in 2002 due to a 35.4% increase in nominal prices, which was offset by the effect of a 9.2% decrease in sales volume.

Plywood and Fiberboard Panels Sales

Sales of plywood and fiberboard panels increased 26.4% from U.S.$141.1 million in 2001 to U.S.$178.4 million in 2002. This increase was primarily due to a 38.1% increase in sales volume, resulting from the commencement of production at a second MDF mill in Trupán and a new MDF mill in Misiones, Argentina during 2002, which was offset by the effect of an 8.4% decrease in nominal prices.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales decreased 10.1% from U.S.$689.8 million for 2001 to U.S.$620.5 million for 2002, primarily due to a 9.0% decrease in sales volume of pulp and a 7.1% decrease in sales volume of pulplogs. These decreases were partially offset by the effects of a 38.1% increase in sales volume of plywood and fiberboard panels and a 26.9% increase in sales volume of sawntimber.

Gross Margins

Gross margins increased from 41.2% for 2001 to 47.8% in 2002, primarily as a result of an increase in sales volume and the decrease in cost of sales.

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Depreciation

Depreciation decreased 13.3% from U.S.$119.8 million for 2001 to U.S.$103.9 million for 2002, mainly due to a 20.0% decrease in the pulp industry depreciation expense from U.S.$94.3 million in 2001 to U.S.$75.4 million in 2002. This was in turn primarily due to the fact that the depreciation expense related to the depreciation of the Arauco II mill was substantially completed in 2002.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased 6.9% from U.S.$94.0 million in 2001 to U.S.$100.5 million in 2002, primarily as a result of a 20.1% increase in other administration and selling expenses, which was, in turn, largely due to an increase in expenses related to research projects. This was partially offset by a 17.3% decrease in wages and salaries expenses during 2002, from U.S.$33.2 million to U.S.$27.5 million, due primarily to the impact of the devaluation of the Chilean peso on salaries paid in pesos, as measured in dollars. As a percentage of sales revenue, selling and administrative expenses increased from 8.0% during 2001 to 8.5% during 2002, primarily as a result of the increase in variable administration expenses.

Income from operations

Income from operations increased 34.4% from U.S.$270.1 million in 2001 to U.S.$363.2 million in 2002, principally reflecting the 9.3% decrease in cost of sales as well as the 16.5% decrease in depreciation expense and 1.2% increase in net sales, partially offset by a 5.4% increase in selling and administrative expenses.

Non-Operating Income (Expense)

The Company’s total non-operating expense decreased from U.S.$77.5 million in 2001 to U.S.$26.5 million in 2002, primarily due to an increase in foreign exchange gains (losses) from a loss of U.S.$26.1 million in 2001 to a gain of U.S.$11.7 million in 2002.

Interest Income

Interest income increased from U.S.$14.8 million in 2001 to U.S.$22.0 million in 2002, primarily due to Arauco’s higher average cash and equivalent and short-term investments position in 2002 as compared to 2001.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income increased from an expense of U.S.$3.9 million in 2001 to income of U.S.$1.5 million in 2002, primarily due to a decrease in other non-operating expenses, which was in turn largely due to an increase in forward contracts.

Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses)

Foreign exchange gains (losses) moved from a loss of U.S.$ 26.1 million in 2001 to a gain of U.S.$11.7 million in 2002, primarily due to a gain of U.S.$33 million attributable to investments denominated in euros, as a result of the appreciation of the euro against the dollar.

Interest Expense

Interest expense remained relatively steady at U.S.$62.4 million in 2001 and U.S.$61.7 million in 2002. There was an increase in interest expense due to an increase in the average debt position of the Company because the 7.75% Notes were issued in September 2001 and so only accrued interest during the last quarter of 2001 compared to the whole year in 2002. At the same time more interest expenses were capitalized in 2002 than in 2001 for the Valdivia Mill Project and forest plantations, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the effect of which was partially affected by a gain related to an interest rate swap contract.

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Income Taxes

In 2002, Arauco reported a tax expense of U.S.$52.6 million, as compared to an expense of U.S.$13.0 million in 2001. This increase was principally due to the greater pretax income in 2002. In accordance with Chilean law, the Company and each of its subsidiaries compute and pay tax on a separate basis and not on a consolidated basis. At December 31, 2002, Arauco’s consolidated Chilean subsidiaries had tax loss carryforwards of:

• in the case of Forestal Valdivia, U.S.$20.4 million; and

• in the case of Bioforest, U.S.$874,000.

These tax loss carryforwards can be carried forward indefinitely.

In accordance with Argentine law, tax loss carryforwards can be applied to offset taxable income earned by Alto Paraná for five years following their incurrence. At December 31, 2002, Alto Paraná had U.S.$79.8 million in unutilized tax loss carryforwards expiring from 2005 to 2007.

Net Income

Arauco’s net income increased by 58.3% from U.S.$180.9 million in 2001 to U.S.$286.4 million in 2002. This increase was primarily due to a higher operating income and a lower non-operating expense, which were partially offset by higher income taxes.

Year Ended December 31, 2001 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2000

Net Sales

Net sales decreased 6.9% from U.S.$1,260.3 million in 2000 to U.S.$1,173.8 million in 2001, principally as a result of a 10.9% decrease in sales of pulp, partially offset by a 31.1% increase in sales of plywood and fiberboard.

Pulp Sales

Sales revenue of bleached and unbleached pulp decreased 10.9% from U.S.$792.0 million in 2000 to U.S.$705.4 million in 2001, reflecting a 37.0% decrease in nominal prices for pulp, partially offset by the effect of a 41.3% increase in sales volumes. Sales of bleached pulp decreased by 13.0% due to a 37.2% decrease in nominal sales prices, partially offset by the effect of a 38.5% increase in sales volume, principally to Asia. Sales of unbleached pulp decreased by 2.3% due to a 35.1% decrease in the average nominal price of unbleached pulp, partially offset by the effect of a 50.6% increase in sales volume, principally to Asia.

Forestry Sales

Sales revenue of forestry products decreased 44.2% from U.S.$60.3 million in 2000 to U.S.$33.6 million in 2001, reflecting a 34.2% decrease in sales volume and a 15.1% decrease in average nominal prices. Sales revenue of sawlogs decreased 59.4% as the result of a 47.9% decrease in sales volume and a 22.0% decrease in average nominal prices. Pulplogs sales revenue decreased 2.3% due to a 12.6% decrease in pulplogs sales volume, the effect of which was partially offset by a 11.8% increase in average nominal prices.

Wood Products Sales

Sales of wood products decreased 0.3% from U.S.$285.3 million in 2000 to U.S.$284.4 million in 2001 due to an 11.7% increase in sales volume, partially offset by the effect of a 10.8% decrease in nominal prices. Sawntimber sales revenue decreased 14.7% from U.S.$194.4 million in 2000 to U.S.$165.9 million in 2001 due to a 22.7% decrease in nominal prices, partially offset by the effect of a 10.4% increase in sawntimber sales volume. Sales of remanufactured wood products increased 38.1% from U.S.$80.9 million in 2000 to U.S.$111.7 million in 2001 due to a 47.6% increase in sales volumes, partially offset by the effect of a 6.4% decrease in nominal prices.

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Plywood and Fiberboard Panels Sales

Sales of plywood and fiberboard panels increased 31.1% from U.S.$107.6 million in 2000 to U.S.$141.1 million in 2001. This increase was primarily due to a 48.4% increase in sales volume, as a result of the acquisition of Cholguán and Trupán at the end of 2000, which was partially offset by the effect of an 11.6% decrease in nominal prices.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales increased 14.2% from U.S.$604.1 million for 2000 to U.S.$689.8 million for 2001, primarily due to the impact of the increase in cost of sales related to the increase in the sales volume of plywood and fiberboard panels and pulp, partially offset by the decrease in cost of sales attributable to the decrease in the sales volume of sawlogs and pulplogs. These variations in volume resulted in larger amount of timber costs, port and transportation costs and other costs of sales.

Gross Margin

Gross margins decreased from 52.1% for 2000 to 41.2% in 2001, primarily as a result of a 37.0 decrease in pulp prices and a 22.0% decrease in sawlogs prices, paired with higher costs of sales.

Depreciation

Depreciation expense increased 12.4%, from U.S.$106.6 million for 2000 to U.S.$119.8 million for 2001, mainly due to a 10.2% increase in the pulp industry depreciation expense from U.S.$85.5 million in 2000 to U.S.$94.3 million in 2001 and a 61.0% increase in the wood products industry depreciation expense from U.S.$13.0 million in 2000 to U.S.$20.9 million in 2001.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses decreased 8.4% from U.S.$102.7 million in 2000 to U.S.$94.0 million in 2001, primarily as a result of a 98.5% reduction in indemnification and severance payments made, primarily due to the acquisition in 2000 of Forestral Cholguán, partially offset by selling costs, which increased 38.1%. During this period, other administrative and selling expenses decreased 8.8% from U.S.$66.7 million in 2000 to $U.S.60.8 million in 2001 and wages and salaries expenses decreased 7.6% from U.S.$36.0 million in 2000 to U.S.$33.2 million in 2001. As a percentage of sales revenue, selling and administrative expenses decreased from 8.1% during 2000 to 8.0% during 2001, primarily as a result of the impact of the devaluation of the Chilean peso on wages and salaries paid in pesos, as measured in dollars, partially offset by higher transportation costs due to higher sales volume in panels.

Income from operations

Income from operations decreased 39.6% from U.S.$446.9 million in 2000 to U.S.$270.1 million in 2001, principally reflecting the decreases in nominal prices for pulp and the increase in cost of sales. The decrease in income from operations was partially offset by the increases in sales volume for pulp and panels and the decrease in selling and administrative expenses. The operating margin was 23.0% in 2001 compared to 35.5% in 2000.

Non-Operating Income (Expense)

Total non-operating expense increased from U.S.$49.6 million in 2000 to U.S.$77.5 million in 2001, primarily due to an increase in foreign exchange losses from a loss of U.S.$5.1 million in 2000 to a loss of U.S.$26.1 million in 2001.

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Interest Income

Interest income increased from U.S.$12.6 million in 2000 to U.S.$14.8 million in 2001, primarily due to Arauco’s higher average cash and equivalent and short-term investments position in 2001 as compared to 2000.

Other Income (Expense)

Other income decreased from an income of U.S.$5.2 million in 2000 to a loss of U.S.$3.9 million in 2001, primarily due to an increase in other non-operating expenses, which was in turn largely due to an increase in interest from bonds repurchased.

Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses)

Foreign exchange losses increased from a loss of U.S.$5.1 million in 2000 to a loss of U.S.$26.1 million in 2001, primarily due to the devaluation of the Argentine peso, which generated a loss of U.S.$17.0 million, and investments denominated in euros, which generated a loss of U.S.$8.0 million.

Interest Expense

Interest expense remained relatively steady at U.S.$62.2 million in 2000 and U.S.$62.4 million in 2001. The average debt position of Arauco increased in 2001 because the 7.7% Notes were issued in September 2001 together with other bank debt. At the same time there were lower interest expenses in 2001 as compared to 2000 due to lower interest rates in 2001 as compared to 2000.

Income Taxes

In 2001, Arauco reported tax expenses of U.S.$13.0 million, as compared to U.S.$55.6 million in 2000. This result was principally due to lower income before taxes. In accordance with Chilean law, the Company and each of its subsidiaries compute and pay tax on a separate basis and not on a consolidated basis. At December 31, 2001, Arauco’s consolidated Chilean subsidiaries had tax loss carryforwards of:

• in the case of Forestal Valdivia, U.S.$17.7 million;

• in the case of Aserraderos Arauco, U.S.$2.8 million;

• in the case of Bioforest, U.S.$955 thousand;

• in the case of Inversiones Cholguán, U.S.$900 thousand;

• in the case of Centromaderas, U.S.$684 thousand; and

• in the case of Arauco Generación, U.S.$219 thousand.

These tax loss carryforwards can be carried forward indefinitely. In accordance with Argentine law, tax loss carryforwards can be applied to offset taxable income earned by Alto Paraná for five years following their incurrence. At December 31, 2001, Alto Paraná had U.S.$11.0 million in unutilized tax loss carryforwards that will expire in 2006.

Net Income

Arauco’s net income decreased by 47.0% from U.S.$341.2 million in 2000 to U.S.$180.9 million in 2001, due to lower income from operations due to lower pulp prices and higher non-operating expenses, which were partially offset by a lower provision for income taxes.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Arauco’s primary sources of liquidity are funds from operations, domestic and international borrowings from commercial and investment banks, and debt offerings in the domestic and international capital markets.

Arauco’s net cash flow provided by (used by) operating activities was U.S.$417.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2000, use of U.S.$55.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2001, and use of U.S.$481.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2002. The increase in cash flow from operating activities in 2002 as compared to 2001 was principally due to investments and proceeds in trading securities and increases in accounts payable. The decrease in cash flow from operating activities in 2001 as compared to 2000 was principally due to the reduction in sales as a result of very low pulp prices and a decrease in investments and proceeds in trading securities.

In January 2003, Arauco made a capital contribution of U.S.$28.5 million to EKA Chile S.A. (“EKA Chile”). EKA Chile is the result of a joint venture between Arauco and EKA Chemicals, a Swedish chemical company that contributed existing equipment to the joint venture. EKA Chile is 50% controlled by each party. EKA Chile’s operations will be located in Talcahuano, nearby Arauco’s operations, and will provide chlorate to Arauco’s mills.

In 2002, Arauco’s main investments were the ongoing construction of the Valdivia Mill, with a capital expenditure of approximately U.S.$173.8 million, and the construction of a second MDF mill in Trupán and a new MDF mill in Misiones, Argentina, with an aggregate capital expenditure of U.S.$47.0 million.

In 2001, Arauco’s main investments were the purchase of an additional 377,485 shares of Cholguán for U.S.$158.8 thousand through its subsidiary Forestal Arauco and the acquisition of 16.7% of Inversiones Puerto Coronel S.A. for U.S.$3.0 million, resulting in goodwill of U.S.$1.4 million.

In 2000, Arauco’s main investments were the acquisition of Cholguán for a total purchase price of U.S.$266.2 million; the acquisition of the remaining 50% of Trupán from Carter Holt Harvey for U.S.$37 million; the construction of a second plywood production line for a total cost of approximately U.S.$46.4 million; and the start of construction of two MDF mills, one in Chile and the other in Argentina, in the last month of the year. For more information, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Description of Business.”

For 2002, Arauco’s principal financing activities were:

• the interest rate swap in May of the fixed rate of 7.75% for the floating rate of the London inter-bank offered rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.79875% on the notional amount of U.S.$200 million;

• the repurchase during the last quarter of U.S.$29.5 million of the 8.625% Notes and U.S.$13.0 million of the 7.75% Notes;

• the repayment of U.S.$4.4 million in aggregate principal amount at maturity of our domestic bonds which bore interest at a rate of UF plus 6.0% (the UF rate is an interest spread in excess of the indexation of the UF); and

• the repayment of U.S.$37.5 million in aggregate principal amount at maturity of our 1997 syndicated loan which bore interest at LIBOR plus 0.35%.

For 2001, Arauco’s principal financing activities were:

• the issue of U.S.$400 million of 7.75% notes due 2011;

• the repayment of U.S.$119.8 million 6.75% notes due 2003;

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• the issue of U.S.$250.0 million floating rate trust notes due 2006 by Alto Paraná through an Argentine financial trust, which trust notes were unconditionally guaranteed by Arauco;

• the repayment of U.S.$4.8 million in aggregate principal amount at maturity of our domestic bonds which bore interest at a rate of UF plus 6.0%;

• the repayment of U.S.$6.2 million in aggregate principal amount at maturity of our Export Development Corporation borrowing which bore interest at LIBOR plus 1.25%;

• the repayment of U.S.$37.5 million in aggregate principal amount at maturity of our 1997 syndicated loan which bore interest at LIBOR plus 0.35%; and

• the prepayment of U.S.$200 million in aggregate principal amount of our 1996 syndicated loan which was scheduled to mature on December 2001 and bore interest at LIBOR plus 0.35%.

For 2000, Arauco’s principal financing activities were:

• the issue of its U.S.$300.0 million 8.625% notes due 2010;

• the repayment of U.S.$4.9 million in aggregate principal amount at maturity of its domestic bonds which bore interest at a rate of UF plus 6.0%;

• the repayment of U.S.$6.1 million in aggregate principal amount at maturity of its Export Development Corporation borrowing, which bore interest at LIBOR plus 1.25%; and

• the repayment of U.S.$37.5 million in aggregate principal amount at maturity of its 1997 syndicated loan, which bore interest at LIBOR plus 0.35%.

