1
                         SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

         Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
                          Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrant  [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  [ ]

Check the appropriate box:
[ ]  Preliminary Proxy Statement          [ ] Confidential, for use of the
[X]  Definitive Proxy Statement               Commission only
[ ]  Definitive Additional Materials
[ ]  Soliciting Material pursuant to Rule 14a-11c  or Rule 14a-12


                    MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
              ----------------------------------------------
             (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)


   ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)


Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.

[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(I)(4) and 0-11.
    1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
                                                                      ------
    2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
                                                                   ---------
    3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
       pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
                                          ----------------------------------
    4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
                                                       ---------------------
    5) Total fee paid:
                      ------------------------------------------------------

[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
    Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
    was paid previously.  Identify the previous filing by registration
    statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
    1) Amount Previously Paid:
                              ----------------------------------------------
    2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
                                                    ------------------------
    3) Filing Party:
                    --------------------------------------------------------
    4) Date Filed:
                  ----------------------------------------------------------




 2




MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION




                                                      20022003

                                                      NOTICE

                                                      OF

                                                      ANNUAL

                                                      MEETING

                                                      AND

                                                      PROXY

                                                      STATEMENT



 3
                                         Matthews International Corporation
                                         Corporate Office
                                         Two NorthShore Center
                                         Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212-5851
                                         412.442.8200       Fax 412.442.8290




                                   Notice of
                        ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                          To be held February 14, 200213, 2003



To Our Shareholders:

The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Matthews International Corporation
will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, February 14, 200213, 2003 at Sheraton Station
Square, Seven Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the purpose
of considering and acting upon the following:

1.  To elect two Directorsone Director of the Company for a term of three years.

2.  To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent
    certified public accountants to audit the records of the Company for the
    fiscal year ending September 30, 2002.2003.

3.  To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

Shareholders of record as of December 31, 20012002 will be entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

Please indicate on the enclosed proxy card whether you will or will not be
able to attend this meeting. Return the card in the enclosed envelope as soon
as possible.  If you receive more than one proxy card (for example, because
you own common stock in more than one account), please be sure to complete and
return all of them.

We hope you can be with us for this important occasion.


                                                      Sincerely,


                                                      Edward J. Boyle


                                                      Edward J. Boyle
                                                      Corporate Secretary

January 14, 200213, 2003




 4
                    Matthews International Corporation
                           Two NorthShore Center
                        Pittsburgh, PA 15212 - 5851
                              412 / 442-8200


                              PROXY STATEMENT

The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company
whose principal executive offices are located at Two NorthShore Center,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212.  This Proxy Statement and the accompanying
proxy were first released to shareholders on January 14, 2002.13, 2003.

Execution of the proxy will not affect a shareholder's right to attend the
meeting and vote in person.  Any shareholder giving a proxy has the right to
revoke it at any time before it is voted by giving notice to the Corporate
Secretary or by attending the meeting and voting in person.

Matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting are those set forth in the
accompanying notice.  Shares represented by proxy will be voted in accordance
with instructions.  In the absence of instructions to the contrary, the proxy
solicited will be voted for the proposals set forth.

Management does not intend to bring before the meeting any business other than
that set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  If any other
business should properly come before the meeting, it is the intention of
Management that the persons named in the proxy will vote in accordance with
their best judgment.



                    OUTSTANDING STOCK AND VOTING RIGHTS

The Company has one class of stock outstanding:  Class A Common Stock, par
value $1.00 per share, referred to as the "Common Stock."

Each outstanding share of Common Stock of the Company entitles the holder to
one vote upon any business properly presented at the shareholders' meeting.
Cumulative voting is not applicable to the election of directors.

The Board of Directors of the Company has established December 31, 20012002 as the
record date for shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. The
transfer books of the Company will not be closed. A total of 30,281,50031,357,742 shares
of Common Stock are outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting.

Abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect on any proposal to be voted
upon.  Broker non-votes as to any matter are shares held by brokers and other
nominees which are voted at the meeting on matters as to which the nominee has
discretionary authority, but which are not voted on the matter in question
because the nominee does not have discretionary voting authority as to
such matter.







 5
             GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the ultimate governing body of the Company. As such,
it functions within a framework of duties and requirements established by
statute, government regulations and court decisions. Generally, the Board of
Directors reviews and confirms the basic objectives and broad policies of the
Company, approves various important transactions, appoints the officers of the
Company and monitors Company performance in key results areas.


Board Composition

The Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company provide that the Board
of Directors has the power to set the number of Directors constituting the
full Board, provided that such number shall not be less than five nor more
than fifteen. Until further action, the Board of Directors has fixed the
number of directors constituting the full Board at seven, divided into three
classes.  The terms of office of the three classes of Directors end in
successive years.

During fiscal year 2001,2002, there were five regularly scheduled meetings and
three special meetings of the
Board of Directors.


Board Committees

There are three standing committees appointed by the Board of Directors -- the
Executive, Audit and Compensation Committees.

Management has the same responsibility to each committee as it does to the
Board of Directors with respect to providing adequate staff services and
information.  Furthermore, each committee has the same power as the Board of
Directors to employ the services of outside consultants and to have
discussions and interviews with personnel of the Company and others.

The principal functions of the three standing committees are summarized as
follows:


Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors to have and
exercise during periods between Board meetings all of the powers of the Board
of Directors, except that the Executive Committee may not elect directors,
change the membership of or fill vacancies in the Executive Committee, change
the By-laws of the Company or exercise any authority specifically reserved by
the Board of Directors.  Among the functions customarily performed by the
Executive Committee during periods between Board meetings are the approval,
within limitations previously established by the Board of Directors, of the
principal terms involved in sales of securities of the Company, and such
reviews as may be necessary of significant developments in major events and
litigation involving the Company.  In addition, the Executive Committee is
called upon periodically to provide advice and counsel in the formulation of
corporate policy changes and, where it deems advisable, make recommendations
to the Board of Directors.



