Telenor pushes expansion of Turbo 3G network
Telenor strengthens its mobile broadband offering in Norway through Mobilt Bredbånd. This year, the Turbo 3G network is being expanded to cover all communities with more than 200 inhabitants, equivalent to 86 per cent of the Norwegian population.
"This is a big step for rural Norway, and Turbo 3G from Telenor shall be experienced as having Norway's best coverage, quality and capacity," says Ragnar Kårhus, head of Telenor in Norway.
Since its launch last autumn, Telenor has expanded its mobile broadband service Mobilt Bredbånd a number of places throughout Norway. Turbo 3G has proven to be attractive to consumers and is a good supplement to the existing broadband services available in the towns and rural areas. At the end of the first quarter this year, Telenor had more than 60,000 Turbo 3G customers, and saw traffic growth of more than 70 per cent compared with the previous quarter.
During 2008, Telenor will further expand its Turbo 3G network to provide coverage where there is currently normal 3G coverage, meaning 86 per cent of the Norwegian population will be covered by Telenor's Turbo 3G network. In addition, Telenor continues to expand its Turbo 3G service to cover mountain areas where there are large numbers of cabins and popular summer holiday spots.
Turbo 3G gives consumers almost fixed line broadband speeds via the mobile network, and makes it easier and quicker to surf and check e-mail. Customers using Mobilt Bredbånd will also be able to use the growing number of Telenor's wi-fi hotspots (Trådløs Sone).
"The quality and speed via the mobile network is now so good that you can have the broadband experience when out and about. Mobilt Bredbånd is a great supplement to fixed line broadband and our aim is to have the best mobile broadband coverage where people live and travel," says Kårhus.

Henrik Bergquist receives Assar Gabrielsson Prize for dissertation on esophageal cancer
Dr. Henrik Bergquist MD has been awarded the Assar Gabrielsson Prize for an outstanding scientific dissertation in cancer research at Göteborg University during the past three years.
The prize is SEK 50,000, with the possibility in autumn 2008 to receive a research grant of SEK 100,000. The prize was presented today.
Henrik Bergquist works at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, the Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Sweden. He received the prize for his dissertation “Aspects of the management of patients with esophageal cancer.”
In his dissertation, Henrik Bergquist chose to specifically study patients offered relief treatment, so-called palliation, with regard to esophageal cancer and then compared with two other treatment methods. Henrik Bergquist has also studied treatment results for esophageal cancer with a new surgical technique for tumors positioned high in the throat (proximal esophageal or hypopharyngeal cancer). Despite advanced tumor disease, the outcome is positive with regards to long-term survival and function, which opens possibilities of establishing a new treatment principle.
Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer form in the world and is increasing sharply, particularly among middle-age men. In Sweden, about 400 persons are diagnosed each year with esophageal cancer. Patients seek treatment late in the course of the disease and the tumor is often advanced already at diagnosis. Despite modern diagnostics and treatment, the prognosis overall is poor. Only 12-15% survive up to five years. Since the disease is often advanced at diagnosis, slightly more than 40% of the patients can only be offered palliative treatment.
In its citation, the Assar Gabrielsson Foundation Fund writes that Henrik Bergquist’s dissertation is an example of a well-implemented clinical dissertation that in itself is significant for care management of the heavily impacted cancer population and that clears a path for continued significant research efforts.
In addition to this prize, each year the Assar Gabrielsson Foundation Fund offers grants to young researchers in the field of clinical research, particularly cancer. Assar Gabrielsson was one of Volvo’s founders.

Sweden's Absolut Vodka sold to Pernod Ricard
31 March. According to government sources in Stockholm, and confirmed through an official statement on Monday morning, the Swedish government has decided to accept the French Pernod-Ricard Group's bid for state owned Vin & Sprit, including the prestige "crown jewel" Absolut Vodka.
Information is still very limited, but there is an indication that the price paid, which was decided through auction, could be in region of USD 3.25 Bi lion (SEK 55 Billion).
The other bidders have notably been US-owned Fortune Brands and the Wallenberg dominated EQT Group in a close run, but the French Pernod Ricard Group's bid forVin & Sprit was accepted by the Swedish Government om Sunday.
The responsible Swedish Minister Mats Odell, commented that the price paid was satisfactory, and the money will be used to lower the level of debt accumulated by previous governments, and this in turn will lower the country's annual mortgage.
In response to anxious questions concerning the presumed closure of production and loss of jobs to other countries, Minister Odell was convinced that Pernod Ricard had given sufficient reassurances that the primary interest was in expansion, ensuring future employment opportunities in Sweden.