At December 31, 2000, it had no short-term bank borrowings. At December 31, 2001, the Company’s short-term bank borrowings were U.S.$86.6 thousand. At December 31, 2002, the Company’s short-term bank borrowings were U.S.$32.1 million.

The Company’s total long-term bank, export credit agency and multilateral lending agency debt (including the current portion of such debt) was U.S.$291.7 million at December 31, 2000, of which 100% was U.S. dollar-denominated. At December 31, 2000, the Company also had total capital markets borrowings of U.S.$932.4 million, 98.8% of which was dollar-denominated and 1.2% of which was UF-denominated. At December 31, 2000, the weighted average maturity of the Company’s Chilean peso-denominated debt (all of which is expressed in UF) was 1.9 years and the weighted average maturity of the Company’s foreign currency-denominated debt was 6.1 years. At that date, the average interest rate for the Company’s UF-denominated debt was 5.9% in excess of UF indices, the average interest rate for the Company’s foreign currency-denominated floating rate debt was 0.37% over LIBOR and the average interest rate for the Company’s foreign currency-denominated fixed rate debt was 7.76%.

The Company’s total long-term bank, export credit agency and multilateral lending agency debt (including the current portion of such debt) was U.S.$328.4 million at December 31, 2001, of which 100% was U.S. dollar-denominated. At December 31, 2001, the Company also had total capital markets borrowings of U.S.$1,287.2 million, 99.5% of which was U.S. dollar-dominated and 0.5% of which was UF-denominated. At December 31, 2001, the weighted average maturity of the Company’s Chilean peso-denominated debt (all of which is expressed in UF) was 1.4 years and the weighted average maturity of the Company’s foreign currency-denominated debt was 7.5 years. At that date, the average interest rate for the Company’s UF-denominated debt was 6.0% in excess of UF indices, the average interest rate for the Company’s foreign currency-denominated floating rate debt was 0.66% over LIBOR and the average interest rate for the Company’s foreign currency-denominated fixed rate debt was 7.57%.

The Company’s total long-term bank, export credit agency and multilateral lending agency debt (including the current portion of such debt) was U.S.$290.4 million at December 31, 2002, of which 100% was U.S. dollar-denominated. At December 31, 2002, the Company also had total capital markets borrowings of U.S.$1,240.3

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million, 99.8% of which was U.S. dollar-dominated and 0.2% of which was UF-denominated. At December 31, 2002, the weighted average maturity of the Company’s Chilean peso-denominated debt (all of which is expressed in UF) was 0.5 years and the weighted average maturity of the Company’s foreign currency-denominated debt was 6.3 years. At that date, the average interest rate for the Company’s UF-denominated debt was 6.0% in excess of UF indices, the average interest rate for the Company’s foreign currency-denominated floating rate debt was 0.68% over LIBOR and the average interest rate for the Company’s foreign currency-denominated fixed rate debt was 7.63%. The average rate figures for foreign currency-denominated debt do not reflect the effect of the U.S.$200 million swap of May 2002.

The instruments and agreements governing the Company’s domestic bonds and syndicated loans set limits on the Company’s incurrence of debt and liabilities through the use of financial covenants. The principal financial covenants contained in these agreements are:

• Arauco’s debt to equity ratio must not exceed the ratio of 1.2:1;

• Arauco’s interest coverage ratio must not be less than 2:0;

• Arauco is required to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth of U.S.$2.5 billion; and

• Arauco’s current liabilities must not exceed its current assets.

On May 23, 2003, Arauco entered into a new swap contract in which the floating rate of LIBOR plus 1.79875% on U.S.$200 million principal swapped on 2002 was swapped for a fixed interest rate of 5.506%.

In February 2003, Arauco, through its agency in Panama, obtained a five-year U.S.$150 million senior unsecured syndicated loan at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.85% from JP Morgan Chase and a group of banks. The proceeds will be used to refinance Arauco’s upcoming debt maturities in 2003 and for general corporate purposes.

On June 21, 2001, the Company irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed as primary obligor the issue of U.S.$250 million Floating Rate Trust Notes due 2006 by Alto Paraná. The Alto Paraná issue was done through a financial trustee under Argentine Law No. 24,441. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions.”

Most of our borrowings are denominated in dollars. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Foreign Currency Risk.”

Treasury Management

The Company manages the treasury activities of all of Arauco’s Chilean subsidiaries on a centralized basis. Arauco’s subsidiaries borrow from or lend money to the Company in accordance with their daily cash requirements or surplus, maintaining their cash balance close to zero (Arauco’s policy is not to allow its subsidiaries to invest in financial instruments) and other transactions. Decisions regarding short-term loans, short-term investments, currency transactions and other transactions are made for Arauco as a whole. Treasury activities are governed by Arauco’s cash and deposits policy, which is approved by the board of directors. The main principles of Arauco’s cash and deposits policy are:

• investments must be in fixed income instruments;

• the Company does not invest in stocks;

• investments must be in instruments from the Chilean Central Bank or from internationally recognized financial institutions; and

• transactions must be carried out only with banks or bank subsidiaries.

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Alto Paraná manages its treasury management independent from the Company. Its activities are governed by a cash and deposit policy that is approved by Alto Paraná’s board of directors. This policy is based on the same principles as those of Arauco.

The Company periodically reviews its exposure to risks arising from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates and makes a determination on a case-by-case basis at its senior management level whether to hedge such risks. As a result, the Company from time to time enters into currency and interest rate swaps with respect to a portion of its borrowings. See Note 1(k) to the consolidated financial statements in Item 18. The Company has also analyzed its exposure to risks associated with fluctuations in prices of commodities, including pulp, but has thus far not entered into any hedging transactions with respect to such risks. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Arauco spent U.S.$1.9 million in 2000, U.S.$1.5 million in 2001, and U.S.$1.6 million in 2002 on research and development. Arauco conducts its principal research and development programs through its wholly-owned subsidiary Bioforest, which concentrates its efforts on applying and implementing the advanced technology available in the market to the specific characteristics of Arauco’s forests and mills.

Alto Paraná is continuously researching and attempting to develop different strains of long-fiber pine trees in order to improve quality and to shorten the average harvest cycle. Additionally, Alto Paraná maintains close relations with international research institutes, equipment suppliers and the scientific and engineering community involved with its industry.

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees.

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The businesses of the Company are managed by a board of directors. The Company’s estatutos (by-laws) require that the board of directors consist of nine directors. Directors are not allowed to be executives of the Company. The entire board is elected every three years; the current board was elected in April 2002 and their terms will expire in 2005. The board may appoint replacements to fill any vacancies that occur during periods between elections; however, at the next annual shareholders’ meeting following any such replacement, an election of the entire board must take place. The Company’s executive officers are appointed by the board of directors and hold office at its discretion. Scheduled meetings of the board of directors are generally held once a month. Extraordinary board meetings are called when summoned by the Chairman or when requested by at least two directors.

The directors of the Company are listed below.

Name	Years as Director	Position	Age
José Tomás Guzmán	17	Chairman	74
Roberto Angelini(1)	17	Vice-Chairman	54
Jorge Andueza	9	Director	54
Anacleto Angelini(1)	17	Director	89
Manuel Bezanilla	17	Director	58
Jorge Bunster	9	Director	50
Carlos Croxatto	17	Director	88
Alberto Etchegaray	9	Director	54
Felipe Lamarca	18	Director	52

(1) Anacleto Angelini is the uncle of Roberto Angelini.

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The principal executive officers of Arauco and the General Managers of each area or department of Arauco are listed below.

Name	Years with Arauco	Position or Area	Age
Alejandro Pérez	13	President and Chief Executive Officer	53
Matías Domeyko(1)	14	Chief Financial Officer	41
Hernán Arriagada	12	Engineering and Construction Director	55
Franco Bozzalla	13	Panels Area Managing Director	40
Sergio Desormeaux	7	Systems Director	51
Jorge Garnham	26	Woodpulp Area Managing Director	49
Cristián Infante	8	Alto Paraná Managing Director	36
Charles Kimber	17	Arauco Wood Products Executive Director	41
Antonio Luque	11	Sawntimber Area Managing Director	46
Víctor Renner(2)	15	Valdivia Mill Project Director	56
Alvaro Saavedra	11	Forestry Area Managing Director	47

(1) Matías Domeyko worked at Arauco from 1987 to 1994. He rejoined the Company in 1997.

(2) Between 1992 and 1994, Víctor Renner acted as an independent consultant, with part-time responsibilities.

Set forth below is a brief biographical description of each of the directors and executive officers of Arauco.

Directors

José Tomás Guzmán became a Director on April 30, 1986 and became Chairman of the board of directors on April 18, 1991. He is a partner of the law firm Portaluppi, Guzmán y Bezanilla, is a Vice-President of Copec, is Chairman of the board of directors of Forestal Arauco and Cruz del Sur, and serves as a member of the boards of directors of Compañía de Seguros de Vida Cruz del Sur S.A., Alto Paraná, Sigma Servicios Informáticos S.A., Servicios Corporativos Sercor S.A., AntarChile, Corpesca S.A. and Inversiones Siemel S.A. Mr. Guzmán holds a law degree from the Catholic University of Chile.

Roberto Angelini became a Director on April 30, 1986 and became Vice-Chairman of the board of directors on April 18, 1991. He also serves as a member of the boards of directors of Copec, Forestal Arauco, Compañía de Seguros de Vida Cruz del Sur S.A., Empresa Pesquera Eperva S.A., Corpesca S.A., Astilleros Arica S.A., Cruz del Sur, Inversiones Siemel S.A., AntarChile, Sigma Servicios Informáticos S.A. and Servicios Corporativos Sercor S.A. Mr. Angelini holds a degree in civil engineering from the Catholic University of Chile.

Jorge Andueza became a Director on April 11, 1994. He also is the Chief Executive Officer of AntarChile and serves as a member of the boards of directors of Empresa Pesquera Eperva S.A., Corpesca S.A., Cruz del Sur, Compañía de Seguros de Vida Cruz del Sur S.A., Inversiones Siemel S.A., Astilleros Arica S.A., Pesquera Iquique-Guanaye S.A., SouthPacific Korp S.A. and Servicios Corporativos Sercor S.A. Mr. Andueza holds a degree in electronic civil engineering from Federico Santa María Technical University, and a masters’ degree in business administration from Adolfo Ibáñez University.

Anacleto Angelini became a Director on April 30, 1986. He is also the President of AntarChile and serves as a member of the boards of directors of Copec and Servicios Corporativos Sercor S.A.

Manuel Bezanilla became a Director on April 30, 1986. He is also a partner of the law firm Portaluppi, Guzmán y Bezanilla, and serves as a member of the boards of directors of Forestal Arauco, Pesquera Iquique-Guanaye S.A. and Inversiones Siemel S.A. Mr. Bezanilla holds a law degree from the Catholic University of Chile.

Jorge Bunster became a Director on April 11, 1994. He is also the General Manager of Copec, and serves as a member of the boards of directors of ABC Comercial Ltda., Inversiones Década S.A., Metrogas S.A., Empresa Eléctrica Guacolda S.A. and Sociedad Nacional de Oleoductos Limitada (Sonacol). Mr. Bunster holds a degree in

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commercial engineering and economics from the Catholic University of Chile, and a masters’ degree in business administration from Navarra University.

Carlos Croxatto became a Director on April 30, 1986. He also serves as a member of the boards of directors of Copec, Forestal Arauco, Alto Paraná and Empresa Pesquera Eperva S.A. Mr. Croxatto holds a degree in civil engineering from the University of Chile.

Alberto Etchegaray became a Director on April 11, 1994. He is also a partner of Domet Ltda., the Chairman of the board of directors of Invesco Internacional S.A., Telepeajes de Chile S.A. and Habitaria S.A. and serves as a member of the boards of directors of Banco del Desarrollo, Empresas CCT and Compañía de Seguros La Construcción. He was formerly the Chilean Minister of Housing for four years. Mr. Etchegaray holds a degree in civil engineering from the Catholic University of Chile.

Felipe Lamarca became a Director on December 19, 1985. He is also the Chairman of Copec and of Pesquera Iquique-Guanaye S.A., Abastecedora de Combustibles S.A., SouthPacific Korp S.A., Inversiones Década S.A., ABC Inversiones S.A., ABC Comercial S.A., Corpesca S.A. and Cia. Minera Can-Can S.A. and Vice-Chairman of Compañía Sudamericana de Vapores S.A. He was formerly the Director of the Chilean Internal Revenue Service. Mr. Lamarca holds a degree in commercial engineering from the Catholic University of Chile, and is licensed in economics and social sciences.

Executive Officers

Alejandro Pérez is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Arauco. Prior to joining Arauco in 1990, he held the positions of Chief Executive Officer of Soprole S.A. and Chief Executive Officer of Watt’s Alimentos S.A. Mr. Perez holds a degree in civil engineering from the University of Chile, and a masters’ degree in economics from the University of Chicago.

Matías Domeyko is the Chief Financial Officer of Arauco. He first joined Arauco in 1987 and served as the Finance Manager until 1994. He rejoined Arauco in 1997. He was formerly the Director of Development of Copec. Mr. Domeyko holds a degree in commercial engineering from the University of Chile.

Hernán Arriagada is the Engineering and Construction Director. He joined Arauco in 1991. He was previously the Engineering Manager and Engineering and Maintenance Manager of the mills at the Arauco site. Mr. Arriagada holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Santiago.

Franco Bozzalla is the Panels Area Managing Director of Arauco. He joined Arauco in 1990. He was formerly a sales representative of Forestal Arauco. Mr. Bozzalla holds a degree in civil engineering from the Catholic University of Chile.

Sergio Desormeaux is the Systems Director of Arauco. He joined the Company in 1997 at his current position. He was formerly the General Manager of Ingenac S.A. He holds a degree in engineering from the University of Chile.

Jorge Garnham is the Woodpulp Area Managing Director of Arauco. He joined Arauco in 1978. He was formerly the Sales Director, Chief Accounting Officer and Manager of Forestry Sales of Arauco and the President of Alto Paraná S.A. Mr. Garnham holds a degree in civil engineering from the Catholic University of Chile.

Cristián Infante is the Managing Director of Alto Paraná S.A. He joined Arauco in 1996 as a woodpulp sales representative for Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A., where he worked for two years. In 1998, Mr. Infante was appointed sales manager for industrial lumber and remanufactured products of Forestal Arauco, where he worked until 1999, at which time he moved to Centromaderas S.A., where he worked for two years. Mr. Infante holds a degree in civil engineering from the Catholic University of Chile.

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Charles Kimber is the Executive Director of Arauco Wood Products Inc. He graduated from the Catholic University of Chile with a degree in Commercial Engineering, and joined Arauco, where he has held several positions in sales, in 1986.

Antonio Luque is the Sawntimber Area Managing Director of Arauco, and has held that position since 1993. Prior to joining Arauco, he was the General Manager of Cabildo S.A. and a research engineer at Compañía Industrial. Mr. Luque holds a degree in civil engineering from the University of Chile.

Víctor Renner is the Valdivia Mill Project Director. He joined Arauco in 1988. Previously, he was the Director of Renner Ltda. and the Project Manager of Arauco II. Mr. Renner holds a degree in mining and civil engineering from the University of Chile and a Ph.D. from the University of London.

Alvaro Saavedra is the Forestry Area Managing Director of Arauco. He joined Arauco in 1991. Previously, he was the Director of Development of Forestal Arauco. He holds a degree in civil engineering from the University of Chile and a MSc from the University of London.

Compensation

For 2002, the aggregate compensation of all directors and executive officers of Arauco paid or accrued in that year for services in all capacities was approximately U.S.$528.2 thousand. The Company does not maintain any pension or retirement programs or incentive compensation plans for its directors or executive officers. The Company also does not maintain any plans providing for benefits upon termination of employment. The following table sets out the compensation of Arauco’s directors for their services as directors in 2001 and 2002.