 6
The Executive Committee holds meetings at such times as are required.  During
fiscal year 2001,2002, the Executive Committee met a total of foursix times.  The
members of the Committee are David M. Kelly (Chairman), David J. DeCarlo and
Thomas N. Kennedy.


Audit Committee

The principal function of the Audit Committee is to serve as an independent
and objective party to monitor the Company's financial reporting and internal
control systems.  The Committee periodically reviews and appraises the
Company's outside auditorsindependent accountants and the Company's internal audit department
and serves as a vehicle to provide an open avenue of communication between the
Company's Board of Directors and financial management, the internal audit
department, and independent accountants.  The Committee is responsible for
appointing the Company's independent accountants.

The Committee members are John P. O'Leary, Jr. (Chairman), William J.
Stallkamp and Robert J. Kavanaugh.  During fiscal year 2001,2002, the Audit
Committee met twice.


Compensation Committee

The principal function of the Compensation Committee, the members of which are
William J. Stallkamp (Chairman), Robert J. Kavanaugh and John D. Turner, is to
review periodically the suitability of the remuneration arrangements
(including benefits), other than stock remuneration, for the principal
executives of the Company.  A subcommittee of the Compensation Committee, the
Stock Compensation Committee, the members of which are Messrs. Stallkamp
(Chairman), Kavanaugh and Turner, consider and grant stock remuneration and
administer the Company's 1992 Stock Incentive Plan.  The Compensation
Committee met twofour times during fiscal year 2001.2002.


Meeting Attendance

Under the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the
Company's Proxy Statement is required to name those directors who during the
preceding year attended fewer than 75% of the total number of meetings held by
the Board and by the Committees of which they are members. During fiscal year
2001,2002, all directors attended more than 75% of such meetings for which they
were eligible.


Compensation of Directors

Pursuant to the Director Fee Plan, directors who are not also officers of the
Company each receive as an annual retainer fee shares of the Company's Class A
Common Stock equivalent to approximately $16,000.  In addition, each such
director is paid $1,000 for every meeting of the Board of Directors attended
and (other than a Chairman) $500 for every committee meeting attended.  The
Chairman of a committee of the Board of Directors is paid $700 for every
committee meeting attended.  Directors may also elect to receive the common
stock equivalent of meeting fees.  Each director may elect to be paid these
shares on a current basis or have such shares credited to a deferred stock
account as phantom stock. No other remuneration is otherwise paid by the
Company to any director for services as a director.






 7
                                 PROPOSAL 1

                            ELECTION OF DIRECTORSDIRECTOR

Nominations for election to the Board of Directors may be made by the Board of
Directors or by the shareholders.  David M. Kelly and John D. Turner,William J. Stallkamp, whose termsterm of office
areis expiring, havehas been nominated by the Board to serve for a three-year termsterm
that will end in 2005.2006.  Nominations made by the shareholders shall be made in
writing in accordance with Section 6.1 of the Restated Articles of
Incorporation.  No such nominations have been received.  Thomas N. Kennedy,
whose term of office is also expiring, will be retiring from the Board upon
the expiration of his term in February 2003.

The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any of the nomineesnominee will become
unavailable for election. If athe nominee should become unavailable prior to
the meeting, the accompanying proxy will be voted for the election in histhe
nominee's place of such other person as the Board of Directors may recommend.

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the election of Directors.Director.

The following information is furnished with respect to the two personsperson nominated by
the Board of Directors for election as a director and with respect to the
continuing directors.


Nominee

William J. Stallkamp, age 63, has been a Director of the Company since 1981.
Mr. Stallkamp was a Vice Chairman of Mellon Financial Corporation, a financial
services company, in Pittsburgh, PA and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of Mellon PSFS in Philadelphia, PA until his retirement on January 1, 2000.
Until January 2002, he was a fund advisor and Chairman of the Operations Group
at Safeguard Scientifics, Inc., a technology company.  Currently, he is
Managing Partner of Penn Hudson Financial Group, a private investment bank in
Philadelphia.  He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business
Administration from Miami University of Oxford, Ohio.  He serves as a Director
of W.J. Cowee, Inc., United Concordia Companies, Inc., Akcelerant Holdings,
Inc., Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield and The NomineesSmithers-Oasis Company.  He also
serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for YMCA of Philadelphia and
Vicinity.  He is a member of the Board of the Southeastern Pennsylvania
Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Franklin Institute and Gwynedd -
Mercy College.


Continuing Directors

David M. Kelly, age 59,60, was elected Chairman of the Board on March 15, 1996.
He joined Matthews on April 3, 1995 as President and Chief Operating Officer
and was appointed Chief Executive Officer on October 1, 1995.  Prior to his
employment with Matthews, Mr. Kelly was employed by Carrier Corporation for
22 years.  During that time, his positions included Marketing Vice President
for Asia Pacific; President of Japanese Operations; Vice President,
Manufacturing; President of North American Operations; and Senior Vice
President for Carrier's residential and light commercial businesses.  Mr.
Kelly received a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Boston College in 1964, a
Master of Science degreeDegree in Molecular Biophysics from Yale University in 1966,
and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1968.
He is Chairman of the Executive Committee and the Jas. H. Matthews & Co.
Educational and Charitable Trust, a member of the Pension Board, and serves on
the boards of various subsidiaries of Matthews International Corporation.  Mr.
Kelly is a member of the Board of Directors of DQE, Inc., Mestek, Inc.,
Elliott Company, and the United Way of Allegheny County.


John D. Turner, age 55, was elected to the Board of Directors of the Company
in April 1999.  Mr. Turner has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Copperweld Corporation, a manufacturer of tubular and bimetallic wire products
and wholly-owned subsidiary of The LTV Corporation, since December 2001.
Prior thereto, Mr. Turner had been Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer of The LTV Corporation, an integrated steel producer, and
President of LTV Copperweld.  Mr. Turner was formerly President and Chief
Executive Officer of Copperweld Corporation. He joined Copperweld in 1984 as
Group Vice President - Marketing & Sales and later held the positions of Group
Vice President - Specialty Bar & Tubing and Executive Vice President.  Mr.
Turner received a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Colgate University.  He
currently serves on the Advisory Board of Shenango, Inc., and the Board of
Directors of the Coalition of Christian Outreach, and Greater Pittsburgh
Council, Boy Scouts of America.  Mr. Turner is also a member of the Carnegie
Mellon Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors of the Fellowship of
Christian Athletes.  He also serves on the national Board of Directors of the
Council of Leadership Foundations.