Investor sells off Scania shares to VW
Investor, the largest industrial holding company in the Nordic region, has reached an agreement with Volkswagen to divest its holding in truck manufacturer Scania for a price of SEK 200 per share. The Wallenberg Foundations have reached corresponding agreements with Volkswagen regarding their holdings in Scania.
The press release states that Volkswagen will keep and develop Scania as a strong premium brand and will exercise its influence in the company with the objective of maximizing the long-term value for all shareholders. Volkswagen does not foresee any further structural changes that would adversely affect the employees of the company and will support the management in executing the established strategy. The continuity of Scania's management team has always been a priority for Volkswagen. Furthermore Volkswagen intends to maintain the headquarters and the engineering competence centres in Södertälje.

Volkswagen became the lead shareholder of Scania in March 2000, when the planned merger between Scania and Volvo was blocked by EU antitrust authorities. Volkswagen acquired 18.7 percent of the capital and 34.0 percent of the votes in Scania from Investor, which committed to remain a shareholder for at least two years. Volvo remained a large shareholder in Scania until 2004, when it disposed its shares, partly through the specially created company Ainax. In 2005 Scania acquired Ainax, which was subsequently liquidated. In connection with MAN's bid for Scania in September 2006, which was withdrawn in January 2007, MAN became a shareholder in Scania. MAN today owns 13.2 percent of the capital and 17.0 percent of the votes. Following the waiver from the mandatory bid rules that Volkswagen received in February 2007, Volkswagen has increased its holding in Scania to 20.9 percent of the capital and 38.0 percent of the votes. Moreover, Volkswagen owns 28.7 percent of the capital and 29.9 percent of the votes in MAN.During the last year, Investor, the Wallenberg Foundations and Volkswagen have had in-depth discussions regarding the alternatives to clarify the ownership structure in Scania. In these discussions, Volkswagen has stated a strong interest to become a majority shareholder in Scania. We are very satisfied with reaching this agreement with Volkswagen, which we believe is good for Scania. Moreover, it is inconsistent with Investor's strategy to be an owner with limited influence in a company which has an industrial shareholder in a lead position.

"We know Scania and its potential well through our long-term ownership. We decided therefore to reject MAN's bid and to develop the company standalone together with Volkswagen. Our decision has created considerable value for all Scania shareholders. We believe this is the best solution for Scania. The transaction is also motivated by the fact that it is inconsistent with our strategy to be a shareholder with limited influence in a company with an industrial shareholder in a lead position. Through the divestment we also crystallize additional value for our shareholders," commented Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Investor AB.


TeliaSonera and Cisco provide Dreamhack with the fastest internet connection in the world
On Friday 30 Nov, Dreamhack, the world’s largest computer festival officially opened in Jönköping, Sweden. At the same time, the fastest internet access in the world was also launched. TeliaSonera and Cisco are providing the technology that offers an internet connection speed of 40 gigabits per second. Over the course of the festival, the 15,000 visitors will enjoy an unrivalled broadband and gaming experience, besides setting a new World Record in the number simultaneously "connected" in the same room.

When visitors to DreamHack connect to the internet, they will be the first people in the Nordic countries to use totally new technology that offers a transfer speed of 40 gigabits per second. TeliaSonera is providing the high technology fibre network that enables such an unrivalled connection speed while Cisco is providing a super router able to handle a transfer speed of 92 terabits per second. That is over one thousand times as much data as the largest internet junction in Sweden can handle. An internet junction is the physical point where operators send traffic between themselves.
“Over one billion online gamers could play at the same time when this super router is fully developed. It is proof that the next generation internet is already here and that Cisco is the world leader in this area,” says Sverker Hannervall, CEO Cisco Sweden.


Metso opened Process Technology Center in South America Metso Minerals has launched a new Process Technology Center in Sorocaba, São Paulo state, Brazil. With this Center, Metso expands its global process technology knowledge base and provides local support to existing consulting services. The Center will also conduct research and development as well as provide testing services to the South American mining and construction markets.
Process Technology is a key asset to Metso Minerals' mining and construction portfolios. The new Center employs five technical personnel who will manage the fully equipped and instrumented minerals processing laboratory and pilot plant. It is a collaborative achievement between Metso Minerals and the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Center in Brisbane, Australia. It will provide customer services and process solutions, as well as development of new product prototypes.