	2001		2002
	(in U.S.$)
Roberto Angelini R.	$	169,920	$	144,466
José Tomás Guzmán D.		140,260		116,376
Carlos Croxatto S.		76,683		52,465
Alejandro Pérez R.		70,467		43,958
Manuel Bezanilla U.		35,734		33,509
Juan Cambiaso P.		43,263		16,987
Anacleto Angelini F.		17,867		16,755
Felipe Lamarca C.		17,867		16,755
Jorge Andueza F.		17,867		16,755
Jorge Bunster B.		17,867		16,755
Alberto Etchegaray A.		17,867		16,755
Eduardo Zañartu B.		7,445		6,982
Matías Domeyko C.		7,445		6,982
Jorge Garnham		5,102		6,982
Antonio Luque		5,102		6,982
Felipe Léniz M.		7,445		4,658
Charles Kimber W.		7,445		4,076
Alvaro Saavedra F.		—		2,324
Total compensation	$	665,645	$	528,195

Employees

As of December 31, 2002, Arauco had a total of 3,431 employees, of which 2,575 were employed in Chile and 856 in Argentina by Alto Paraná. Approximately 19.3% of Arauco’s employees were unionized as of December 31, 2002, a decrease from 24.0% as of December 31, 2001. Arauco negotiates collective bargaining

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agreements of two or three years’ duration with unionized employees. The Company has had one minor strike in the last five years in Chile (at the Arauco mills) and considers its relations with its employees to be good. Alto Paraná has, from time to time, experienced strikes and work stoppages at the Puerto Esperanza mill. The strikes and work stoppages have not materially affected mill operations, and management currently considers relations with its employees to be satisfactory. The following provides a breakdown of Arauco’s employees by activity.

	As of December 31,
	2000	2001	2002
Pulp mill employees	1,281	1,398	1,409
Other industrial employees	1,140	1,303	1,397
Forestry employees	460	371	357
Administrative employees	254	257	268

In addition, during 2002, Arauco had contracts with approximately 300 contractors, who employed approximately 10,000 employees. Arauco’s 11 sawmills in Chile are also operated by contractors, which are not related to Arauco or each other.

Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS

The Company’s only outstanding voting securities are shares of common stock of a single series, without nominal (par) value (the “Common Stock”). The following table sets forth certain information concerning ownership of the Common Stock as of December 31, 2002 with respect to each shareholder known to the Company to own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group.

	Number of Shares Owned	Percentage Ownership
Copec	113,127,452	99.98	%
Directors and executive officers of the Company as a group	—	—

Through its ownership of the Company’s Common Stock, Copec currently has voting control of the Company.

Copec is a Chilean public company listed on the Santiago Stock Exchange, the Valparaíso Stock Exchange and the Chilean Electronic Stock Exchange, the principal interests of which are in Arauco, gasoline distribution, retailing, electricity, gas distribution, and fishing. Copec is 60.1% owned by AntarChile.

Through its ownership in Copec, AntarChile beneficially owns 60.1% of the shares of the Company.

AntarChile is in turn 70.2% beneficially owned by the Angelini Group, a group of investors headed by Mr. Anacleto Angelini. Through their ownership of AntarChile, the Angelini Group beneficially owns 60.1% of the shares of the Company.

The Angelini Group is engaged in a wide range of business activities in Chile, including substantial interests in:

• gasoline and gas distribution, through Copec, Abastecedora de Combustibles S.A. and Metrogas S.A.;

• pulp and forestry products, through the Company;

• fisheries, through Corpesca S.A., Pesquera Iquique-Guanaye S.A., SouthPacific Korp S.A. and Empresa Pesquera Eperva S.A.;

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• insurance, through Cruz del Sur and Compañía de Seguros de Vida Cruz del Sur S.A.;

• investment management, through AntarChile and Inversiones Siemel S.A.;

• power generation, through Empresa Eléctrica Guacolda S.A.;

• retailing, through ABC Comercial Limitada; and

• agriculture, through Agrícola Siemel Limitada.

Until August 2000, Copec was 30.05% owned by Inversiones y Desarrollo Los Andes Dos S.A. (“Los Andes II”), a Chilean holding company, and 30.05% owned by AntarChile. Los Andes II was 99.99% owned by Inversiones Socoroma S.A. (“Socoroma”), which in turn was 85.57% owned by AntarChile. On August 31, 2000, Los Andes II and Socoroma were merged into AntarChile. AntarChile thus became the indirect owner of the 60.1% of shares of the Company held by Copec.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In the ordinary course of its business, Arauco engages in a variety of transactions on an arm’s-length basis with various of its affiliates, primarily for the purchase of goods or services, which goods and services may also be provided by other suppliers. Financial information concerning these transactions is set forth in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 18.

Among the most significant related party transactions are purchases from Copec, Arauco’s majority shareholder, of fuel for the lime kilns in the pulp mills. Purchases from Copec were U.S.$6.3 million in 2000, U.S.$11.0 million in 2001, and U.S.$12.1 million in 2002. The amount of the outstanding liability to Copec for these purchases rose to a high of U.S.$472,000 on December 31, 2002. The outstanding amount was U.S.$694,000 on March 31, 2003.

Arauco made purchases from Puerto de Lirquén S.A., a 20.1% affiliate of Arauco and a supplier of port services, of U.S.$1.9 million in 2000, U.S.$1.6 million in 2001, and U.S.$2.0 million in 2002. The amount of the related liability to Puerto de Lirquén S.A. was U.S.$175,000 on December 31, 2002. The outstanding amount was U.S.$280,000 on March 31, 2003.

Arauco made purchases from Compañía Puerto de Coronel S.A., a 50.0% affiliate of Arauco and a supplier of port services of U.S.$1.5 million in 2000, U.S.$2.6 million in 2001, and U.S.$695,000 in 2002. The amount of the outstanding liability to Compañía Puerto de Coronel S.A. rose as high as U.S.$31,000 on December 31, 2002. There was no outstanding amount on March 31, 2003.

Arauco obtains insurance from Cruz del Sur, a Chilean insurance company controlled by the Angelini Group and a supplier of all of Arauco’s insurance policies covering its forest holdings and production plants, facilities and equipment. Arauco paid direct insurance premiums of U.S.$3.5 million in 2000, U.S.$7.2 million in 2001, and U.S.$3.0 million in 2002. The amount of the outstanding liability to Cruz del Sur rose as high as U.S.$1.0 million on December 31, 2002. The outstanding receivable from Cruz de Sur in favor of Arauco at March 31, 2003 was U.S.$1.0 million.

On June 21, 2001, the Company irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed as primary obligor the issue of U.S.$250,000,000 Floating Rate Trust Notes due 2006 by a financial trustee in the name of Alto Paraná (“APSA Notes”) under Argentine law 24,441, in favor of the holders of the notes and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as financial trustee. The APSA Notes were issued by First Trust of New York, National Association (acting though its Oficina de Representación Permanente en Argentina), not in its individual capacity but solely as financial trustee and on behalf of the financial trust denominated the “Argentine Collateral Trust Notes Due 2006 Financial Trust.” The APSA Notes have a stated maturity of June 13, 2006. The proceeds of the APSA Notes were used by Alto Paraná to redeem certain of its shares of preferred stock and for other general corporate purposes.

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During 2000, 2001 and 2002 Arauco paid Portaluppi, Guzmán y Bezanilla an aggregate amount of approximately U.S.$230,000, U.S.$695,000, and U.S.$277,000 as payment for legal services.

In January 2000 Arauco announced that it intended to acquire substantially all the stock of Cholguán through its subsidiary Forestal Arauco. In March 2000, Forestal Arauco purchased approximately 72.9% of the shares of Cholguán from the Angelini Group. The Angelini Group is also the beneficial owner of 70.2% of the shares of AntarChile, which in turn is the indirect owner of approximately 60.1% of the shares of Arauco. See “—Major Shareholders.” Forestal Arauco paid approximately U.S.$191.0 million for the Cholguán shares.

Three members of Arauco’s Board of Directors who are also members of the group of investors which make up the Angelini Group, Anacleto Angelini, Roberto Angelini, and José Tomás Guzmán, were among the investors who sold to Forestal Arauco shares of Cholguán which they beneficially held. Subsequent to the purchase of the shares held by the Angelini Group, Arauco made a tender offer for the remaining shares of Cholguán through Forestal Arauco. Forestal Arauco paid the same price for the shares acquired under the tender offer as for the shares it purchased from the Angelini Group. As of December 31, 2002, the percentage of the shares of Cholguán held by Forestal Arauco was 97.39%. The total cost of the acquisition was approximately U.S.$266.2 million.

Article 89 of the Chilean Companies Act requires that the Company’s transactions with related parties be on a market basis or on terms similar to those customarily prevailing in the market. Directors and managers of companies that violate Article 89 are liable for losses and damages resulting from such violation.

In addition, Article 44 of the Chilean Companies Act provides that any transaction in which a director has a personal interest or is acting on behalf of a third party which has an interest in the transaction may be approved only when the board of directors has previously been informed of, and has approved, such transaction, and when the terms of such transaction are similar to those prevailing in the market.

In cases when the transaction involves material amounts, the board of directors must previously determine whether the terms of such transaction are similar to those prevailing in the market. If the board determines that it is not possible to determine whether the terms of the transaction are similar to those prevailing in the market, the board, with the abstention of the interested director, may approve or reject the transaction, or designate two independent appraisers. Any transaction involving material amounts must be reported to the Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros (the “Chilean Securities Commission”). Moreover, resolutions approving such transactions must be reported to the Company’s shareholders at the next annual shareholders’ meeting.

Article 44 presumes that a director has a personal interest in a transaction when the director, his or her spouse, certain relatives, a company in which such director is also a director or in which such director has a minimum direct or indirect ownership interest of at least 10% are involved in such transaction, or the companies in which any of the above mentioned persons is a director, or a direct or indirect owner of 10% or more of its paid in capital; or the persons for whom such director acts as a representative. Violation of Article 44 may result in administrative or criminal sanctions and civil liability to shareholders or third parties who suffer losses as a result of such violation, but does not affect the validity of the transaction. The Company believes that it has complied with the requirements of Article 89 and Article 44 in all transactions with related parties.

Item 8. Financial Information.

See “Item 18—Financial Statements.”

EXPORT SALES

Export sales constituted approximately 86.4% of Arauco’s sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2002. Arauco’s total export sales revenue for 2002 was U.S.$1.027 million. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Description of Business—Domestic and Export Sales.”

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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Arauco is subject to certain legal proceedings arising from the ordinary course of its business. Management does not believe that these proceedings are likely to result in a material adverse effect on Arauco’s financial position or results of operations either individually or in the aggregate.

DIVIDEND POLICY

The Company’s long-standing dividend policy has been to distribute the minimum dividend permitted by Chilean law for sociedades anónimas abiertas (public corporations). Chilean law currently requires that, unless otherwise decided by the unanimous vote of its issued and subscribed shares eligible to vote, public corporations distribute a cash dividend in an amount equal to at least 30% of the corporation’s consolidated net income for each year (on a Chilean GAAP basis), unless and except to the extent the corporation has unabsorbed prior years’ losses. However, on April 25, 2000, the Shareholder’s Meeting approved a change in the dividend policy, pursuant to which the percentage of the cash dividend was raised to 50% of the Company’s consolidated net income for each year (on a Chilean GAAP basis). On April 18, 2002, the Shareholders’ Meeting approved another change in the dividend policy, pursuant to which the percentage of the cash dividend was lowered to 40% of the Company’s consolidated net income for each year (on a Chilean GAAP basis).

In accordance with the policy adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, on November 26, 2002, an interim dividend was approved. This dividend was distributed on December 10, 2002 and was equal to 20% of consolidated net income through September 30, 2002. On April 22, 2003, the Board of Directors approved the final dividend for the fiscal year 2002, which was paid in May 2003. This dividend plus the dividend distributed in December 2002 was equal to 40% of the Company’s consolidated net income for 2002 (on a Chilean GAAP basis). Although the board of directors has no current plans to recommend another change in the Company’s dividend policy, no assurance can be given that such policy will not be changed in the future due to changes in Chilean law, capital requirements, operating results or other factors.

Item 9. The Offer and Listing.

Neither the Company’s stock nor the Notes are listed on any stock exchange or other regulated market.

Trading in the Notes takes place primarily in the over-the-counter market; accordingly, Arauco is unable to obtain reliable information on such trading.

Item 10. Additional Information.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS

Organization and Register

Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. is a sociedad anónima abierta (a public corporation) organized in Chile under the laws of Chile. The Company was registered on August 18, 1971, by resolution 300-S of the Chilean Securities Commission and recorded in the Santiago Commercial Register of 1971 on page 6431 under entry number 2993. Notice was published in the Official Gazette on September 4, 1971.

Objects and Purposes

The purpose of the Company as stated in its estatutos (by-laws) includes the manufacture of forestry products, the management of forestry lands and other activities which are incidental to the forestry industry generally.

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Capital

In April 2002, the by-laws were amended such that, effective January 1, 2002, the Company’s capital is denominated in U.S. dollars. The Company and two of its subsidiaries, Aserraderos Arauco and Paneles Arauco, received authorization in March 2002 from the Chilean Internal Tax Service to prepare their financial statements in U.S. dollars beginning January 1, 2002. In January 1, 2003, Arauco’s subsidiaries Forestal Arauco, Bosques Arauco, Forestal Valdivia, Forestal Celco and Cholguán obtained the same permission from the Chilean Tax Service.

Directors

According to the Company’s by-laws, the board of directors of the Company is composed of nine members elected by a general meeting of the Company’s shareholders. The directors are not required to be shareholders of the Company. The Company’s by-laws state that the amount of compensation to be received by the directors for their duties shall be fixed by the general shareholders’ meeting. Directors may be compensated for any non-directorial services rendered to the Company at levels of compensation comparable with compensation commonly paid for these services and at rates which are compatible with the directors’ compensation fixed by the general shareholders’ meeting. The by-laws also state that the board of directors of Arauco has all of the authorities of administration and disposal that Chilean law or the by-laws do not confer upon the general shareholders’ meeting. The board of directors has the right to act on behalf of the Company without the need for a special power of attorney, even in cases where a power of attorney is required by law. In particular, the by-laws provide that the board of directors is empowered to encumber the Company’s assets, real and personal property with mortgages, easements or pledges regardless of the value of such property or the amount of the respective encumbrances and to borrow money paying interest, with or without a guaranty for the loan.

The Company’s by-laws provide that the Company may enter into acts or contracts in which one or more directors are interested only if such director’s interest is made known to the board and these acts or contracts are approved by the board, and when the terms of any such act or contract conform to those prevailing in the market. In addition, board resolutions approving such transactions must be reported at the first general shareholders’ meeting following the approval of the interested director transaction by the chair of such meeting.

See also “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees” for further information about Arauco’s board of directors.

Shareholders

The share capital of the Company consists of ordinary shares of no par value issued in registered form. Record holders of shares are registered in the Company’s share register. Any transfer of shares must be noted in the Company’s share register.

Voting Rights

Each share of the Company’s stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote at any meeting of shareholders. Resolutions may be taken upon a vote of an absolute majority of the voting shares present or represented. Any resolution relating to amendments to the Company’s by-laws must be approved by an absolute majority of the voting shares issued. Resolutions with regard to the following matters require the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the voting shares issued:

• transformation of the Company, its division or merger with another company;

• advanced dissolution of the Company;

• change of corporate domicile of the Company;

• reduction in the Company’s equity capital;

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• approval and appraisal of non-cash capital contributions;

• reduction in the number of members of the board of directors;

• disposal of the assets and liabilities of the Company or all of the Company’s assets; and

• change to the manner in which the Company’s corporate dividends are distributed.

According to the Company’s by-laws, holders of the Company’s shares also have the right to vote at the general shareholders’ meeting for the election of directors. Each shareholder or their representative may accumulate their votes in favor of one candidate or distribute them among various candidates. A vote on the election of directors may be omitted if an election is proposed by acclamation and none of the shareholders present or represented opposes the motion. The board of directors may also be dismissed by a regular or special general shareholders’ meeting, though the shareholders may only vote to dismiss the board as a whole.

Changes to Shareholders’ Rights

In order to change the rights of holders of the Company’s shares or create a new series of Company shares, the Company would have to amend its by-laws. In addition, under Chilean law, any public company wishing to issue a new class of shares must register the new class of shares with the Chilean Securities Commission. Any reduction in the number of the Company’s shares would also require a 2/3 majority vote of all holders of the Company’s shares under Chilean law. In addition, Chilean law requires that public corporations distribute a cash dividend in an amount equal to at least 30% of the corporation’s consolidated net income for each year (on a Chilean GAAP basis) unless otherwise decided by a unanimous vote of the corporation’s issued and subscribed shares eligible to vote. Any changes to the corporation’s dividend policy must be approved by a 2/3 majority of all holders of the corporation’s shares.

Shareholders’ Meetings

The Company’s by-laws provide that general shareholders’ meetings shall be called by the board of directors of the Company. Notice of general shareholders’ meetings must be made through a prominent notice to be published at least three times on different days in the newspaper of one of the corporate domiciles as determined by a general shareholders’ meeting, or in the absence of such determination, in the Official Gazette.