 8
Continuing Directors
David J. DeCarlo, age 56,57, is President, Bronze Division and has been a
Director of the Company since 1987. He was elected President, Bronze Division
in November 1993. Mr. DeCarlo received a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Industrial Management from West Virginia University in 1967, a Master of Arts
Degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Pennsylvania in
1970, and an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton
School of Finance in 1971 where he also completed all the required courses for
a Ph.D. in Applied Economics and Finance.  Prior to joining Matthews, Mr.
DeCarlo held various management positions with Reynolds Aluminum Company,
Westinghouse Electric Corporation, and Joy Manufacturing Company where his
last position was Vice President of Field Operations.

Robert J. Kavanaugh, age 64,65, has been a Director of the Company since 1998.
Mr. Kavanaugh is a retired partner of the Pittsburgh office of Arthur Andersen
LLP, an accounting firm.  Mr. Kavanaugh has more than 38 years of experience
assisting clients in numerous industries and has extensive experience
in public reporting, SEC related matters, and mergers and acquisitions.
Mr. Kavanaugh served as the advisory partner to a number of major clients,
both public and private.  Mr. Kavanaugh retired from Arthur Andersen LLP in
August 1996.

Thomas N. Kennedy, age 66, has been a Director of the Company since 1987.  He
was Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the
Company until his retirement from Matthews effective December 1, 1995.  Mr.
Kennedy had been employed by the Company since 1972.  He was elected Treasurer
in 1974 and Vice President - Treasurer in 1986.  Mr. Kennedy received a
Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh in 1958.

John P. O'Leary, Jr., age 55,56, has been a Director of the Company since 1992.
Mr. O'Leary iswas appointed Senior Vice President, SCA North America, a
packaging supplier, in May 2002.  Prior thereto, he was President and Chief
Executive Officer of Tuscarora Incorporated ("Tuscarora"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of SCA Packaging International B.V. and a division of SCA North
America.  Tuscarora is a leading producer and manufacturer of custom design
protective packaging.  Preceding SCA's acquisition of Tuscarora, Mr. O'Leary
served as Chairman of Tuscarora's Board of Directors. Prior to taking over as President and Chief Executive Officer,
Mr. O'Leary served as President of Western Division operations and was
responsible for overseeing the operation of 12 profit centers located
throughout the Midwest and South.  Mr. O'Leary holds a
Masters in Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton
School of Business and received a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from
Gettysburg College. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the
Beaver County Educational Trust and is a Trustee of Gettysburg College.

William J. Stallkamp,John D. Turner, age 62, has been a Director56, was elected to the Board of Directors of the Company
since 1981.in April 1999.  Mr. Stallkamp was a Vice Chairman of Mellon Financial Corporation in
Pittsburgh, PA andTurner has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Mellon PSFSCopperweld Corporation, a manufacturer of tubular and bimetallic wire products
and wholly-owned subsidiary of The LTV Corporation, since December 2001.
Prior thereto, Mr. Turner had been Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer of The LTV Corporation, an integrated steel producer, and
President of LTV Copperweld.  Mr. Turner was previously President and Chief
Executive Officer of Copperweld Corporation. He joined Copperweld in Philadelphia, PA until his retirement on January 1, 2000.  Currently, he is a
fund advisor1984 as
Group Vice President - Marketing & Sales and Chairmanlater held the positions of the Operations Group
at Safeguard Scientifics,
Inc.  HeVice President - Specialty Bar & Tubing and Executive Vice President.  Mr.
Turner received a Bachelor of ScienceBachelor's Degree in Business AdministrationBiology from Miami University of Oxford, Ohio.Colgate University.  He
currently serves as a Director of Destiny
WebSolutions, Inc., Cowee, Inc., United Concordia Companies, Inc., Akcelerant
Holdings, Inc. and Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield and The Smithers-Oasis
Company.  He also serves as the Chairman ofon the Board of Directors for YMCA of PhiladelphiaDQE, Inc., the Coalition of
Christian Outreach, and Vicinity.  HeGreater Pittsburgh Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Mr. Turner is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Southeastern
Pennsylvania ChapterFellowship of
Christian Athletes.  He also serves on the national Board of Directors of the
American Red Cross and the Franklin Institute and
Gwynedd - Mercy College.Council of Leadership Foundations.




 9
The term for each nominee and each Director is listed below:

                                                 Term to expire at Annual
NomineesNominee                                         Meeting of Shareholders in:

David M. Kelly                                             2005
John D. Turner                                             2005


Continuing Directors

Thomas N. Kennedy                                          2003
William J. Stallkamp                                       20032006


Continuing Directors

David J. DeCarlo                                           2004
Robert J. Kavanaugh                                        2004
John P. O'Leary, Jr.                                       2004

David M. Kelly                                             2005
John D. Turner                                             2005




                                  PROPOSAL 2

                             SELECTION OF AUDITORS

The Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors of the Company, upon recommendation of the Audit
Committee, has appointed
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent certified public accountants to
audit the records of the Company for the year ending September 30, 2002.2003.

The Board of Directors has determined that it would be desirable to request an
expression of opinion from the shareholders on the appointment.  Ratification
of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP requires the affirmative vote
of a majority of all the votes cast by shareholders of Common Stock entitled
to vote at the meeting.  If the shareholders do not ratify the selection of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the selection of alternative independent certified
public accountants will be considered by the Board of Directors.Audit Committee.

It is not expected that any representative of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will
be present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR Proposal 2.




                               OTHER INFORMATION

Certain Reportable Transactions

The Securities and Exchange Commission requires disclosure of certain business
transactions or relationships between the Company, or its subsidiaries, and
other organizations with which any of the Company's directors are affiliated
as an owner, partner, director, officer or employee.  Briefly, disclosure is
required where such a business transaction or relationship meets the standards
of significance established by the Securities and Exchange Commission with
respect to the types and amounts of business transacted.  The Company is aware
of no transaction requiring disclosure pursuant to this item during the past
fiscal year.