Volume order for Morphic Technologies fuel cell plates
Morphic Technologies’ subsidiary Cell Impact AB has received a further order relating to initial mass production of fuel cell flow plates for operating consumer electronics. The Asian purchaser is one of the world’s largest electronics manufacturers. The initial order is valued at around MSEK 90 and the first delivery is for 2008.
Cell Impact has received a further order relating to the production of flow plates for methanol fuel cells. The purchaser this time is a global electronics manufacturer which has been evaluating Cell Impact flow plates for some time. The plates are to be used in a number of the customer’s future products, powered by fuel cells. Second order in a short time
The order is the second volume order within a short period. At the end of August, Cell Impact received its first volume order concerning series production of fuel cell plates for operating consumer electronics for a customer in the USA. That contract has a value of approx. MSEK 60 over a two-year period. As has already been communicated, apart from the now published orders, Cell Impact has also received a number of test orders for flow plates from players within various areas of application, including the vehicle industry. Production of the flow plates will take place, in both cases, at the Cell Impact production facility in Karlskoga.

“The fact that one of the world’s biggest players within consumer electronics is choosing us as it´s supplier shows the strength of what we have to offer. However, this order is not just a breakthrough for us, it is also a breakthrough for the entire fuel cell industry”, says Jonas Eklind, President and CEO at Morphic Technologies. “We have now reached the point where fuel cells are in the consumer field. The fact that this order also relates to fuel cells for consumer electronics is characteristic of the way things are developing within the fuel cell field right now. In all certainty, consumer electronics, including computers, cameras and MP3 players, are going to be the first area in which we will see products powered by fuel cells. We estimate that methanol fuel cells for consumer electronics will start being introduced onto the market in 2008”, says Martin Valfridsson, CEO at Cell Impac.


Cloetta Fazer acquires chewing gum maker Fennobon
Cloetta Fazer has acquired Finland-based Fennobon Oy, a company specialised in sugar-free chewing gum and candies. The company has a focus on high quality and uses xylitol in all of its products. Fennobon is number three in the Finnish chewing gum market and Finland’s only domestic manufacturer of chewing gum products.
Chewing gum makes up approximately 10% of Finland’s total confectionary market and the corresponding share in Sweden is 6%. Among other things, the acquisition of Fennobon Oy will give Cloetta Fazer expertise in sugar-free products and a strong position in a fast-expanding product segment. “In line with our strategy, we are seeking growth by diversifying into product areas where we currently have a weak position or none at all. Until now, Cloetta Fazer has not had any products of its own in this segment. Consumers in Finland have shown a preference for sugar-free chewing gum for many years and this trend is also visible in other European countries. We see major potential to expand in this segment. Fennobon is an innovative player and we are very pleased with the knowledge and opportunities this company brings to us,” says Cloetta Fazer’s CEO Jesper Åberg.

Fennobon has its factory in Karkkila, Finland, northwest of the capital city of Helsinki. The company was established in 1990 and has 42 employees. In 2006 Fennobon reported annual sales of approximately SEK 66 million (EUR 6 million). Of the total sales volume, around 40% is exported to countries like Japan, the USA and Germany. “Delivery reliability, consumer knowledge and superior quality are key success factors for Cloetta Fazer. Today we sell our products primarily in the Nordic and Baltic regions and see the advantages or manufacturing the products in our own factories, close to the consumers in our home markets. Fennobon sells products of a high quality and is currently the only domestic chewing gum maker in Finland. The acquisition is consistent with our growth strategy and we expect it to open new opportunities in the market,” says Jesper Åberg.