In order to be entitled to participate and vote at any shareholders’ meeting, a shareholder must be registered in the Company’s share register five business days before the meeting date. In addition, shareholders may be represented at general meetings by other persons by proxy. Powers of attorney must be given in writing and must be granted with respect to all of the shares the shareholder is entitled to vote as of the date five days before the general shareholders’ meeting.

General shareholders’ meetings may be regular or special meetings. Regular shareholders’ meetings are held once a year within the first four months of the year. Among other things, the regular general shareholders’ meeting is asked to appoint independent external auditors to examine the accounts, inventory, balance sheet and other financial results of the Company. The by-laws provide that the following matters are to be considered at regular shareholders’ meetings:

• the review of the Company’s results of operations and external auditors’ reports and the approval or rejection of the annual report, the balance sheet and financial statements of the Company;

• the distribution of profits of each financial period and the distribution of the Company’s dividends;

• the election or dismissal of the members of the board of directors; and

• any matter of corporate interest that is not transacted at a special general shareholders’ meeting.

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Special shareholders’ meetings may be held at any time required by corporate needs to consider any matter that the law or the Company’s by-laws require to be considered at a general shareholders’ meeting. The Company’s by-laws require that any matters to be discussed at a special shareholders’ meeting be disclosed in the notice of such meeting. The by-laws require the following matters to be considered at special shareholders’ meetings:

• the dissolution of the Company;

• the transformation, merger or division of the Company and the amendment of its by-laws;

• the issue of bonds or debentures convertible into shares;

• the disposal of the fixed assets and liabilities of the Company or of all of the Company’s assets;

• the grant of real or personal guarantees to secure obligations of third parties, unless they are affiliated companies, in which case the approval of the board of directors will be sufficient; and

• any other matters within the competence of general shareholders’ meetings.

Any act of a general shareholders’ meeting relating to the dissolution of the Company, the transformation, merger or division of the Company or the amendment of its by-laws, any disposal of the fixed assets and liabilities of the Company or all of the Company’s assets or the issue of bonds convertible into shares or convertible debentures by the Company must be held before a notary public, who must certify that the minutes of such meeting are the true expression of what occurred and was resolved at the meeting.

Allocation of Net Income and Distribution of Dividends

The Company’s by-laws provide that the shareholders at a general shareholders’ meeting shall determine the annual distribution of the Company’s net profits for each financial period, within the limitations prescribed by law. The shareholders shall also set the date on which any distribution shall be paid, within the time limits prescribed by law. Chilean law prescribes that distributions shall be paid within 30 days of the general shareholders’ meeting at which such distribution was determined.

Regulation of and Restrictions on Foreign Investors

There are no limitations on the rights to hold securities, including rights of non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on securities.

Disclosure of Shareholder Ownership

The Company registers the holdings of its shareholders in its shareholder registry. The Company is required to disclose its shareholder information to the Chilean Securities Commission on a quarterly basis.

Rights of Shareholders

The Company’s by-laws provide that in the case of a dispute between shareholders or between shareholders and the Company or its management, the parties will submit their dispute to a mixed arbitrator, who may determine the procedural rules to be used in the arbitration, but must issue a final judgment in accordance with Chilean law, which judgment shall not be subject to appeal, subject to limited exceptions. The parties shall appoint the arbitrator by mutual agreement and if no agreement is reached, an arbitrator will be appointed by the civil court system from among present and former associate justices of the Supreme Court of Justice of Chile.

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EXCHANGE CONTROLS

Chile

Prior to 1989, Chilean law permitted the purchase and sale of foreign exchange only in cases explicitly authorized by the Central Bank. Law No. 18,840, Ley Orgánica Constitucional del Banco Central de Chile (the Organic Law of the Central Bank of Chile, or the “Central Bank Act”), enacted in 1989, liberalized the rules that govern the ability to buy and sell foreign exchange. The Central Bank Act empowers the Central Bank to determine which types of foreign exchange operations must be carried out in the Mercado Cambiario Formal (the “Formal Exchange Market”) rather than the Mercado Cambiario Informal (the “Informal Exchange Market”). The Central Bank has ruled that certain foreign exchange transactions (including those attendant to foreign investments) may be effected only in the Formal Exchange Market. The Central Bank may also impose restrictions on foreign exchange operations that are conducted or are required to be conducted in the Formal Exchange Market. These restrictions may include the requirement of prior authorization from the Central Bank, the imposition of reserve requirements, and the limitation of foreign exchange operations that may be conducted by the entities which participate in the Formal Exchange Market.

The Formal Exchange Market consists of banks and other entities authorized by the Central Bank to participate in the Formal Exchange Market. Until the end of 1999 a reference exchange rate known as the dólar acuerdo (the “Reference Exchange Rate”) was an important element in the operation of the Formal Exchange Market. The Reference Exchange Rate is determined taking into account a Canasta Referencial de Monedas (a Reference Exchange Basket, or “CRM”). The CRM is made up primarily of U.S. Dollars as well as euros and Japanese Yen. The Central Bank calculates the Reference Exchange Rate daily, taking into consideration internal and external inflation and in accordance with calculations based on a formula which considers, among other factors, variations in parities among the U.S. dollar, the Japanese yen and the euro. Prior to the end of 1999, the Formal Exchange Market functioned on the basis of a foreign exchange band which moved in relation to the Referential Exchange Rate.

In September 1999, the Central Bank agreed to suspend its use of the foreign exchange band. Rather, it established that the Central Bank would only intervene in exceptional cases of volatility, through buying or selling foreign exchange. As a result, most operations in the Formal Exchange Market are now made in accordance with the spot exchange rate or, for purposes of closing forward operations, an observed exchange rate. The observed exchange rate, known as the dólar observado (the “Observed Exchange Rate”), is, for any date, the average exchange rate at which transactions are actually carried out in the Formal Exchange Market on the previous day, as certified by the Central Bank on the following business day. The Referential Exchange Rate is still published, but primarily for reference purposes.

The Central Bank is also able to buy or sell foreign exchange to banking institutions established in Chile at the price agreed upon by the parties, in accordance with established instructions.

Purchases and sales of foreign exchange may be effected outside the Formal Exchange Market through the Informal Exchange Market. There are no limits imposed on the fluctuation of the rate of exchange in the Informal Exchange Market above or below the Observed Exchange Rate. The Company estimates that, since 1991, the year-end rate of exchange for Chilean pesos into dollars on the Informal Exchange Market has fluctuated between approximately 2.0% below and 5.1% above the Observed Exchange Rate. As of December 31, 2002, the rate of exchange for Chilean pesos into U.S. dollars on the Informal Exchange Market was 0.2% over the Observed Exchange Rate.

The Central Bank, among other things, is responsible for monetary policies and for exchange controls in Chile. Qualifying Chilean issuers have been authorized to offer bonds in Chile by Chilean Securities Law No. 18,045, and internationally by Chapter XIV of the Compendium of Foreign Exchange Regulations (the “Compendium”).

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Bonds Denominated in Currencies other than Chilean Pesos

Prior to April 19, 2001, any international issue of bonds was subject to approval by the Central Bank after submission of an application to the Central Bank through a bank or other participant in the Formal Exchange Market. Absent the Central Bank’s authorization, issuers were not able to offer bonds outside of Chile. On April 19, 2001 the Central Bank issued new foreign exchange regulations effective as of March 1, 2002, which were included in the new Chapter XIV of the Compendium, applicable to bond issues made either from Chile or through an agency abroad. It must be noted however, that all debt issues made prior to the new regulations remain subject to the regulations existing at the time of the respective issue.

Debt securities issued directly by the Company

In accordance with new regulations issued by the Central Bank, which were included in the new Chapter XIV of the Compendium, effective March 1, 2002, any international issue of bonds in an aggregate amount exceeding U.S.$10,000 must be registered and dated by a bank or other entity authorized by the Central Bank to participate in the Formal Exchange Market before the proceeds from the issuance can be remitted to Chile and received by the issuer. The issuer must submit forms regarding the offering to the registering entity or directly to the Central Bank, along with a letter of instructions indicating whether it prefers to receive the proceeds in Chilean pesos or in a foreign currency. The Formal Exchange Market entity must in turn verify that the forms submitted by the issuer are in accordance with the documentation relating to the issue and inform the Central Bank of the operation no later than 11:00 a.m. on the banking business day following the date on which the proceeds of the issue are transferred to the issuer.

If the issuer opts to receive the proceeds of the issue outside of Chile, it must report this to the Central Bank directly or through a Formal Exchange Market entity within ten days of the date of receipt of proceeds.

Chapter XIV of the Compendium also states that proceeds from the issue, as well as payment of capital and interest relating to the issue must be received and sent from and through the Formal Exchange Market, but purchases of U.S. dollars in connection with payments on debt securities issued directly by the Company can be made either in the Formal or in the Informal Exchange Market. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be able to purchase U.S. dollars in the Informal Exchange Market or in the Formal Exchange Market at the time or in the amounts required to pay debt service related to any such debt securities. There can also be no assurance that further Central Bank regulations or legislative changes to the current foreign exchange control regime in Chile would not restrict or prevent the purchase of U.S. dollars by the Company to make payments under the Notes.

In the case of debt securities issued directly by the Company prior to the effectiveness of the new regulations, the registration of such issue with the Central Bank grants the Company access to the Formal Exchange Market for the purchase of U.S. dollars necessary to make payments in respect of any such debt securities, but requires that payments on such debt securities shall only be made with U.S. dollars purchased in the Formal Exchange Market.

The new regulations of Chapter XIV of the Compendium do not make any reference to the one-year mandatory deposit in the Central Bank that was previously required by the former Chapter XIV. However, the Central Bank is authorized, under the Central Bank Act, to impose such requirement.

Debt securities issued through the Company’s Panamanian agency

In December 1996, the Company established a registered agency in Panama. The Company may from time to time issue debt securities directly or through its Panamanian agency depending on, among other factors, whether or not the Company expects to bring the proceeds thereof into Chile. In such cases, the proceeds of such issuance of the notes may be brought into Chile or held abroad. In either case, however, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Compendium, the Company must inform the Central Bank of the issuance of international bonds through its agency within 10 days following the disbursement of funds to the agency, together with the schedule of payments of the notes.

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Purchases of U.S. dollars in connection with payments on debt securities issued through its Panamanian agency (whether prior to or after April 19, 2001) can be made either in the Formal or in the Informal Exchange Market. Although the Company would need to inform the Central Bank of the issuance of debt securities through its Panamanian agency, such communication to the Central Bank would not give the Company access to the Formal Exchange Market for the purchase of U.S. dollars necessary to make payments in respect of any such debt securities.

There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to purchase U.S. dollars in the Informal Exchange Market or in the Formal Exchange Market at the time or in the amounts required to pay debt service related to any such debt securities. There can also be no assurance that further Central Bank regulations or legislative changes to the current foreign exchange control regime in Chile would not restrict or prevent the purchase of U.S. dollars by the Company to make payments under the Notes from Chile.

TAXATION

General

The following summary contains a description of the principal Chilean and United States federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Notes, but it does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all the tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase Notes. This summary does not describe any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, locality or taxing jurisdiction other than the United States and Chile.

This summary is based on the tax laws of Chile and the United States as in effect on the date of this Form 20-F, as well as regulations, rulings and decisions of Chile and the United States available on or before such date and now in effect. All of the foregoing are subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect the continued validity of this summary.

Prospective purchasers of the Notes should consult their own tax advisors as to the Chilean, United States or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Notes, including, in particular, the application to their particular situations of the tax considerations discussed below, as well as the application of state, local, foreign or other tax laws.

There is currently no tax treaty between the United States and Chile.

Chilean Taxation

The following is a general summary of the principal consequences under Chilean tax law, as currently in effect of an investment in the Notes made by a Foreign Holder. Foreign Holder means either:

• in the case of an individual, a person who is neither a resident nor is domiciled in Chile (for purposes of Chilean taxation, an individual holder is resident or domiciled in Chile if it has resided or has been domiciled in Chile for more than six months in one calendar year, or a total of more than six months in two consecutive fiscal years); or

• in the case of a legal entity, a legal entity that is not organized under the laws of Chile, unless the Notes are assigned to a branch or a permanent establishment of such entity in Chile.

Under Chile’s Income Tax Law, payments of interest made from Chile by the Company in respect of the Notes to a Foreign Holder will generally be subject to a Chilean withholding tax assessed at a rate of 4.0% (the “Chilean Interest Withholding Tax”).

The Company has agreed, subject to specific exceptions and limitations, to pay to the Foreign Holders of Notes Additional Amounts in respect of the Chilean Interest Withholding Tax mentioned above in order that the interest the Foreign Holder receives, net of the Chilean Interest Withholding Tax, equals the amount which would have been received by such Foreign Holder in the absence of such withholding. If the Company pays Additional

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Amounts in respect of such Chilean Interest Withholding Tax, any refunds of such Additional Amounts will be for the account of the Company. In the event of certain changes in Chilean tax laws requiring the payment by the Company of Additional Amounts in excess of the Additional Amounts that would be payable were payments of interest on the Notes subject to the Chilean Interest Withholding Tax at a 4.0% rate, the Company has the right to redeem the Notes.

Under existing Chilean law and regulations, a Foreign Holder will not be subject to any Chilean taxes in respect of payments of principal made by the Company with respect to the Notes. Payments by the Company with respect to the Notes of amounts not considered principal or interest may be subject to a Chilean withholding tax of up to 35%.

The Chilean Income Tax Law provides that a Foreign Holder is subject to income tax on his Chilean source income. For this purpose, Chilean source income means earnings from activities performed in Chile or from the sale, disposition or other transactions in connection with assets or goods located in Chile. Therefore, any capital gains realized on the sale or other disposition by a Foreign Holder of the Notes generally will not be subject to any Chilean taxes provided that such sale or other disposition occurs outside Chile.

A Foreign Holder will not be liable for estate, gift, inheritance or similar taxes with respect to its holdings unless Notes held by a Foreign Holder

• are located in Chile at the time of such Foreign Holder’s death or at the time the transfer takes place, or

• were purchased or acquired with monies obtained from Chilean sources.

A Foreign Holder will not be liable for Chilean stamp, registration or similar taxes.

The issue of the Notes was subject to stamp tax, which was paid by the Company.

United States Taxation

This summary of certain United States federal income tax considerations deals principally with United States Holders that will hold Notes as capital assets and whose functional currency is the United States dollar. It does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular investor’s decision to purchase Notes and generally does not address the tax treatment of United States Holders that may be subject to special tax rules, such as banks, tax-exempt entities, insurance companies, dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities electing to mark to market, persons that will hold Notes as a position in a “straddle” or conversion transaction, or as part of a “synthetic security” or other integrated financial transaction, persons that own (or are deemed to own for United States tax purposes) 10% or more of the voting stock of the Company, or persons that are not United States Holders; nor does it address the tax treatment of United States Holders that did not acquire Notes as part of the initial distribution. As used under this section “United States Taxation,” the term “United States Holder” means a beneficial owner of a Note that is a citizen or resident of the United States or a United States domestic corporation or that otherwise is subject to United States federal income taxation on a net income basis in respect of the Notes.

Taxation of Interest and Additional Amounts

A United States Holder will treat the gross amount of interest and Additional Amounts (i.e., without reduction for Chilean Interest Withholding Tax, determined utilizing the 4.0% Chilean Interest Withholding Tax rate applicable to all United States Holders of the Notes) as ordinary interest income in respect of the Notes. Any Chilean Interest Withholding Tax paid will be treated as foreign income taxes eligible for credit against such United States Holder’s United States federal income tax liability, subject to generally applicable limitations and conditions, or, at the election of such United States Holder, for deduction in computing such United States Holder’s taxable income. Interest and Additional Amounts will constitute income from sources outside the United States for foreign tax credit purposes. Such income generally will constitute “passive income” or, in the case of certain United States Holders, “financial services income.” Foreign tax credits may not be allowed for withholding taxes imposed in

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respect of arrangements in which a United States Holder’s expected economic profit is insubstantial. United States Holders should consult their own advisers concerning the implications of these rules in light of their particular circumstances.

The calculation of foreign tax credits and, in the case of a United States Holder that elects to deduct foreign taxes, the availability of deductions, involves the application of rules that depend on a United States Holder’s particular circumstances. United States Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of foreign tax credits and the treatment of Additional Amounts.

A Holder of Notes that is, with respect to the United States, a foreign corporation or a nonresident alien individual (a “Non-U.S. Holder”) generally will not be subject to United States federal income or withholding tax on interest income or Additional Amounts earned in respect of Notes, unless such income is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States.