 10
Stock Ownership

The Company's Articles of Incorporation divide its voting stock into three
classes:  Preferred Stock and Class A and Class B Common Stock.  At the
present time, none of the Preferred Stock is issued or outstanding.  In
addition, in September 2001, all outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock
were automatically converted to an equivalent number of Class A shares.  The
following information is furnished with respect to persons who the Company
believes, based on its records, beneficially own more than five percent of the
outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company, and with respect to
directors, officers and executive management.  Those individuals with more
than five percent of such shares could be deemed to be "control persons" of
the Company.

This information is as of November 30, 2001.2002.
                                                     Number of
                                                  Class A Shares
    Name of                                        Beneficially       Percent
Beneficial Owner (1)                                 Owned (2)        of Class
- ----------------                                  --------------      --------
Directors, Officers and Executive Management:
- --------------------------------------------
D.M. Kelly                                            536,741613,654 (3)        1.8%1.9%
J.C. Bartolacci                                        69,566 (3)        0.2
E.J. Boyle                                            161,667159,000 (3)        0.5
D.J. DeCarlo                                          928,375894,376 (3)        3.02.8
R.J. Kavanaugh                                          2,000             *
L.W. Keeley, Jr.                                        4,208 (3)             *
T.N. Kennedy                                           60,000            0.2
J.P. O'Leary, Jr.                                      24,58023,824            0.1
R.J. Schwartz                                         116,284116,950 (3)        0.4
W.J. Stallkamp                                         14,40012,000             *
J.D. Turner                                             4,000             *
All directors, officers and executive
 management as a group (12(15 persons)                 1,937,8582,108,928 (3)        6.26.5

Others:
- ------
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
 100 East Pratt Street
 Baltimore, MD 21202                                3,478,920           11.5
Ariel Capital Management, Inc.
 200 East Randolph Drive, Suite 2900
 Chicago, IL 60601                                  3,023,2063,672,925           11.7
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
 100 East Pratt Street
 Baltimore, MD 21202                                3,133,700           10.0
Neuberger Berman, LLC
 605 Third Avenue
 New York, NY 10158                                 2,090,030            6.92,313,682            7.4


 *   Less than 0.1%

(1)  Unless otherwise noted, the mailing address of each beneficial owner is
     the same as that of the Registrant.



 11
(2)  The nature of the beneficial ownership for all shares is sole voting and
     investment power, except as follows:
       Mr. Stallkamp has sole voting power except for 400 Class A shares held
         by Mr. Stallkamp as custodian under UTMA for son.  Mr. Schwartz has sole voting power except for 80 Class A shares held by
         Mr. Schwartz as custodian for daughter.
        11Ariel Capital Management, Inc. has no beneficial interest in any of the
         3,672,925 shares owned.  Ariel Capital Management, Inc. holds the
         shares solely for its clients of whom none of them individually owns
         5% or more of Matthews International Corporation common stock.  Ariel
         Capital Management, Inc., in its capacity as investment advisor, has
         sole voting power for 3,338,625 shares and sole investment discretion
         for 3,672,925 shares.
       Shares held by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. ("Price Associates") are
         owned by various individual and institutional investors, including
         T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Stock Fund, Inc. (which owns 1,820,0001,733,100
         shares), for which Price Associates serves as investment advisor with
         power to direct investments and/or power to vote the shares.  For
         purposes of the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange
         Act of 1934, Price Associates is deemed to be a beneficial owner of
         such shares; however, Price Associates expressly disclaims that it
         is, in fact, the beneficial owner of such shares.  Price Associates
         has sole dispositive power for 3,478,9203,133,700 shares and sole voting power
         for 1,322,920 shares.
       Ariel Capital Management, Inc. has no beneficial interest in any of the
         3,023,206 shares owned.  Ariel Capital Management, Inc. holds the
         shares solely for its clients of whom none of them individually owns
         5% or more of Matthews International Corporation common stock.  Ariel
         Capital Management, Inc., in its capacity as investment advisor, has
         sole voting power for 2,854,356 shares and sole investment discretion
         for 3,023,206949,200 shares.
       Neuberger Berman, LLC ("NB"), as a registered investment advisor, may
         have discretionary authority to dispose of or to vote shares that
         are under its management.  As a result, NB may be deemed to have
         beneficial ownership of such shares.  NB does not, however, have any
         economic interest in the shares.  The clients are the actual owners
         of the shares and have the sole right to receive and the power to
         direct the receipt of dividends from or proceeds from the sale of
         such shares.  As of November 9, 2001,30, 2002, of the shares set forth in the
         table, NB had shared dispositive power with respect to 2,090,0302,313,682
         shares, sole voting power with respect to 803,430166,500 shares and shared
         voting power on 1,286,6001,427,700 shares.  With regard to the shared voting
         power, Neuberger Berman Management, Inc. and Neuberger Berman Funds
         are deemed to be beneficial owners for purpose of Rule 13(d) since
         they have shared power to make decisions whether to retain or dispose
         of the shares.  NB is the sub-advisor to the above referenced Funds.
         It should be further noted that the above mentioned shares are also
         included with the shared power to dispose calculation.
(3)  Includes options exercisable within 60 days of November 30, 20012002 as
     follows:  Mr. Kelly, 378,667458,200 shares; Mr. Bartolacci, 63,566 shares;
     Mr. Boyle, 88,66786,000 shares; Mr. DeCarlo, 348,666314,667 shares; Mr. Schwartz,
     92,000 shares; Mr. Keeley,
     no92,666 shares; and all directors and officers as a group, 942,6661,078,766
     shares.


Changes in Control:

The Company knows of no arrangement which may, at a subsequent date, result in
a change in control of the Company.




 12
Executive Management

The Executive Management of the Company as of December 31, 20012002 was as
follows:
                              Year First
                              Elected as
Name                    Age  an OfficerExecutive  Positions with Registrant
- ----                    ---  ----------------------  -------------------------
David M. Kelly           5960      1995      President and Chief Executive
                                           Officer
Joseph C. Bartolacci     42      2002      President, Matthews Europe
Edward J. Boyle          5556      1991      Chief Financial Officer,
                                           Secretary and Treasurer
David J. DeCarlo         5657      1986      President, Bronze Division
Brian J. Dunn            4445      2000      President, Marking Products
                                           North
                                           AmericaDivision
Lawrence W. Keeley, Jr.  4041      2000      President, Graphic Systems Division
Jonathan H. Maurer       47      2002      President, York Casket Division
Steven F. Nicola         4142      1995      Vice President, Accounting &
                                           Finance
Paul F. Rahill           46      2002      President, Cremation Division
Robert J. Schwartz       5455      1998      Group President, Graphic Systems &
                                           Marking Products Divisions

During the past five years, the business experience of each executive named
has been as reflected above or in a management capacity with the Company,
except as follows.  Mr. Dunn joined the Company in November 1998.  Prior
thereto, he was a regional sales manager for the Automation Division of
Rockwell International Corporation.Corporation, an industrial automation company.  Mr.
Keeley joined the Company in September 1999.  Prior thereto, he was a Vice
President for Container Graphics Corporation.Corporation, a provider of printing plates,
cutting dies and services to the packaging industry.  Mr. Maurer joined the
Company in April 2002.  He had been an independent business consultant since
April 2000 and a Senior Vice President of Calgon Carbon Corporation, a
supplier of purification systems, prior thereto.  Mr. Rahill rejoined the
Company in October 2002.  He previously was President of Industrial Equipment
and Engineering Company (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Matthews International
Corporation) until his retirement in April 2000.  He performed independent
consulting services from April 2000 until October 2002.




 13
Compensation of Executive Management and Retirement Benefits

The following table sets forth the individual compensation information for the
fiscal years ended September 30, 2002, 2001 2000 and 19992000 for the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and the four most highly compensated executives.