Taxation of Dispositions

Gain or loss realized by a United States Holder on the sale, redemption or other disposition of Notes generally will be treated as capital gain or loss and such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of the disposition, the Notes have been held for more than one year. Long-term capital gain realized by a United States Holder that is an individual generally is subject to a maximum rate of 15% through December 31, 2008. Gain, if any, realized by a United States Holder generally will be treated as U.S. source income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

A Non-U.S. Holder of Notes will not be subject to United States federal income or withholding tax on gain realized on the sale or other disposition of Notes unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States or (ii) in the case of gain realized by an individual Non-U.S. Holder, the Non-U.S. Holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale and certain other conditions are met.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes, and payment of the proceeds of any disposition of the Notes, made to certain United States Holders may be subject to U.S. information reporting requirements. In addition, certain United States Holders may be subject to a U.S. backup withholding tax in respect of such payments if they do not provide their taxpayer identification numbers to the payor or otherwise establish an exemption. Non-U.S. Holders generally are exempt from these withholding and reporting requirements, but may be required to comply with applicable certification and identification procedures in order to establish their eligibility for such an exemption.

DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY

The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In accordance with these requirements, the Company files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These materials, including this Annual Report and the exhibits thereto, may be inspected and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of the materials may be obtained from the Public Reference Room at the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Commission’s Public Reference Room by calling the Commission in the United States at 1-800-SEC-0330.

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The following discussion about Arauco’s risk management activities includes forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements.

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Arauco is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. Arauco from time to time assesses its exposure and monitors opportunities to manage these risks, including entering into derivative contracts. On May 8, 2002, Arauco entered into a swap contract in which U.S.$200 million of the 7.75% Notes were swapped for notes bearing an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.79875%. On May 23, 2003, Arauco entered into a new swap contract in which the U.S.$200 million of the notes bearing an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.79875% were swapped for notes bearing a fixed interest rate of 5.506%.

In the normal course of business, Arauco also faces risks that are either non-financial or non-quantifiable. Such risks principally include country risk, credit risk and legal risk and are not represented in the tables below.

INTEREST RATE RISK

Interest rate risk exists principally with respect to Arauco’s indebtedness that bears interest at floating rates. At December 31, 2002, Arauco had outstanding approximately U.S.$1,530.7 million of indebtedness, of which approximately 81.0% bore interest at fixed interest rates and approximately 19.0% bore interest at floating rates of interest. Approximately 0.2% of the indebtedness was denominated in UF as of that date. The interest rate on Arauco’s variable rate debt is determined by reference to LIBOR. Arauco’s UF-denominated indebtedness bears interest at a fixed rate, although the amount of the borrowing is periodically revalued in accordance with Chilean inflation.

The following table summarizes the long-term debt obligations, including 2003 maturities, held by Arauco at December 31, 2002 that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. The table presents the aggregate principal amount of each category of indebtedness maturing in each year, at the weighted average interest rate for each category of indebtedness. Average interest rates for liabilities are calculated based on the prevailing interest rate at December 31, 2002, for each loan.

	As of December 31, 2002								Total Long Term Debt (incl. 2003 maturities)	Fair Value(1)
	Expected contractual maturity date
	Average Interest Rate(2)		2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	There- after
	(U.S.$ equivalent in millions)
Long-Term Interest Bearing Debt:
Fixed Rate (Ch$-denominated)	6.00	%	2.6	—	—	—	—	—	2.6	2.7
Variable Rate (Ch$-denominated)	—		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Fixed Rate (3) (U.S.$-denominated)	7.63	%	80.2	—	175.0	—	100.0	882.5	1,237.7	1,378.6
Variable Rate (U.S.$-denominated)	LIBOR + 0.68	%	38.1	100.3	100.4	50.0	1.0	0.6	290.4	290.4
Other currencies	—		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

(1) These figures were calculated based on the discounted value of future cash flows expected to be received or paid, considering current discount rates that reflect the different risks involved. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements.

(2) Average interest rate means, for variable rate debt, the weighted average prevailing interest rate at December 31, 2002, on Arauco’s variable rate debt, and for fixed rate debt, the weighted average prevailing interest rate at December 31, 2002, on Arauco’s fixed rate debt.

(3) Includes the U.S.$200 million of the 2011 Notes swapped on May 8, 2002.

FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK

Arauco’s principal exchange rate risk involves changes in the value of the Chilean peso relative to the dollar. Arauco generally believes that its foreign currency exposure is not material to its net income due to its dollar-denominated or indexed sales. In 2002, substantially all of Arauco’s consolidated revenues were denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies. Arauco estimates that a majority of its consolidated costs and expenses are denominated in dollars. As of December 31, 2002:

• a significant portion of Arauco’s accounts receivable were denominated in U.S. dollars;

128

• 47.7% of Arauco’s short-term investments were denominated in euros and 8.9% were denominated in pesos, with the balance of 43.4% in U.S. dollars;

• substantially all of Arauco’s indebtedness was denominated in U.S. dollars; and

• a significant portion of Arauco’s consolidated total assets were denominated in U.S. dollars, with the balance primarily denominated in Chilean pesos.

Substantially all of Arauco’s foreign currency-denominated revenues, costs and expenses, receivables and indebtedness are denominated in U.S. dollars. As of December 31, 2002, only 0.2% of Arauco’s long-term debt was Chilean peso-denominated, with the balance in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, variations in the value of the Chilean peso relative to the dollar will not have a significant effect in the cost in dollars of Arauco’s foreign debt service obligations.

Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities.

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies.

Not applicable.

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and the Use of Proceeds.

Not applicable.

Item 15. Controls and Procedures.

Within the 90 days prior to the date of this annual report, the Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a and 15d-15(c) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or “Exchange Act”). There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon and as of the date of the Company’s evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files and submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required.

There were no significant changes in Arauco’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation. There were no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, and therefore there were no corrective actions taken.

Item 16. [Reserved].

129

PART III

Item 17. Financial Statements.

Not applicable.

Item 18. Financial Statements.

See pages A/F-1 through A/F-27, incorporated herein by reference.

Item 19. Exhibits

a. List of Financial Statements

	Page
Report of Independent Accountants	A/F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2001 and 2002	A/F-2
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002	A/F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002	A/F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002	A/F-6
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002	A/F-7

b. List of Exhibits

Exhibit No.	Description
Exhibit 1.1	English translation of the by-laws (estatutos) of Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A., dated as of April 29, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Annual Report of Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. on Form 20-F filed on June 26, 2002)
Exhibit 8.1	List of subsidiaries
Exhibit 10.1	Certification of Alejandro Pérez and Matías Domeyko pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 12.1	Letter from Celulosa Arauco y Constitución to the SEC regarding Langton Clarke Auditores Consultores Ltda. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Annual Report of Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. on Form 20-F filed on June 26, 2002)
Exhibit 12.2	Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

130

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated financial statements

December 31, 2002

Report of Independent Accountants

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A.:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, of stockholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/    PricewaterhouseCoopers                        

Santiago, Chile

March 7, 2003

A/F-1

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

	At December 31,
	2002		2001
	(US $ in thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents 1d)	$	49,147	$	22,424
Short-term investments 1e)		350,283		420,425
Trade receivables—net		186,783		210,529
Other receivables—net		72,574		67,610
Inventories 1f), (3)		203,089		193,563
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (4)		121,607		61,299
Total current assets		983,483		975,850
LONG-TERM ASSETS:
Forest 1g)		1,188,013		1,167,462
Property, plant and equipment—net 1h), (5)		1,851,240		1,653,466
Investments in affiliates		20,768		18,078
Goodwill, net of amortization 1n)		23,668		19,791
Other long-term assets		43,164		64,610
Total long-term assets		3,126,853		2,923,407
Total assets	$	4,110,336	$	3,899,257

See Notes to Financial Statements.

A/F-2

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

	At December 31,
	2002		2001
	(US $ in thousands)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term debt	$	32,125	$	87
Current portion of long-term notes		38,057		38,729
Current portion of bonds		82,793		4,253
Accounts payable (6)		162,397		103,483
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities (7)		61,092		59,929
Total current liabilities		376,464		206,481
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term notes (8)		252,363		289,670
Long-term bonds (8)		1,157,500		1,282,963
Deferred income taxes (9)		150,214		117,242
Other long-term liabilities		10,003		21,865
Total long-term liabilities		1,570,080		1,711,740
MINORITY INTEREST		6,127		6,251
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock (nominal par value, 113,152,446 shares authorized and issued)		—		—
Paid-in capital		363,833		363,833
Retained earnings		1,793,832		1,610,952
Total stockholders’ equity		2,157,665		1,974,785
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	4,110,336	$	3,899,257

See Notes to Financial Statements.

A/F-3

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

	Year Ended December 31,
	2002		2001		2000
	(US $ in thousands)
Net sales (13)	1,188,018		1,173,826		1,260,342
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	(620,464	)	(689,837	)	(604,130	)
Depreciation (13)	(103,885	)	(119,796	)	(106,576	)
Selling and administrative	(100,515	)	(94,047	)	(102,701	)
Total operating costs and expenses	(824,864	)	(903,680	)	(813,407	)
Income from operations	363,154		270,146		446,935
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest income	21,995		14,794		12,563
Other income (expense)	1,513		(3,871	)	5,151
Foreign exchange gains (losses)	11,668		(26,058	)	(5,070	)
Interest expense	(61,692	)	(62,362	)	(62,201	)
Total non-operating income (expense)	(26,516	)	(77,497	)	(49,557	)
Income before taxes, minority interest and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	336,638		192,649		397,378
Provision for income taxes (9)	(52,578	)	(12,956	)	(55,552	)
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries	(267	)	(225	)	(2,051	)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	2,558		1,463		1,377
Net income	286,351		180,931		341,152

See Notes to Financial Statements.

A/F-4

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31,
	2002		2001		2000
	(US $ in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	286,351		180,931		341,152
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	107,453		123,409		108,817
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiaries	267		225		2,051
Earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	(2,558	)	(1,463	)	(1,377	)
Deferred income taxes	12,243		2,222		18,751
Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,117		728		758
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets	(446	)	(1,622	)	1,029
Investments and proceeds in trading securities	70,142		(267,090	)	(6,995	)
Decrease (increase) in receivables	17,665		(40,832	)	29,284
Decrease (increase) in inventories	(9,526	)	32,821		(68,702	)
Decrease (increase) in other assets	(37,841	)	(17,822	)	(16,014	)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	27,145		(41,068	)	308
Increase (decrease) other liabilities	9,639		(26,131	)	8,291
Net cash provided by operating (used in) activities	481,651		(55,692	)	417,353
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment and forest	(324,354	)	(226,277	)	(200,072	)
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment	2,590		4,862		2,097
Investment in related companies	(9,400	)	(3,219	)	(208,057	)
Dividends received from related companies	802		480		690
Net cash used in investing activities	(330,362	)	(224,154	)	(405,342	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Bonds issued	—		400,000		300,000
Bank borrowings	34,522		315,787		289,177
Debt issue costs	—		(7,770	)	(5,830	)
Payment of notes and bond principal	(87,386	)	(401,954	)	(355,726	)
Dividends paid	(71,702	)	(67,610	)	(193,353	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(124,566	)	238,453		34,268
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	26,723		(41,393	)	46,279
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	22,424		63,817		17,538
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	49,147		22,424		63,817

See Notes to Financial Statements.

A/F-5

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

	Year Ended December 31,
	2002		2001		2000
	(Dollar and Share Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Common Stock	—		—		—
Nominal par value (113,152, 446 shares authorized and issued at December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000)
Paid in capital
Balance at beginning of year	363,833		363,833		363,833
Balance at end of year	363,833		363,833		363,833
Retained earnings
Balance at beginning of year	1,610,952		1,468,275		1,343,597
Net income	286,351		180,931		341,152
Dividends	(103,471	)	(38,254	)	(216,474	)
Balance at end of year	1,793,832		1,610,952		1,468,275
Total stockholders’ equity	2,157,665		1,974,785		1,832,108

See Notes to Financial Statements.

A/F-6

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 1—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a) Nature of operations

Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A., a Chilean corporation (“the Company”), and its subsidiaries (the Company, together with its subsidiaries, “Arauco”) are principally engaged in the production of pulp, forestry and wood products, and the management of their forestry assets. Arauco owns and operates facilities in Chile, Argentina and Uruguay and has customers throughout the world including Asia, Europe, North America and Central and South America.

b) Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying value of property, plant and equipment; recoverable forest; allowance for doubtful accounts; inventories and deferred income tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

c) Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all majority owned subsidiaries in which the Company has voting control. Inter-company transactions and accounts are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in affiliates, owned 20% to 50% inclusive, are accounted for under the equity method. The Company’s share of earnings of such investments is shown in the income statement under the heading “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates”.

d) Cash and cash equivalents

Arauco considers all highly liquid securities with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Arauco invests its excess cash in short-term time deposits with high quality financial institutions. These time deposits are included in cash and cash equivalents at fair value. Arauco generally holds these cash investments until maturity and is therefore not subject to significant market risk. The Company holds accounts with a variety of banks and does not hold significant deposits with any single bank.

e) Short-term investments

Arauco’s short-term investments consist primarily of investments in mutual fund units which are classified as trading securities. These short-term investments are recorded at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses included in earnings. Net unrealized holding gains and losses at period end included in interest income for 2002 and 2001 were $8.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

A/F-7

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

f) Inventories

Inventories of raw materials, work-in-process and spare parts are stated at the lower of cost or market, primarily using the average cost method. Finished goods are stated at the lower of average production costs for the period, or market. Inventory costs include materials, labor, transportation, depreciation of fixed assets and production overhead as appropriate.

g) Forests

Forests are stated at cost of development less the cost of forest harvested. Forest costs consist primarily of purchased timber, planting, maintenance, protection, and other direct costs related to the plantation of the forest. Direct and indirect interest costs of developing forests are capitalized until the forest is deemed to have reached an exploitable stage. These capitalized interest costs are included in the historical cost of the forest. Forests do not include any estimated future reforestation costs. The cost of forest harvested is based on the volume of forest harvested in relation to the estimated volume of forest recoverable. Arauco’s estimated volume of forest recoverable is based on statistical information and data obtained from physical measurements and other information gathering techniques.

h) Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of buildings, equipment, and other depreciable assets is primarily determined using the straight-line method. Expenditures that substantially improve and/or increase the useful life of facilities or equipment are capitalized. Interest costs associated with financing the construction of property, plant and equipment is capitalized. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Profits and losses on the sale of property, plant and equipment are accounted for as the difference between the book value and the consideration received.

i) Asset impairments

Arauco reviews for impairment of long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. Losses are recognized when the book values exceed expected undiscounted future net cash flows from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. These undiscounted cash flows are based upon management’s estimate of future cash inflows and outflows. The key assumptions in estimating these cash flows are future pricing of forest and future estimates of expenses to be incurred. When impairment is indicated, the book values of the assets are written down to their estimated fair value.

j) Income taxes

Arauco uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, the provision for income taxes includes amounts currently payable and amounts deferred as tax assets and liabilities, based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities, and is measured using the enacted tax rates that are assumed will be in effect when the differences reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance which is established when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

A/F-8

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

k) Derivative financial instruments

To cover risk of exposure to interest rate differences, Arauco utilizes interest rate swap derivative financial instruments. It has established procedures for risk assessment and approving, reporting and monitoring of derivative financial instrument activities. Contracts are recorded on the balance sheet and measured at fair value. The interest differential paid or received is recognized in interest expense in the period incurred. Arauco does not use hedge accounting treatment or utilize financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

l) Trade allowance for doubtful accounts

Arauco provides an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a review of the specific receivables. As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of the outstanding balance of accounts receivable. At December 31, 2002 and 2001, the balance in the allowance account for trade receivables was $2.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

m) Currency translation

The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. The Company has subsidiaries that maintain their records in local currencies. Because the US dollar is the reporting currency, subsidiaries remeasure their financial statements into U.S. dollars using the historical exchange rates for non-monetary assets and liabilities and shareholders’ equity accounts. For monetary assets and liabilities the year-end exchange rate prevailing on December 31 of each year is used. The income statement amounts are re-measured into US dollars at a weighted average exchange rate for the year. Re-measurement gains or losses are recorded in foreign exchange gains (losses) in the income statement.

n) Goodwill

Goodwill is the excess of acquisition cost of a business over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill and other intangible assets are deemed to have an indefinite life and not amortized. However, these indefinite life assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis and when indicators of impairment are determined to exist by applying a fair-value based test. At December 31, 2002 and 2001, the balance of accumulated amortization of goodwill was $23.6 million and $19.7 million, respectively.

o) Revenue recognition

Revenues are recorded at the time of shipment of products to the customer. Revenue from inter-segment sales is recorded when the forest is harvested and sold; such inter-segment sales, which are generally made at prices that approximate market, are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. The following criteria must be met in order to recognize revenue: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; (3) the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and (4) collection is reasonably assured.

A/F-9

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

p) Short-term debt

Short-term debt is shown at face value plus interest and represents a short-term loan from J.P. Morgan bank obtained in October 2002. Interest is payable monthly at an annual rate of LIBOR plus 0.125% and the loan renews automatically each month.

q) Bonds

Bonds are shown at face value plus accrued interest. The discount on, and expenses incurred in, the issue of the bonds are shown under other current and long- term assets and are amortized using the interest method of amortization over the term of the instruments. Total capitalized costs associated with bonds were $17.5 million and $21.1 million at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

r) Research and development expenses

The cost of research, project development and special studies are charged to income in the year in which they are incurred. The cost of research and development charged to income was $1.6 million, $1.5 million and $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 respectively.

s) Software

External direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal use computer software are capitalized. Payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to the internal use computer software project and interest costs incurred while developing internal use computer software are capitalized. Maintenance, training, data conversion and reengineering costs are charged to the results of operations as incurred. Purchased software is capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life up to a maximum of three years. Capitalized software assets are classified in “Property, plant and equipment” and as “other long-term assets”.

t) Severance benefit plan

Arauco sponsors a retirement plan that covers certain employees. It has recorded a liability for long-term severance indemnities based on agreements it has entered into with its employees at certain of its companies in Chile. Generally, upon leaving Arauco, employees who have completed five years of service are entitled to one month’s salary for each year of service, up to the retirement age of 60 and 65 years for women and men, respectively. In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 88-1, Arauco records the undiscounted obligation for this plan as if it was payable at each balance sheet date. Severance expense for this plan was $1.3 million, $1.3 million and $8.9 million, for fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000 respectively. The severance liability is recorded in other long-term and current liabilities and amounted to $13.7 million and $13.4 million, at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

A/F-10

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

u) Acquisitions

In 2000 the Company acquired 97.5% of the outstanding shares of Forestal Cholguan S.A. The total cost of the acquisition was approximately $266.2 million. Approximately 85.8% of these shares were acquired from indirect controlling shareholders of the Company. The shares acquired from indirect controlling interest were considered to be an exchange of ownership interests between companies under common control. As such, assets and liabilities of Forestal Cholguan S.A. were incorporated in the consolidated financial statements of the Company at historical value. The difference between the purchase price paid by the Company and 85.8% of the book value of Forestal Cholguan S.A. was recorded as dividend paid to shareholders` in the consolidated shareholders`equity. For the remaining shares acquired from unrelated parties, the purchase price was first allocated to deferred tax assets and liabilities that were recorded upon acquisition. The remaining difference was recorded as a lower basis in forests, building and equipment, resulting in lower depreciation and cost of sales in subsequent years.

On March 31, 2000, a subsidiary of the Company acquired the remaining 50% of the outstanding shares of Trupan. S.A. for $37.0 million. The consideration paid was assigned to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the basis of their fair values at the date of acquisition. The excess of the cost over the fair value of net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill.

v) Prospective accounting pronouncements

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”. SFAS No. 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, the entity capitalizes the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, the entity either settles the obligation for the amount recorded or incurs a gain or loss. SFAS No. 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. Although Arauco is evaluating the effects of this Statement on its financial position and results of operations, management does not believe that the adoption of this Statement will have a material impact on the results of its operations.

A/F-11

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146 “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” (SFAS 146). This statement supercedes EITF Issue No. 94-3 “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)”. SFAS 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under EITF 94-3, a liability is recognized at the date an entity commits to an exit plan. SFAS 146 also establishes that the liability should initially be measured and recorded at fair value. The provisions of SFAS 146 will be effective for any exit and disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. Arauco is evaluating the effect of this statement on its financial position and results of operations. However, it does not expect the adoption will have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN 45”). FIN 45 requires that upon issuance of a guarantee, a guarantor must recognize a liability for the fair value of an obligation assumed under a guarantee. FIN 45 also requires additional disclosures by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about the obligations associated with guarantees issued. Initial recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 45 are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified. Arauco is evaluating the impact of the new interpretation. However, the adoption of FIN 45 is not expected to have a material impact on the Arauco’s results of operations or financial position.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”). FIN 46 requires that companies that control another entity through interests other than voting interests should consolidate the controlled entity. FIN 46 applies to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date. The related disclosure requirements are effective immediately. Arauco has evaluated the impact of the new interpretation and the adoption will not have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.

Effective January 1, 2003, Arauco implemented FAS No. 145, “Rescission of FAS Nos. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FAS 13, and Technical Corrections”, under which gains and losses from extinguishment of debt should be classified as extraordinary items only if they meet criteria outlined in Accounting Principles Bulletin No. 30. Under FAS No. 145 Arauco has recorded losses on the early extinguishment of debt in earnings from continuing operations in the Company’s statements of earnings.

A/F-12

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 2—OTHER RECEIVABLES—NET

	December 31,
	2002		2001
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Value added tax receivable	56,309		60,373
Related party receivables	—		710
Other receivables	17,781		8,420
Allowance	(1,516	)	(1,893	)
Total other receivables—net	72,574		67,610

NOTE 3—INVENTORIES

Inventories have been valued in accordance with the policy described in note 1 (f). The principal components were as follows:

	December 31,
	2002	2001
	ThUS$	ThUS$
Finished goods	133,687	127,616
Work in progress	2,609	2,420
Sawlogs, pulpwood and chips	10,950	13,356
Raw materials	44,623	39,545
Other parts and materials	11,220	10,626
Total inventories	203,089	193,563

NOTE 4—PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

	December 31,
	2002	2001
	ThUS$	ThUS$
Prepaid freight and other expenses	28,396	31,801
Deferred tax assets	25,447	4,718
Deposits	32,046	—
Supplies non-production	16,964	17,845
Other current assets	18,754	6,935
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	121,607	61,299

A/F-13

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 5—PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT—NET

		December 31,
	Useful lives	2002		2001
		ThUS$		ThUS$
Land and improvements	—	367,674		361,317
Buildings and improvements	27 years	1,238,483		1,060,065
Machinery and equipment	11 years	1,211,599		1,299,843
Construction in progress	—	331,294		132,332
Other	3 years	145,325		137,053
		3,294,375		2,990,610
Accumulated depreciation		(1,443,135	)	(1,337,144	)
Total property, plant and equipment—net		1,851,240		1,653,466

NOTE 6—ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

	December 31,
	2002	2001
	ThUS$	ThUS$
Accounts payable—trade	76,514	68,104
Dividends payable	66,119	34,698
Accounts payable—related parties	1,935	681
Income tax payable	17,829	—
Total accounts payable	162,397	103,483

A/F-14

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 7—ACCRUED LIABILITIES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

	December 31,
	2002	2001
	ThUS$	ThUS$
Accrued interest	30,498	28,062
Other accruals	24,553	25,209
Withholding taxes	4,930	5,356
Deferred income	1,111	1,302
Total accrued liabilities and other current liabilities	61,092	59,929

NOTE 8—LONG-TERM NOTES

	Interest Rate at December 31, 2002	December 31,
Long-term debt		2002		2001
	%	ThUS$		ThUS$
Notes payable:
Morgan Guarantee Trust Company (due 2003)	LIBOR +   0.35	37,500		75,000
J.P. Morgan Chase (due 2006)	LIBOR + 0.725	250,000		250,928
Note payable—Argentina (due in 2008)	LIBOR + 0.625	2,920		2,471
Total notes payable		290,420		328,399
Less: current portion		(38,057	)	(38,729	)
Total long-term notes		252,363		289,670

The Company obtained a $150 million note from Morgan Guarantee Trust Company on March 14, 1997. The funds were used to repay outstanding debt. At December the loan principal is payable in four annual payments which began on March 20, 2000. Interest is due quarterly during the year. In accordance with the loan, the Company must maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio of 1.2:1 (on a rolling four-quarter basis) and maintain a minimum consolidated net worth of at least 49,244,361 Unidades de Fomento. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2002.

Through the subsidiary, Alto Paraná S.A., Arauco obtained a $250 million note from J.P. Morgan Chase on June 13, 2001. The loan principal and interest is payable semi-annually. The Company has guaranteed repayment of the loan.

A/F-15

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Arauco has a note payable to the Argentine Tesoro Nacional. The loan was initially obtained by Alto Paraná, a subsidiary of the Company acquired in 1997. The principal amount of the initial loan was $13 million, payable to Banco Nacional de Desarrollo and was guaranteed by the Argentine government. The loan was refinanced when Banco Nacional de Desarrollo was taken over by the Argentine government. The note is due in annual installments with final payment due in 2008. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears.

The six-month LIBOR at December 31, 2002 and 2001 was 1.38% and 1.96%, respectively.

Long-term bonds	Annual Interest Rate at December 31, 2002		Outstanding Principal Amount at December 31,
			2002		2001
			ThUS$		ThUS$
Bonds:
Domestic issue Series A bond due February 2003	6.00	%	1,413		4,518
Domestic issue Series A bond due December 2003	6.00	%	874		1,863
Domestic issue Series B bond due December 2003	6.00	%	291		620
US $ bonds (1st issue) due December 2003	6.75	%	80,215		80,215
US $ bonds (1st issue) due December 2007	7.00	%	100,000		100,000
US $ bonds (2nd issue) due September 2005	6.95	%	175,000		175,000
US $ bonds (2nd issue) due September 2009	7.20	%	100,000		100,000
US $ bonds (2nd issue) due September 2017	7.50	%	125,000		125,000
US $ bonds (3rd issue) due August 2010	8.62	%	270,500		300,000
US $ bonds (4th issue) due September 2011	7.75	%	387,000		400,000
Total bonds			1,240,293		1,287,216
Less current maturities of long-term bonds			(82,793	)	(4,253	)
Total long-term bonds			1,157,500		1,282,963

In September 2001, the Company issued $400 million of 10-year bonds at 7.75% (4th issue). The interest on these bonds is payable semi-annually in arrears.

In August 2000, the Company issued $300 million of 10-year bonds at 8.62% (3rd issue). The interest on these bonds is payable semi-annually in arrears.

In October 1997, the Company issued $175 million of 8-year bonds, at 6.95%, $100 million of 12-year bonds at 7.2% and $125 million of 20 year-bonds at 7.5% (2nd issue). The interest on these bonds is payable semi-annually in arrears.

In December 1995, the Company issued $200 million of 8-year bonds at 6.75% and $100 million of 12-year bonds at 7.0% (1st issue). The interest on these bonds is payable semi-annually in arrears.

A/F-16

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

In 1991 the Company issued bonds in the Chilean market. These bonds mature between 1994 and 2003, and the interest rate is 6% per annum. Both principal and interest is paid semi-annually in arrears. In accordance with these bonds, the Company’s debt to equity ratio must not exceed the ratio of 1.2:1 and its current liabilities must not exceed current assets. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2002.

In the period between October 2002 and December 2002, the Company repurchased and retired approximately $42.5 million of its 7.75% and 8.62% bonds due in 2011 and 2010, respectively. The bonds were obtained at a premium, resulting in a loss of $3,006 thousand, net of income taxes. The loss includes the write-off of unamortized capitalized issuance costs associated with these bonds of $916 thousand. In September 2001 the Company repurchased and retired $119.8 million of its 6.75% bonds due in 2003. The bonds were obtained at a premium, resulting in a loss of $3.9 million, net of income taxes. The loss includes the write-off of unamortized capitalized bond issuance costs of $967 thousand.

The Company entered into a rate swap agreement in May 2002 with Dresdner Bank A.G. The notional amount of the contract was $200 million. The Company swapped its fixed interest rate for variable interest. Under the terms of the contract, the Company pays variable interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.79875% and receives interest at a rate equal to 7.75%. This is the rate equal to the 4th bond issue. The interest rate swap settles semi-annually, and the contract terminates in 2011.

The weighted average interest rate for all long-term debt at December 31, 2002 and 2001 was approximately 7.43% and 7.73% respectively. Required repayment of principal for long-term debt is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31 ThUS $
2003	120,850
2004	100,343
2005	275,414
2006	51,049
2007	100,000
2008 and after	883,057
Total	1,530,713

Cash paid during 2002, 2001 and 2000 for interest was $113.2 million, $101.3 million and $86.3 million. The total amount of interest cost incurred by Arauco was $115.7 million (net of $4.0 million related to interest rate swaps), $108.4 million, and $96.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively. The amount of interest capitalized for these periods was $54.0 million, $46.1 million, and $34.2 million, respectively.

A/F-17

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 9—INCOME TAXES

Income (loss) before taxes was taxed in domestic and foreign jurisdictions, as follows:

	Year ended December 31,
	2002		2001		2000
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
Domestic
Current	40,335		10,653		29,209
Deferred	16,257		24,534		17,880
Foreign
Current	—		81		7,592
Deferred	(4,014	)	(22,312	)	871
Total provision for income taxes	52,578		12,956		55,552

The tax effects of significant temporary differences creating deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 were as follow:

	December 31,
	2002		2001
	ThUS$		ThUS$
Deferred income tax liabilities
Inventories	(11,151	)	(9,299	)
Other	(1,162	)	(1,643	)
Property, plant and equipment	(162,694	)	(184,110	)
Debt issue costs	(4,478	)	(6,378	)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(179,485	)	(201,430	)
Deferred income tax asset
Accruals	32,744		97,911
Tax loss carry forwards	38,788		20,224
Other	8,224		13,841
Total deferred tax assets	79,756		131,976
Valuation Allowance	(25,038	)	(43,070	)
Total deferred tax assets—net	54,718		88,906
Net deferred tax liability	(124,767	)	(112,524	)

A/F-18

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Net long-term deferred tax liabilities were $150.2 million at December 31, 2002 and $117.2 million at December 31, 2001. In addition, net short-term deferred tax assets of $25.4 million at December 31, 2002 and $4.7 million, at December 31, 2001, are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in prepaid and other current assets.

Cash paid during 2002, 2001 and 2000 for income taxes was $23.2 million, $36.2 million and $35.1 million, respectively.

As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, Arauco had valuation allowances of $26.7 million and $46.5 million, respectively, to reduce its deferred tax assets to estimated realizable value. The valuation allowances relate to the deferred tax assets arising from Argentina.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of Arauco’s total deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of these deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based on the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the temporary differences are anticipated to reverse, management believes it is more likely than not that Arauco will realize the benefits of its deferred tax assets, net of the valuation allowance, at December 31, 2002, as reductions of future taxable income or by utilizing available tax planning strategies. However, the amount of the net deferred tax assets considered realizable could be adjusted in the future if estimates of taxable income are revised.

At December 31, 2002, Arauco had operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $101.0 million. Loss carry-forwards associated with Chile are $21.2 million which can be carried forward indefinitely. Loss carry-forwards associated with Argentina are $79.8 million total of which $2.7 million expire in 2005, $0.9 million expire in 2006 and $76.2 million expire in 2007.

The following table summarizes the effect of the differences between the statutory income tax rate and the effective income tax rates:

	Year ended December 31,
	2002		2001		2000
	ThUS$		ThUS$		ThUS$
US GAAP pretax income multiplied by enacted tax rate	54,229		29,083		59,506
Permanent differences	(343	)	(14,901	)	(2,839	)
Non-taxable income	(1,308	)	(1,226	)	(1,115	)
Effective income tax amount	52,578		12,956		55,552

A/F-19

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

The Chilean statutory, first category (corporate) income tax rate was 15% for all years prior to 2002. The rate was 16% in 2002 and is scheduled to be 16.5% in 2003 and 17% in 2004 and thereafter in accordance with currently enacted tax legislation. Also, in accordance with Chilean law, the Company and each of its subsidiaries compute and pay tax on a separate basis and not on a consolidated basis. The Argentine statutory first category income tax rate was 35% in 2000 and 35% for all years thereafter.

NOTE 10—FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company’s financial instruments include cash and short-term investments, receivables, payables, debt including notes and bonds and interest rate swaps. The estimated fair value of these financial instruments is based on the amount at which such instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced sale or liquidation. There are certain limitations inherent in the fair value data since, while the data represents management’s best estimates, the data is subjective, involving significant estimates regarding current economic and market conditions.