                                SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Annual Long-Term Compensation Compensation ----------------- ----------------------- Awards Payouts ------ ------- All Securities Other Name of Individual Underlying LTIP Compen- and Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Options Payouts sation - ---------------------- ---- ------- ------- ---------- --------- ------- (1) (Shares) (2) (3) David M. Kelly 2001 $376,506 $385,365 112,000 $262,8782002 $412,002 $422,642 140,000 $550,000 $ 1,195204 Chairman of the Board and 2001 376,506 385,365 112,000 262,878 1,195 Chief Executive Officer 2000 367,117 360,585 None 736,928 117 Chief Executive Officer 1999 329,618 339,298 550,000 734,737 None David J. DeCarlo 2002 250,245 177,282 38,000 217,841 1,892 Director and President, 2001 238,380 174,685 28,000 372,415 1,564 Director and President,Bronze Division 2000 236,095 163,498 None 761,709 1,492 Bronze Division 1999 217,411 171,334 298,000 711,607 1,419 Edward J. Boyle 2002 200,250 124,200 35,000 124,909 1,472 Chief Financial Officer, 2001 174,300 109,876 26,000 114,639 990 Vice President,Secretary and Treasurer 2000 160,232 94,876 None 190,292 2,142 Accounting & Finance 1999 143,041 89,962 156,000 187,183 3,294Joseph C. Bartolacci 2002 166,050 85,000 18,000 88,741 39,330 President, Matthews Europe Robert J. Schwartz 2002 183,255 4,228 30,000 None 3,661 Group President, Graphic 2001 165,450 2,771 24,000 90,770 4,432 Group President, GraphicSystems & Marking 2000 139,913 85,646 10,000 118,929 3,189 Systems & Marking 1999 126,577 80,952 20,000 55,464 747 Products Divisions Lawrence W. Keeley, Jr. 2001 161,900 5,402 20,000 None 2,760 President, Graphic 2000 156,169 55,402 40,000 None 35,795 Systems Division (1) Includes the current portion of management incentive plan and supplemental management incentive payments and for Mr. Kelly in 1999, an amount equal to his life insurance premium cost. Until 2000, at his request, the Company did not provide life insurance for Mr. Kelly, but in lieu thereof paid to him annually the amount which the Company would have paid in premiums to provide coverage, considering his position and age. Such amounts were not included in calculating other Company benefits for Mr. Kelly. The amount paid to Mr. Kelly in lieu of life insurance for 1999 was $4,100.payments. The Company has adopted a management incentive plan for officers and key management personnel. Participants in such plan are not eligible for the Company's profit distribution plan. The incentive plan is based on improvement in divisional and Company economic value added and the attainment of established personal goals. A portion of amounts earned are deferred by the Company and are payable with interest at a market rate over a two-year period contingent upon economic value added performance and continued employment during such period. See Long-Term Incentive Plans - Awards in Last Fiscal Year table. In addition, payments include a supplement in amounts which are sufficient to pay annual interest expense on the outstanding notes of management under the Company's Designated Employee Stock Purchase Plan and to pay medical costs which are not otherwise covered by a Company plan. 14 (2) Represents payments of deferred amounts under the management incentive plan. 14 (3) Includes premiums for term life insurance and educational assistance for dependent children. Each officer of the Company is provided term life insurance coverage in an amount approximately equivalent to approximately three times histheir respective salary. Educational assistance for dependent children is provided to any officer or employee of the Company whose child meets the scholastic eligibility criteria and is attending an eligible college or university. Amounts reported in this column include only life insurance benefit costs, except for Messrs. Boyle, SchwartzMr. Bartolacci and Keeley. Educational assistance amounts for Mr. Boyle inSchwartz. In fiscal 2000 and 1999, respectively, were $1,200 and $2,400. Inyears 2002, 2001 and 2000, Mr. Schwartz received $2,400, $3,600 and $2,400, respectively, under the educational assistance program. The amountsamount reported in this column in 2001 and 2000 for Mr. Keeley include $2,449 and $35,592, respectively, for the reimbursementBartolacci includes supplemental compensation of relocation expenses.$38,886 to cover expenses while on an international assignment.
The Summary Compensation Table does not include expenses of the Company for incidental benefits of a limited nature to executives, including the use of Company vehicles, club memberships, dues, or tax planning services. The Company believes such incidental benefits are in the conduct of the Company's business; but, to the extent such benefits and use would be considered personal benefits, the value thereof is not reasonably ascertainable and does not exceed, with respect to any individual named in the Summary Compensation Table, the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the annual compensation reported in such table. Long-Term Incentive Plans - Awards in Last Fiscal Year
Performance Estimated Future or Other Payouts Under Number Period Non-Stock Price- of Shares Until Based Plans or Other Maturation ---------------- Name Rights or Payout Maximum - ------------- ---------- ----------- ---------------- D.M. Kelly - 2 Years $ 491,579441,867 D.J. DeCarlo - 2 Years 84,813180,653 E.J. Boyle - 2 Years 138,999130,088 J.C. Bartolacci - 2 Years 89,018 R.J. Schwartz - - None L.W. Keeley, Jr. - - None The Company has a management incentive plan based on improvement in divisional and Company economic value added and the attainment of established personal goals. A portion of amounts earned are deferred by the Company and are payable with interest at a market rate over a two-year period contingent upon economic value added performance and continued employment during such period. Payment of these amounts may be subject to further deferral by the Company under the deferred compensation provisions of the management incentive plan.
15 Option/SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year
Potential Realized Value at Assumed Annual Rates of Stock Price Appreciation for Individual Grants (1) Option Term - ----------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- Percent of Total Number of Options Securities Granted to Exercise Underlying Employees or Base Options in Fiscal Price Expiration Name Granted Year per Share Date 5% 10% - -------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------------------ -------- D.M. Kelly 112,000 27.9% $14.031 11/15/10 $988,308 $2,504,566140,000 34.4% $24.37 1/17/12 $2,145,663 $5,437,531 D.J. DeCarlo 28,000 7.0 14.031 11/15/10 247,077 626,14238,000 9.3 24.37 1/17/12 582,394 1,475,901 E.J. Boyle 26,000 6.5 14.031 11/15/10 229,429 581,41735,000 8.6 24.37 1/17/12 536,416 1,359,383 J.C. Bartolacci 18,000 4.4 24.37 1/17/12 275,871 699,111 R.J. Schwartz 24,000 6.0 14.031 11/15/10 211,780 536,693 L.W. Keeley, Jr. 20,000 5.0 14.031 11/15/10 176,484 447,24430,000 7.4 24.37 1/17/12 459,785 1,165,185 (1) All options were granted at market value as of the date of grant. Options are exercisable in various share amounts based on the attainment of certain market value levels of Class A Common Stock, but, in the absence of such events, are exercisable in full for a one-week period beginning five years from the date of grant. In addition, options vest in one-third increments after three, four and five years, respectively, from the grant date (but, in any event, not until the attainment of the certain market value levels described above). The options are not exercisable within six months from the date of grant and expire on the earlier of ten years from the date of grant, upon employment termination, or within specified time limits following voluntary employment termination (with consent of the Company), retirement or death.
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year End Option Values
Number of Value of Unexercised Shares Securities Underlying In-the-Money Options Acquired Unexercised Options at Fiscal Year End On Value -------------------------- -------------------------- Name Exercise Realized Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable - --------------- -------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- D.M. Kelly None None 362,000 842,000 $5,373,381 $7,827,714183,800 $3,330,895 514,867 645,333 $6,931,949 $4,817,927 D.J. DeCarlo None None 333,333 492,667 4,997,912 5,125,362300,000 5,241,688 299,334 264,666 4,195,183 2,125,074 E.J. Boyle None None 78,667 257,333 1,091,388 2,419,666130,000 2,104,391 52,000 189,000 488,237 1,522,110 J.C. Bartolacci 79,767 1,393,963 16,900 93,333 182,267 828,306 R.J. Schwartz None None 85,334 128,666 1,161,390 1,390,271 L.W. Keeley, Jr. None None None 60,000 None 527,12584,000 1,643,552 61,334 98,666 778,717 725,014