The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values are as follows:

For cash, short-term time deposits and current receivables and payables, the carrying amounts approximate the fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair value of marketable securities is estimated based on quoted market prices. The fair value of short-term and long-term debt is estimated based on current interest rates available to the Company for debt instruments with similar terms, degrees of risk, and remaining maturities. The fair value of the interest-rate swap agreements is obtained from dealer quotes and represents the estimated amount the Company would receive or pay to terminate the agreements.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are summarized below.

	At December 31, 2002		At December 31, 2001
	Carrying value	Estimated fair value	Carrying value	Estimated fair value
	(ThUS $)		(ThUS $)
Assets
Cash	29,583	29,583	19,737	19,737
Time deposits	19,564	19,564	2,687	2,687
Short-term investments	350,283	350,283	420,425	420,425
Liabilities
Short-term debt	32,125	32,125	87	87
Notes payable	290,420	290,420	328,399	328,399
Bonds	1,240,293	1,381,247	1,287,216	1,320,510
Derivative instrument
Interest rate swap	4,693	4,693	—	—

A/F-20

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 11—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions with related companies originate in the normal course of business and are recorded at market value. Transactions with companies with which Arauco has directors and/or management in common are also recorded at fair value.

Arauco enters into fuel purchase contracts with Compañía de Petróleos de Chile S.A. (Copec) the parent corporation of the Company. Arauco purchased fuel totaling $12.1 million during 2002 and $11.0 million in 2001. The terms of these contracts and purchases were generally similar to those prevailing with unrelated parties.

Arauco obtains insurance from Cruz del Sur, a Chilean insurance company controlled by a related party. Cruz del Sur is the supplier of all of Arauco’s insurance policies covering its forest holdings and production plants, facilities and equipment. Arauco paid direct insurance premiums of $3.0 million, $7.2 million and $3.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Outstanding balances at December 31, 2002 and 2001 with Cruz del Sur included a payable of $1.0 million and a credit of $0.7 million, respectively.

NOTE 12—CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are parties to various legal claims, actions and complaints. It is not possible to predict with certainty whether or not the Company and its subsidiaries will ultimately be successful in any of the legal matters, or if not, what the impact may be. However, Arauco’s management does not expect that the results in any of these legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on Arauco’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Guarantees

The Company has guaranteed the debt of one of its subsidiaries, Alto Paraná S.A. At December 31, 2002 the outstanding principal amount of the guaranteed debt totaled $250 million. This guarantee would require payment by the Company in the event of default by Alto Paraná. The guarantee coincides with the terms of the note and expires in 2007. Arauco has no other material guarantees.

Covenants

The Company’s long-term borrowings require compliance with certain financial restrictions. Non-compliance could result in these debts becoming fully payable upon demand. Arauco was in compliance with all financial covenants at December 31, 2002.

A/F-21

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Environmental Proceedings

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to certain Chilean environmental laws and regulations. Under such regulations, the Company is required to conduct environmental impact studies of any future projects or activities that may affect the environment. These regulations also establish procedures for private citizens to object to the plans or studies submitted by project owners. The extent to which such regulations will affect Arauco will depend upon how the authorized Chilean governmental agencies decide to implement such legislation. Enforcement remedies could include temporary or permanent closure of facilities and fines.

Arauco entered into various projects related to the improvement of, or investment in, product processes designed to protect the environment during the year ended December 31, 2002.

Arauco entered into a project to reduce gases and steam which are a by-product of the mill production process. Arauco has incurred costs of $1.3 million through December 31, 2002 and expects to incur an additional $3.2 million on this project.

The Company entered into environmental protection projects in connection with the Valdivia Mill Construction Project. The Company has incurred costs of $6.2 million on this project through December 31, 2002 and expects to incur an additional $6.6 million on this project.

Arauco has entered into various other environmental projects and incurred costs approximating $0.6 million. The Company anticipates incurring additional costs of $0.9 million associated with these projects.

Other

In December 2002, a subsidiary of the Company, Alto Paraná won a bid for 60,000 hectares of forestry land and plantations sold by the Argentine company Perez Companc. Alto Paraná agreed to pay $40 million for the land, which is located in Argentina, a sawmill and other assets, located close to Alto Parana’s operations. At December 31, 2002, Arauco had deposited $10 million in relation to this purchase. The transaction is still subject to the approval of the Argentine antitrust authorities.

A/F-22

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 13—SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company operates principally in three identifiable product segments, which comprise the production and sales of goods for (i) pulp products, (ii) forestry products and (iii) wood products. Pulp products include bleached and unbleached wood pulp products that result from the processing of pulp logs and chips. Forestry products include sawlogs and pulpwood. Wood products include flitches, sawn timber (lumber) and remanufactured wood products. Other services and products include mainly forestry services performed by the Company and electricity generation, which began production in late 1996.

Total revenues by segment include sales to unaffiliated customers, as reported in Arauco consolidated income statement, and inter-segment sales, which are accounted for at invoice price. Corporates expenses allocated to the pulp segment.

	Year ended December 31, 2002
	(ThUS $)
	Pulp	Forestry	Wood Products	Plywood and fiberboards panels	Others	Eliminations of intercompany  sales and corporate assets		Consolidated
Sales to unaffiliated customers	628,764	31,100	343,938	178,397	5,819	—		1,188,018
Inter-segment sales	2,260	356,278	192,133	114,319	27,917	(692,907	)	—
Total sales revenue	631,024	387,378	536,071	292,716	33,736	(692,907	)	1,188,018
Operating income	189,929	28,890	50,085	89,367	4,883	—		363,154
Identifiable assets as of December 31, 2002	1,878,910	1,095,831	290,990	284,863	26,178	533,564		4,110,336

	Year ended December 31, 2001
	(ThUS $)
	Pulp	Forestry	Wood Products	Plywood and fiberboards panels	Others	Eliminations of intercompany  sales and corporate assets		Consolidated
Sales to unaffiliated customers	705,416	33,641	284,427	141,120	9,222	—		1,173,826
Inter-segment sales	4,243	359,796	160,396	101,997	28,414	(654,846	)	—
Total sales revenue	709,659	393,437	444,823	243,117	37,636	(654,846	)	1,173,826
Operating income	157,868	46,972	12,154	45,848	7,304	—		270,146
Identifiable assets as of December 31, 2001	1,765,836	1,128,749	251,916	219,146	28,118	505,492		3,899,257

A/F-23

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

	Year ended December 31, 2000
	(ThUS $)
	Pulp	Forestry	Wood Products	Plywood and fiberboards panels	Others	Eliminations of intercompany sales and corporate items		Consolidated
Sales to unaffiliated customers	791,981	60,246	285,300	107,617	15,198	—		1,260,342
Inter-segment sales	—	335,070	143,813	34,677	30,174	(543,734	)	—
Total sales revenue	791,981	395,316	429,113	142,294	45,372	(543,734	)	1,260,342
Operating income	338,340	55,202	47,348	1,983	4,061	—		446,934
Identifiable assets as of December 31, 2000	1,599,201	1,280,602	248,859	166,718	25,953	229,656		3,550,989

Sales revenue and long-lived assets of the Arauco’s detailed by country were as follows:

	Year ended December 31, 2002
	(ThUS $)
Country	Sales Revenue (*)	Property, plant and equipment
Chile	1,036,359	1,381,904
Argentina	151,659	469,336
Total	1,188,018	1,851,240

	Year ended December 31, 2001
	(ThUS $)
Country	Sales Revenue (*)	Property, plant and equipment
Chile	1,017,840	1,222,575
Argentina	155,986	430,891
Total	1,173,826	1,653,466

A/F-24

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

	Year ended December 31, 2000
	(ThUS $)
Country	Sales Revenue (*)	Property, plant and equipment
Chile	1,049,446	1,232,919
Argentina	210,896	406,374
Total	1,260,342	1,639,293

(*) Sales revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the sales office where the sale was recorded.

Depreciation expense for the Arauco’s segments was summarized as follows:

	Year ended December 31,
	2002	2001	2000
	(ThUS $)
Industry
Pulp	75,447	94,252	85,501
Forestry	4,078	2,404	5,881
Wood products	12,122	11,629	9,774
Plywood and fiberboards panels	10,249	9,261	3,201
Other	1,989	2,250	2,219
Total depreciation	103,885	119,796	106,576

Capital expenditures for the Arauco’s segments were summarized as follows:

	Year ended December 31,
	2002	2001	2000
	(ThUS $)
Industry
Pulp	235,689	110,392	99,796
Forestry	40,522	53,319	52,882
Wood products	13,899	21,960	67,487
Plywood and fiberboards panels	37,689	36,883	43,296
Other	3,005	1,277	127
Total capital expenditures	330,804	223,831	263,588

Non cash capital expenditure activity was $6.4 million, $(2.4) million and $63.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

A/F-25

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Export sales of the Arauco detailed by major geographic area were as follows:

	Year ended December 31,
	2002		2001		2000
	(ThUS $)
North America	131,070		188,400		107,687
Central and South America	158,328		155,467		159,992
Asia	341,922		442,369		380,801
Europe	368,572		192,158		341,931
Other	26,697		10,582		35,178
Total export sales	1,026,589		988,976		1,025,589
Export sales as a percentage of total sales revenue	86.41	%	84.25	%	81.37	%

NOTE 14—SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In January 2003, the Company made a cash capital contribution of $28.5 million to EKA Chile S.A. (“EKA Chile”). EKA Chile is the result of a joint venture between the Company and EKA Chemicals, a Swedish chemical company. EKA contributed equipment for its portion of the joint venture. EKA Chile is 50% owned by each party. EKA’s operations will be located in Talcahuano, near Arauco operations, and will provide chlorate to Arauco’s mills.

On February 3, 2003 the Company obtained a $150 million loan from J.P. Morgan-Chase denominated in US dollars that has a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.85%. Interest payments are due semi-annually, while the loan principal is repayable in five semi-annual payments, which begin on February 7, 2006.

No other events have occurred since December 31, 2002 and up to the issuance of these financial statements that may affect significantly the financial situation of Arauco.

A/F-26

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: June 27, 2003

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCIÓN S.A.
By:	/s/    Matías Domeyko
	Matías Domeyko
	Chief Financial Officer

By:	/s/    Gianfranco Truffello
	Gianfranco Truffello
	Finance Manager

A/X-1

CERTIFICATION

I, Alejandro Pérez, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

(c) Presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

	/s/ Alejandro Pérez
Date: June 27, 2003	Alejandro Pérez Chief Executive Officer

A/X-2

CERTIFICATION

I, Matías Domeyko, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

(c) Presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

	/s/    Matías Domeyko
Date: June 27, 2003	Matías Domeyko Chief Financial Officer

A/X-3

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCIÓN S.A.

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit 1.1	English translation of the by-laws (estatutos) of Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A., dated as of April 29, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Annual Report of Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. on Form 20-F filed on June 26, 2002)
Exhibit 8.1	List of subsidiaries
Exhibit 10.1	Certification of Alejandro Pérez and Matías Domeyko pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 12.1	Letter from Celulosa Arauco y Constitución to the SEC regarding Langton Clarke Auditores Consultores Ltda. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Annual Report of Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. on Form 20-F filed on June 26, 2002)
Exhibit 12.2	Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

A/X-4

EXHIBIT 8.1

Subsidiary	Jurisdiction of Incorporation
Agenciamiento y Servicios Profesionales S.A.	Mexico
Alto Paraná S.A.	Argentina
Arauco Denmark ApS	Denmark
Arauco do Brasil Ltda.	Brazil
Arauco Ecuador S.A.	Ecuador
Arauco Europe S.A.	Switzerland
Arauco Forest Products B.V.	The Netherlands
Arauco Generación S.A.	Chile
Arauco Honduras S. de R.L. de C.V.	Honduras
Arauco Internacional S.A. (previously Inversiones Cholguán S.A.)	Chile
Araucomex S.A. de C.V.	Mexico
Arauco Perú S.A. (previously Cholguán Lima S.A.).	Peru
Arauco Wood Products, Inc.	U.S.A.
Aserraderos Arauco S.A.	Chile
Bosques Arauco S.A.	Chile
Controladora de Plagas Forestales S.A.	Chile
Distribuidora Centromaderas S.A.	Chile
Forestal Arauco S.A.	Chile
Forestal Arauco Costa Rica S.A.	Costa Rica
Forestal Arauco Guatemala S.A.	Guatemala
Forestal Celco S.A.	Chile
Forestal Cholguán S.A.	Chile
Forestal Conosur S.A.	Uruguay
Forestal Misiones S.A.	Argentina
Forestal Valdivia S.A.	Chile
Industrias Forestales S.A.	Argentina
Inversiones Celco S.L	Spain
Investigaciones Forestales Bioforest S.A	Chile
Paneles Arauco S.A.	Chile
Servicios Logísticos Arauco S.A. (previously Portuaria Arauco S.A.)	Chile
Southwoods-Arauco Lumber LLC	U.S.A.
Trupán Argentina S.A.	Argentina

A/X-5

EXHIBIT 10.1

Certification Required Under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), each of the undersigned officers of Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

The Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2002 of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in the Form 20-F fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: June 27, 2003	/s/    Alejandro Pérez
	Name:	Alejandro Pérez
	Title:	Chief Executive Officer
Dated: June 27, 2003	/s/    Matías Domeyko
	Name:	Matías Domeyko
	Title:	Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. and will be retained by Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

A/X-6

EXHIBIT 12.2

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Opening Balance	Charged to Expense	Charged against Income	Closing Balance
Deferred tax valuation allowance
December 31, 2002	43,070	12,258	30,290	25,038
December 31, 2001	54,468	—	11,398	43,070
December 31, 2000	93,134	—	38,666	54,468

A/X-7

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCIÓN S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Index

	Page
Report of independent accountants	F-1
Unaudited interim condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2003	F-2
Unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of income for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002	F-4
Unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002	F-5
Notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements	F-6

F-i

Report of Independent Accountants

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A.

We have reviewed the accompanying interim condensed consolidated balance sheet of Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2003 and the related interim condensed consolidated statements of income and of cash flows for each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We previously audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, of stockholders’ equity and of cash flows for the year then ended (presented herein), and in our report dated March 7, 2003 we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2002, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/S/    PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS

Santiago, Chile

August 8, 2003

F-1

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

	June 30, 2003	December 31, 2002
	(Unaudited)
	(US$ in thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	66,852	49,147
Short-term investments	308,696	350,283
Trade receivables - net	188,341	186,783
Other receivables - net	62,498	72,574
Inventories (3)	225,726	203,089
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	77,457	121,607
Total current assets	929,570	983,483
LONG-TERM ASSETS:
Forest	1,226,830	1,188,013
Property, plant and equipment – net (4)	2,024,297	1,851,240
Investments in affiliates	40,202	20,768
Goodwill	35,767	23,668
Other long-term assets	64,968	43,164
Total long-term assets	3,392,064	3,126,853
Total assets	4,321,634	4,110,336

See Notes to Financial Statements.

F-2

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

	June 30, 2003	December 31, 2002
	(Unaudited)
	(US$ in thousands)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term debt	21	32,125
Current portion of long-term notes	50,307	38,057
Current portion of bonds	80,822	82,793
Accounts payable	174,873	162,397
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities	56,110	61,092
Total current liabilities	362,133	376,464
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term notes	352,192	252,363
Long-term bonds	1,157,500	1,157,500
Deferred income taxes	151,800	150,214
Other long-term liabilities	9,697	10,003
Total long-term liabilities	1,671,189	1,570,080
MINORITY INTEREST	6,058	6,127
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock (nominal par value, 113,152,446 shares authorized and issued)	—	—
Paid-in capital	363,833	363,833
Retained earnings	1,918,421	1,793,832
Total stockholders’ equity	2,282,254	2,157,665
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	4,321,634	4,110,336

See Notes to Financial Statements.

F-3

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

	Six months ended June 30,
	2003		2002
	(US$ in thousands)
Net sales	664,308		561,295
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	(335,394	)	(321,170	)
Depreciation	(54,226	)	(53,453	)
Selling and administrative	(54,885	)	(36,271	)
Total operating costs and expenses	(444,505	)	(410,894	)
Income from operations	219,803		150,401
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest income	12,435		12,180
Other income	5,682		1,666
Foreign exchange gains	28,588		22,382
Interest expense	(23,624	)	(33,732	)
Total non-operating income	23,081		2,496
Income before taxes, minority interest and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	242,884		152,897
Provision for income taxes	(39,413	)	(24,029	)
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries	(144	)	(158	)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	1,759		1,094
Net income	205,086		129,804

See Notes to Financial Statements.

F-4

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

	Six months ended June 30,
	2003		2002
	(US$ in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	205,086		129,804
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	54,226		53,453
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiaries	144		158
Earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	(1,759	)	(1,094	)
Deferred income taxes	13,010		5,288
Allowance for doubtful accounts	63		215
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets	271		(312	)
Investments and proceeds from sales of trading securities	41,587		(56,492	)
Decrease (increase) in receivables	8,455		35,461
Decrease (increase) in inventories	(22,637	)	9,353
Decrease (increase) in other assets	12,130		8,183
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	(74,014	)	(29,653	)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	(4,982	)	3,613
Net cash provided by operating activities	231,580		157,977
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to forest	(17,861	)	(15,225	)
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(212,779	)	(79,888	)
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment	805		745
Investment in related companies	(28,530	)	—
Dividends received from related companies	380		331
Net cash used in investing activities	(257,985	)	(94,037	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Bank borrowings	152,253		760
Payment of notes and bond principal	(41,880	)	(39,774	)
Dividends paid	(66,263	)	(32,934	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	44,110		(71,948	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	17,705		(8,008	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	49,147		22,424
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	66,852		14,416

See Notes to Financial Statements.

F-5

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCION S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited, except for December 31, 2002)

NOTE 1- INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The interim financial information included herein is unaudited; however, such information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. The results of operations for the first six months of the year are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations which might be expected for the entire year.

The financial statements in our 2002 annual report on Form 20-F include a summary of significant accounting policies of the Company and should be read in conjunction with these interim financial statements. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2003 presentation format.

NOTE 2 - IMPACT OF RECENTLY EFFECTIVE ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (“SFAS 143”). SFAS 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, the entity capitalizes the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, the entity either settles the obligation for the amount recorded or incurs a gain or loss. SFAS 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. Adoption of SFAS 143 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146 “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” (“SFAS 146”). This statement supercedes EITF Issue No. 94-3 “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)”. SFAS 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under EITF 94-3, a liability is recognized at the date an entity commits to an exit plan. SFAS 146 also establishes that the liability should initially be measured and recorded at fair value. The provisions of SFAS 146 are effective for any exit and disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. Arauco has not initiated any such exit or disposal activities in 2003; therefore, adoption of SFAS 146 had no impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN 45”). FIN 45 requires that upon issuance of a guarantee, a guarantor must recognize a liability for the fair value of an obligation assumed under a guarantee. FIN 45 also requires additional disclosures by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about the obligations associated with guarantees issued. Initial recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 45 are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified. Arauco has no such guarantees.

F-6

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”). FIN 46 requires that companies that control another entity through interests other than voting interests should consolidate the controlled entity. FIN 46 applies to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date. The related disclosure requirements are effective immediately. Arauco does not have or has not created or obtained an interest in any such entities.

During fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, Arauco implemented SFAS No. 145, “Rescission of FAS Nos. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FAS 13, and Technical Corrections”, under which gains and losses from extinguishment of debt should be classified as extraordinary items only if they meet criteria outlined in Accounting Principles Bulletin No. 30. Under SFAS No. 145 Arauco recorded losses on the early extinguishment of debt in earnings from continuing operations in the Company’s statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2002. No such losses have arisen in the six-month period ended June 30, 2003.

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivatives and Hedging Activities. This statement (1) clarifies under what circumstances a contract with an initial net investment meets the characteristic of a derivative, (2) clarifies when a derivative contains a financing component, and (3) amends the definition of an underlying to conform to FIN 45. SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, with all provisions applied prospectively. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity”. This statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify an instrument entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. As of June 30, 2003, the Company had no financial instruments within the scope of SFAS No. 150.

NOTE 3 - INVENTORIES

The principal components were as follows:

	June 30, 2003	December 31, 2002
	ThUS$	ThUS$
Finished goods	148,445	133,687
Work in progress	3,645	2,609
Sawlogs, pulpwood and chips	15,283	10,950
Raw materials	46,070	44,623
Other parts and materials	12,283	11,220
Total inventories	225,726	203,089

F-7

NOTE 4 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT – NET

	Useful lives	June 30, 2003		December 31, 2002
		ThUS$		ThUS$
Land and improvements	—	368,094		367,674
Buildings and improvements	27 years	1,154,198		1,238,483
Machinery and equipment	11 years	1,314,493		1,211,599
Construction in progress	—	546,193		331,294
Other	3 years	138,757		145,325
		3,521,735		3,294,375
Accumulated depreciation		(1,497,438	)	(1,443,135	)
Total property, plant and equipment – net		2,024,297		1,851,240

NOTE 5 – DEBT

On February 3, 2003 the Company obtained a $ 150 million loan from J.P. Morgan-Chase denominated in US dollars that has a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.85%. Interest payments are due semi-annually, while the loan principal is repayable in five semi-annual payments, which begin on February 7, 2006. Proceeds from this loan were used to repay short-term obligations.

NOTE 6 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company operates principally in four identifiable product segments, which comprise the production and sales of goods for (i) pulp products, (ii) forestry products, (iii) wood products and (iv) plywood and fiber boards panels. Pulp products include bleached and unbleached wood pulp products that result from the processing of pulp logs and chips. Forestry products include sawlogs and pulpwood. Wood products include flitches, sawn timber (lumber) and remanufactured wood products produced at the saw mills. Plywood and fiberboards panels are consumer products manufactured at production facilities. Other services and products include mainly forestry services performed by the Company and electricity generation, which began production in late 1996.

Total revenues by segment include sales to unaffiliated customers, as reported in Arauco’s consolidated income statement, and inter-segment sales, which are accounted for at invoice price. Corporates expenses are allocated only to the pulp segment.

	Six Months ended June 30, 2003
	(ThUS$)
	Pulp	Forestry	Wood products	Plywood and fiberboards panels	Others		Eliminations of intercompany sales and corporate assets		Consolidated
Sales to unaffiliated customers	324,195	14,418	186,201	134,763	4,731		—		664,308
Inter-segment sales	—	193,409	22,809	26,143	14,028		(256,389	)	—
Total sales revenue	324,195	207,827	209,010	160,906	18,759		(256,389	)	664,308
Operating income	117,187	44,015	41,334	23,304	(6,037	)	—		219,803
Total assets as of June 30, 2003	2,162,124	1,167,689	275,990	268,049	22,186		425,596		4,321,634

F-8

	Six Months ended June 30, 2002
	(ThUS$)
	Pulp	Forestry	Wood products	Plywood and fiberboards panels	Others		Eliminations of intercompany sales and corporate assets		Consolidated
Sales to unaffiliated customers	288,939	16,389	162,648	84,600	8,719		—		561,295
Inter-segment sales	—	177,701	22,887	22,716	12,498		(235,802	)	—
Total sales revenue	288,939	194,090	185,535	107,316	21,217		(235,802	)	561,295
Operating income	71,864	32,627	32,879	18,907	(5,876	)	—		150,401
Total assets as of June 30, 2002	1,783,600	1,082,031	250,320	243,775	24,262		523,092		3,907,080

Arauco’s sales revenue and long-lived assets detailed by country were as follows:

	Six months ended June 30, 2003
	(ThUS $)
Country	Sales Revenue (*)	Property, plant and equipment
Chile	560,913	1,364,695
Argentina	103,395	659,602
Total	664,308	2,024,297

	Six months ended June 30, 2002
	(ThUS $)
Country	Sales Revenue (*)	Property, plant and equipment
Chile	490,912	1,041,209
Argentina	70,383	688,465
Total	561,295	1,729,674

(*) Sales revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the sales office where the sale was recorded.

F-9

Depreciation expense for Arauco’s segments is summarized as follows:

Industry	Six months ended June 30
	2003	2002
	(ThUS$)
Pulp	39,238	40,781
Forestry	1,845	1,203
Wood products	5,817	5,904
Plywood and fiberboards panels	6,527	4,610
Other	799	955
Total depreciation	54,226	53,453

Capital expenditures for Arauco’s segments are summarized as follows:

Industry	Six months ended June 30
	2003	2002
	(ThUS$)
Pulp	207,436	70,937
Forestry	18,440	16,030
Wood products	6,940	6,730
Plywood and fiberboards panels	12,759	21,256
Other	538	268
Total capital expenditures	246,113	115,221

Non cash capital expenditure activity was $15.5 million and $20.1 million for the periods ended June 30, 2003, and 2002, respectively.

Arauco’s export sales detailed by major geographic area were as follows:

	Six months ended June 30
	2003		2002
	(ThUS$)
North America	141,465		127,278
Central and South America	89,661		73,220
Asia	196,331		159,213
Europe	120,620		101,205
Other	20,637		19,185
Total export sales	568,714		480,101
Export sales as a percentage of total sales revenue	85.61	%	85.53	%

F-10

NOTE 7 - CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are parties to various legal claims, actions and complaints. It is not possible to predict with certainty whether or not the Company and its subsidiaries will ultimately be successful in any of the legal matters, or if not, what the impact may be. However, Arauco’s management does not expect that the results in any of these legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on Arauco’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Covenants

The Company’s long-term borrowings require compliance with certain financial restrictions. Non-compliance could result in these debts becoming fully payable upon demand. Arauco was in compliance with all financial covenants at June 30, 2003.

Environmental Proceedings

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to certain Chilean environmental laws and regulations. Under such regulations, the Company is required to conduct environmental impact studies of any future projects or activities that may affect the environment. These regulations also establish procedures for private citizens to object to the plans or studies submitted by project owners. The extent to which such regulations will affect Arauco will depend upon how the authorized Chilean governmental agencies decide to implement such legislation. Enforcement remedies could include temporary or permanent closure of facilities and fines.

During the period ended June 30, 2003, Arauco entered into various projects related to the improvement of, or investment in, product processes designed to protect the environment.

Arauco entered into a project to reduce gases and steam which are a by-product of the mill production process. Arauco has incurred costs of $1.7 million through June 30, 2003 and expects to incur an additional $2.2 million on this project. Costs for this project are expensed as incurred.

The Company voluntarily commenced environmental projects in connection with the Valdivia Mill Construction Project. The Company has incurred costs of $13.1 million on these projects through June 30, 2003 and expects to incur an additional $14.1 million on these projects. These projects are expected to be completed in 2004 and no provisions have been established as of June 30, 2003.

Arauco has entered into various other environmental projects in the six months period ended June 30, 2003 and incurred costs approximating $0.9 million. The Company anticipates incurring additional costs of $0.1 million associated with these projects.

Other

In December 2002, a subsidiary of the Company, Alto Paraná won a bid for 60,000 hectares of forestry land plantations sold by the Argentine company Perez Companc. Alto Paraná agreed to pay $40 million for the land, a sawmill and other assets, located in Argentina close to Alto Parana’s operations. At June 30, 2003, Arauco had deposited $10 million in relation to this purchase. The transaction is still subject to the approval of the Argentine antitrust authorities. Upon approval by the authorities, Arauco will pay the remaining balance of $30 million.

F-11

NOTE 8- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On July 9, 2003, the Company issued $300 million of ten-year bonds at 5.125%, the proceeds of which will be used to repay liabilities and for other corporate initiatives. Interest is payable on January 9 and July 9 of each year begining January 9, 2004.

No other events have occurred since June 30, 2003 and up to the issuance of these financial statements that may affect significantly the financial situation of Arauco.

F-12

Part II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

The Registrant’s estatutos do not provide for indemnification of directors and officers. Under Chilean law, when a director or officer of a corporation acts within the scope of his or her authority, the corporation will answer for any resulting liabilities or expenses.

Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) List of Exhibits

Exhibit Number	Description
3	Estatutos of Registrant, which serve as Registrant’s articles of incorporation and by-laws (English translation) dated as of April 29, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Annual Report of the Registrant on Form 20-F, filed on June 26, 2002).
*4 (a)	Indenture dated as of July 9, 2003 between the Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank.
*4 (b)	Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 9, 2003 between the Registrant and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
*5 (a)	Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP regarding the validity of the securities being registered.
*5 (b)	Opinion of Portaluppi, Guzmán y Bezanilla regarding the validity of the securities being registered.
*5 (c)	Opinion of Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman regarding the validity of the securities being registered.
*12	Statement explaining the calculation of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
*15	PricewaterhouseCoopers Awareness Letter.
21	List of subsidiaries of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8.1 to the Annual Report of the Registrant on Form 20-F, filed on June 27, 2003).
*23 (a)	Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers.
*23 (b)	Consent of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5 (a) to this Registration Statement).
*23 (c)	Consent of Portaluppi, Guzmán y Bezanilla (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5 (b) to this Registration Statement).
*23 (d)	Consent of Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5 (c) to this Registration Statement).
*24	Power of Attorney (included on signature pages).
*25	Statement of eligibility of JPMorgan Chase Bank to act as trustee under the indenture.
*99.1	Form of Letter of Transmittal.
*99.2	Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
*99.3	Form of Letter to Registered Holders and DTC Participants.
*99.4	Form of Letter to Clients.

* Filed herewith

Item 22. Undertakings.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(a) (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, unless the information required to be included in such post-effective amendment is contained in a periodic report filed by Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and incorporated herein by reference;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,

Part II-1

individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement, unless the information required to be included in such post-effective amendment is contained in a periodic report filed by Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and incorporated herein by reference; and

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; and

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: (i) to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means; and (ii) to arrange or provide for a facility in the US for the purpose of responding to such requests. The undertaking in subparagraph (i) above includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

Part II-2

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Santiago, Chile, on the 2nd day of October, 2003.

CELULOSA ARAUCO Y CONSTITUCIÓN S.A., acting through its Panamanian agency
By:                                      /s/ Alejandro Pérez Name:     Alejandro Pérez             Title:       Chief Executive Officer	By: /s/ Matías Domeyko                    Name:     Matías Domeyko                    Title:       Chief Financial Officer

POWERS OF ATTORNEY

Each of the undersigned directors and officers of Celulosa Arauco y Constitucíon S.A. does hereby constitute and appoint Messrs. Alejandro Pérez, Matias Domeyko, Gianfranco Truffello and Robinson Tajmuch or any of them as the undersigned’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents to do any and all things in the undersigned’s name and behalf in the undersigned’s capacities as director and/or officer, and to execute any and all instruments for the undersigned and in the undersigned’s name in the capacities indicated below which such person or persons may deem necessary or advisable to enable Celulosa Arauco y Constitucíon S.A. to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with this Registration Statement, including specifically, but not limited to, power and authority to sign for the undersigned in the capacities indicated below any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) hereto, and the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm all that such person or persons shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on October 2nd, 2003.

Name	Title
/s/ José Tomás Guzmán       José Tomás Guzmán	Chairman and Director
/s/ Roberto Angelini       Roberto Angelini	Vice-Chairman and Director
/s/ Jorge Andueza       Jorge Andueza	Director

Part II-3

Name	Title
/s/ Anacleto Angelini       Anacleto Angelini	Director
/s/ Manuel Bezanilla       Manuel Bezanilla	Director
*       Jorge Bunster	Director
/s/ Carlos Croxatto       Carlos Croxatto	Director
*       Alberto Etchegaray	Director
/s/ Felipe Lamarca       Felipe Lamarca	Director
/s/ Alejandro Pérez       Alejandro Pérez	President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Matías Domeyko       Matías Domeyko	Chief Financial Officer

Part II-4

Name	Title
/s/ Charles Kimber       Charles Kimber	Authorized Representative in the United States

Part II-5

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number	Description
3	Estatutos of Registrant, which serve as Registrant’s articles of incorporation and by-laws (English translation) dated as of April 29, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Annual Report of the Registrant on Form 20-F, filed on June 26, 2002).
*4 (a)	Indenture dated as of July 9, 2003 between the Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank.
*4 (b)	Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 9, 2003 between the Registrant and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
*5 (a)	Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP regarding the validity of the securities being registered.
*5 (b)	Opinion of Portaluppi, Guzmán y Bezanilla regarding the validity of the securities being registered.
*5 (c)	Opinion of Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman regarding the validity of the securities being registered.
*12	Statement explaining the calculation of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
*15	PricewaterhouseCoopers Awareness Letter.
21	List of subsidiaries of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8.1 to the Annual Report of the Registrant on Form 20-F, filed on June 27, 2003).
*23 (a)	Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers.
*23 (b)	Consent of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5 (a) to this Registration Statement).
*23 (c)	Consent of Portaluppi, Guzmán y Bezanilla (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5 (b) to this Registration Statement).
*23 (d)	Consent of Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz & Aleman (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5 (c) to this Registration Statement).
*24	Power of Attorney (included on signature pages).
*25	Statement of eligibility of JPMorgan Chase Bank to act as trustee under the indenture.
*99.1	Form of Letter of Transmittal.
*99.2	Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
*99.3	Form of Letter to Registered Holders and DTC Participants.
*99.4	Form of Letter to Clients.

* Filed herewith

Part II-6