16 Report of the Compensation Committee The Company's executive compensation policies are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Committee consists of three independent, non-employee directors: Messrs. Stallkamp (Chairman), Kavanaugh and Turner. Executive compensation for the Company's chief executive officer and the four other most highly compensated executives is presented in the Summary Compensation Table. Objectives and Policies The Compensation Committee seeks to: ... Ensure that there is a strong linkage between executive compensation and the creation of shareowner value; ... Align the interests of the Company's executives with those of its stockholders through potential stock ownership; ... Ensure that compensation and incentives are at levels which enable the Company to attract and retain high-quality executives. Components of Compensation The Company's executive compensation program presently is comprised of three elements: base salary, annual incentives (bonuses) and stock options. An executive compensation consulting firm is periodically engaged to provide comparative market compensation data. The Company endeavors to determine that executives' base salary levels and opportunities for incentive compensation are competitive in the marketplace. Base Salary The objective of the base salary policy is to provide income at a median level in comparison to a peer group and to reflect individual performance. An outside consulting firm specializing in such services is retained periodically to compare executives' responsibilities with a peer group of other corporations whose annual revenues range between $250 million and $500 million. Accordingly, base salaries of executives for calendar 20012002 were increased over calendar 20002001 to reflect competitive market pay practices. Annual Incentive Compensation (Bonuses) Annual incentive payments paid to executives in 20012002 were based upon the improvement in economic value added over the prior two years' base. Economic value added is defined for this purpose as operating profit less the associated capital cost of operating assets. The incentive pools are determined based upon a percentage of absolute economic value added plus a percentage of the incremental economic value added over a two-year base. The incentive pools are distributed to individuals based upon each participant's target incentive and performance relative to achievement of personal goals. Earned incentive awards that exceed target levels are deferred and paid in the subsequent two fiscal years. Payment of deferred amounts may be subject to further deferral by the Company under the deferred compensation provisions of the management incentive plan. In 2001,2002, certain executives received a payout of fifty percent of incentive award amounts earned and deferred from fiscal years 20002001 and 1999.2000. The remaining fifty percent earned in fiscal 20002001 is payable in 20022003 contingent upon economic value added performance and continued employment (except in the event of death or retirement) during fiscal 2002.2003. 17 In fiscal 2001,2002, certain executives earned incentive awards in excess of target levels. Amounts in excess of target have been deferred and are payable contingent upon economic value added performance and continued employment (except in the event of death or retirement) during fiscal years 20022003 and 2003.2004. Stock Options Stock options, which are an integral part of incentive compensation for the executives of the Company, serve to encourage share ownership by Company executives and thus align the interests of executive management and shareholders. The Stock Compensation Committee (Messrs. Stallkamp, Kavanaugh and Turner) makes periodic grants of stock options to executives and other key employees of the Company to foster a commitment to increasing long-term shareholder value. During fiscal 2001,2002, certain executives and other management personnel were granted nonstatutory stock options to purchase a combined total of 402,000459,700 shares of the Company's stock at fair market value at the time of the grants. Report on 20012002 CEO Compensation The chief executive officer's compensation is established based on the philosophy and policies enunciated above for all executive management. This includes cash compensation (base salary and annual cash incentive payouts) and long-term incentives (stock option awards). In calendar 2001,2002, Mr. Kelly's base salary was increased 6.110.5 percent. The percentage increase for Mr. Kelly and certain other members of executive management was primarily related to the increase in annual revenue for the Company as a result of recent acquisitions. Mr. Kelly's annual incentive paid in 20012002 was based upon the annual incentive plan described above. Mr. Kelly was granted 112,000140,000 non-statutory stock options in fiscal 20012002 under the 1992 Stock Incentive Plan to further align his long-term interests with those of the Company's shareholders. Tax Policy Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") disallows federal income tax deductions for compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer and any of the other four highest compensated executives in excess of $1 million in any taxable year, subject to certain exceptions. One exception involves compensation paid pursuant to shareholder-approved compensation plans that are performance-based. Certain of the provisions in the Company's 1992 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, are intended to cause grants of stock options under such plan to be eligible for this performance- based exception (so that compensation upon exercise of such options should be deductible under the Code). Payments of cash compensation to executives (and certain other benefits which could be awarded under the plan, such as restricted stock) are not at present eligible for this performance-based exception. The Committee has taken and intends to continue to take whatever actions are necessary to minimize, if not eliminate, the Company's non-deductible compensation expense, while maintaining, to the extent possible, the flexibility which the Committee believes to be an important element of the Company's executive compensation program. Compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer and any of the other four highest compensated executives has not exceeded $1 million in any taxable year. Compensation Committee: W.J. Stallkamp, Chairman R.J. Kavanaugh J.D. Turner November 14, 2001December 17, 2002 18 COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE RETURN * AMONG MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, S&P 500 INDEX AND S&P MANUFACTURINGSMALLCAP 600 INDEX ** S&P 500 S&P 500 ManufacturingSmallCap Year Matthews Index 600 Index - ---- -------- ------- ------------- 1996------------ 1997 $100 $100 $100 1997 142 1401998 127 109 82 1999 154 139 1998 180 153 125 1999 218 195 19797 2000 214 221 194151 158 121 2001 323 163 175227 116 109 2002 242 93 108 * Total return assumes dividend reinvestment ** Fiscal year ended September 30 Note: Performance graph assumes $100 invested on October 1, 19961997 in Matthews International Corporation common stock, Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index and S&P Manufacturing (Diversified)SmallCap 600 Index Index. The results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. The Company changed to the S&P SmallCap 600 Index from the S&P Manufacturing (Diversified) Index because the latter index is no longer published. Retirement Plans The Company's domestic retirement plan is noncontributory and provides benefits based upon length of service and final average earnings. Generally, employees age 21 with one year of continuous service are eligible to participate in the retirement plan. The benefit formula is 3/4 of 1% of the first $550 of final average monthly earnings plus 1-1/4% of the excess times years of credited service (maximum 35)35 years). The plan is an insured, defined benefit plan and covered compensation is limited generally to base salary or wages. Benefits are not subject to any deduction or offset for Social Security. 19 In addition to benefits provided by the Company's retirement plan, the Company has a Supplemental Retirement Plan, which provides for supplemental pension benefits to executive officers of the Company designated by the Board of Directors. Upon normal retirement under this plan, such individuals who meet stipulated age and service requirements are entitled to receive monthly supplemental retirement payments which, when added to their pension under the Company's retirement plan and their maximum anticipated Social Security primary insurance amount, equal, in total, 1.85% of final average monthly earnings (including incentive compensation) times the individual's years of continuous service (subject to a maximum of 35 years). Upon early retirement under this plan, reduced benefits will be provided, depending upon age and years of service. Benefits under this plan do not vest until age 55 and the attainment of 15 years of continuous service. However, in order to recruit Mr. Kelly, the Company waived such minimum service requirement with respect to Mr. Kelly. No benefits will be payable under such supplemental plan following the voluntary employment termination or death of any such individual. The Supplemental Retirement Plan is unfunded; however, a provision has been made on the Company's books for the actuarially computed obligation. The following table shows the total estimated annual retirement benefits payable at normal retirement under the above plans for the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table at the specified executive remuneration and years of continuous service: Years of Continuous Service Covered ---------------------------------------------------- Remuneration 15 20 25 30 35 - ------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- $125,000 $ 34,688 $ 46,250 $ 57,813 $ 69,375 $ 80,938 150,000 41,625 55,500 69,375 83,250 97,125 175,000 48,563 64,750 80,938 97,125 113,313 200,000 55,500 74,000 92,500 111,000 129,500 250,000 69,375 92,500 115,625 138,750 161,875 300,000 83,250 111,000 138,750 166,500 194,250 400,000 111,000 148,000 185,000 222,000 259,000 500,000 138,750 185,000 231,250 277,500 323,750 600,000 166,500 222,000 277,500 333,000 388,500 700,000 194,250 259,000 323,750 388,500 453,250 800,000 222,000 296,000 370,000 444,000 518,000 900,000 249,750 333,000 416,250 499,500 582,750 The table shows benefits at the normal retirement age of 65, before applicable reductions for social security benefits. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 places limitations, which may vary from time to time, on pensions which may be paid under federal income tax qualified plans, and some of the amounts shown on the foregoing table may exceed the applicable limitation. Such limitations are not currently applicable to the Company's Supplemental Retirement Plan. Estimated years of continuous service for each of the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table, as of October 1, 20012002 and rounded to the next higher year, are: Mr. Kelly, 78 years; Mr. DeCarlo, 1718 years; Mr. Boyle, 1516 years; Mr. Schwartz, 5Bartolacci, 6 years; and Mr. Keeley, 2Schwartz, 6 years. 20 Report of the Audit Committee The Audit Committee of Matthews International Corporation is composed of three independent directors. The Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Company's Board of Directors. Management of the Company has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the system of internal controls. The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the Company's financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. In this context, the Audit Committee has met and held discussions with management and the independent accountants. Management represented to the Committee that the Company's consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and the Committee has discussed the consolidated financial statements with management and the independent accountants. The Committee discussed with the independent accountants matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards ("SAS") No. 61, "Communication With Audit Committees" and SAS No. 90, "Audit Committee Communications." The Company's independent accountants also provided to the Committee the written disclosures required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, "Independence Discussions With Audit Committees," and the Committee discussed with the independent accountants that firm's independence. The Committee discussed with the Company's internal and independent auditors the overall scope and plan for their respective audits. The Committee meets with the internal and independent auditors to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of the Company's internal controls, and the overall quality of the Company's financial reporting. Based on the Committee's discussions referred to above and the Committee's review of the report of the independent accountants on the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended September 30, 2001,2002, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 20012002 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Audit Committee: J.P. O'Leary, Jr., Chairman R.J. Kavanaugh W.J. Stallkamp December 10, 200117, 2002 21 Relationship with Independent Accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PwC") has been the independent accountants performing the audits of the consolidated financial statements of the Company since 1983. PwC periodically changes the personnel assigned to the annual audit engagements. In addition to performing the audit of the Company's consolidated financial statements, PwC provided various other services during fiscal 2001.2002. The aggregate fees billed for fiscal 20012002 for each of the following categories of services are set forth below: Audit fees (includes audit and reviewreviews of the Company's fiscal 20012002 financial statements) $281,040$335,156 All other fees $242,642$378,624 PwC did not provide any services related to financial information systems design and implementation during fiscal 2001.2002. All other fees include (i) domestic and foreign tax work, (ii) acquisitions due diligence review and related filings, and (iii) evaluating the effects of various accounting issues and changes in professional standards. The Audit Committee reviews summaries of services provided by PwC and the related fees and has considered whether the provision for non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the independence of PwC. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 20032004 ANNUAL MEETING Shareholders may make proposals for inclusion in the proxy statement and proxy form for the 20032004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. To be considered for inclusion, any such proposal should be written and mailed to the Secretary of the Company at the corporate office for receipt by September 16, 2002.15, 2003. Section 2.09 of the By-laws of the Company requires that any shareholder intending to present a proposal for action at an Annual Meeting must give written notice of the proposal, containing the information specified in such Section 2.09, so that it is received by the Company not later than the notice deadline determined under such Section 2.09. This notice deadline will generally be 75 days prior to the anniversary of the Company's Annual Meeting for the previous year, or December 2, 20021, 2003 for the Company's Annual Meeting in 2002.2004. Any shareholder proposal received by the Secretary of the Company after December 2, 20021, 2003 will be considered untimely under Rule 14a-4(c)(1) promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. OTHER MATTERS The cost of soliciting proxies in the accompanying form will be paid by the Company. Shareholder votes at the Annual Meeting will be tabulated by the Company's transfer agent, EquiServe Trust Company, NA.Fifth Third Bancorp. A copy of the Company's Annual Report for 20012002 has previously been mailed to each shareholder of record, or will be mailed with this Proxy Statement. By Order of The Board of Directors Edward J. Boyle Edward J. Boyle Corporate Secretary 22 APPENDIX A NOTICE Please note the location and time of the Shareholders' Meeting. Date: Thursday, February 13, 2003 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Notice of ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS To be held February 13, 2003 To Our Shareholders: The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Matthews International Corporation will be held at 6:00 PM, Thursday, February 13, 2003 at Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the purpose of considering and acting upon the proposals set forth above. Shareholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2002 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PROXY MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION I hereby appoint David M. Kelly and Edward J. Boyle and each of them, with full power of substitution and revocation, proxies to vote all shares of Common Stock of Matthews International Corporation which I am entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders or any adjournment thereof, with the authority to vote as designated on the reverse side. PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED PREPAID ENVELOPE - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTICE Please note the location and time of the Shareholders' Meeting. Date: Thursday, February 14, 2002 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA 23 [ X ][X] Please mark your votes as in this example. - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE LISTED PROPOSALS. - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR WITHHELD NOMINEES: 1. Election of David M. Kelly DirectorsDirector NOMINEE: William J. Stallkamp [ ] FOR [ ] John D. Turner For, except vote withheld from the following nominee: - ------------------------------------------------------- FOR AGAINST ABSTAINWITHHELD 2. To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent certified public accountants to audit the records of the Company for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2002.2003. [ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN 3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. I plan to attend the meeting. [ ] PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED PREPAID ENVELOPE 23 MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION c/o Corporate Trust Services Mail Drop 10AT66 - 4129 38 Fountain Square Plaza Cincinnati, OH 45202 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as an attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. ---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- SIGNATURE(S) DATE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Notice of ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS To be held February 14, 2002 To Our Shareholders: The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Matthews International Corporation will be held at 6:00 PM, Thursday, February 14, 2002 at Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the purpose of considering and acting upon the proposals set forth above. Shareholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2001 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.