SAS removes Dash 8 Q400 from service permanently
Following the recent period of events involving aircraft of the Dash 8 Q400 type, SAS’s management, following an unscheduled meeting of the Board of Directors held today, has decided to immediately discontinue the use of this type of aircraft.
“Confidence in the Q400 has diminished considerably and our customers are becoming increasingly doubtful about flying in this type of aircraft. Accordingly, with the Board of Directors’ approval, I have decided to immediately remove Dash 8 Q400 aircraft from service,” says Mats Jansson, President and Chief Executive Officer of SAS.
In January 2000, SAS was the first customer to use the Dash 8 Q400 in its traffic operations. The aircraft have accounted for approximately 5 percent of the Group’s passengers. The aim is to replace traffic based on the Q400 by reallocating current aircraft in the SAS Group’s fleet and by means of leasing.
“The Dash 8 Q400 has given rise to repeated quality-related problems and we can now conclude that the aircraft does not match our passengers’ requirements concerning punctuality and regularity. SAS’s flight operations have always enjoyed an excellent reputation and there is a risk that use of the Dash 8 Q400 could eventually damage the SAS brand,” says John Dueholm, Deputy CEO of SAS.
Due to the decision, SAS’s traffic services will be affected by flight cancellations in the period immediately ahead. The customers concerned will be given an opportunity to either rebook or have their tickets refunded. For detailed information about traffic services, reference is made to the airlines’ various websites (www.sas.se www.sas.dk www.wideroe.no)


Autoliv Invests in New Crash Test Technology in Japan
Autoliv Inc. the automotive safety company, has recently installed a state-of-the-art test facility in Tskuba, North of Tokyo, in order to support the continued business growth in the important Japanese market.
The investment includes a new advanced crash sled which is better suited to replicate the crash dynamics of future vehicle designs. Autoliv is the only automotive safety supplier with this new so called “pitching technology”. Vehicle bodies can be tested at speeds up to 80 kph (50 mph) in both frontal and side impact crash conditions. The cost for this 4,200 square meter expansion amount to $13 million.
Autoliv now has approximately 3,200 employees in Japan of whom 400 engineers – more than 10% – are serving Japanese customers from three engineering centers and two field offices.


Atlas Copco see optimistic next term
Atlas Copco today, 24 Oct, reported its 22nd consecutive quarter of robust organic growth, supported by strong demand in all geographical regions and with operating profit at a record level.
“Sales of equipment and service were both strong and we saw tremendous growth in emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia, India and China,” says President and CEO Gunnar Brock. “In the near term, we believe that demand for our products and services will remain at the current high level, overall.”
“All business areas contributed to the record result,” concludes Gunnar Brock. “We’re proud to see that we, despite cost increases in raw material and components, adverse currency effects and capacity constraints in certain areas, have managed to grow both sales and profits substantially.”


Saab’s CEO new President of Europe’s defence industries
Saab’s CEO and President, Åke Svensson, formally installed as President of the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), at the association’s annual convention.
Åke Svensson Saab CEO and President was formally installed as the President of ASD, at the association’s annual convention. In accepting his new position Mr Svensson said; “ASD really is a fantastic organisation, as it represents a wide variety of members, national organisations from almost all European countries and companies ranging from the very large multi-national, to the small and medium sized enterprises”.
“Coming from one of the smaller nations, but representing one of the larger companies, it is a privilege to become President of ASD. My ambitions will be to focus on what brings us together, rather than what separates us”,
Mr Svensson will be the President of ASD for the remainder of 2007 and throughout 2008. It is thanks to the Association of Swedish Defence Industries’ membership of ASD and the fact that Saab is one of leading Aerospace and Defence Companies in Europe that enables Saab’s CEO to be elected as President of ASD.


Autoliv buys Remaining Shares in China
Autoliv has agreed to buy 41% of the shares in its 59% held Chinese company Autoliv (Changchun) Maw Hung Vehicle Safety Systems for nearly U.S. $14 million.
The joint venture, which has one of Autoliv’s nine manufacturing facilities in China, primarily produces seatbelts.
The acquisition is subject to customary governmental approvals.
The joint venture in Changchun in Northern China was formed in 2002 to deliver safety products primarily to FAW-Volkswagen Jetta, Audi A6 and First Automotive Works. Business has grown rapidly, and this year the company expects to reach U.S. $50 million in sales and employ 170 people. In 2007, Autoliv’s total sales in China are expected to reach $380 million, an increase of 60% from 2006. In addition, Autoliv’s companies in China will this year export $70 million worth of safety products to mainly Australia, Korea and Japan.
In China, Autoliv has manufacturing facilities in the Shanghai area; one seatbelt and airbag plant supplying both for domestic and export markets, and one seatbelt webbing weaving plant as well as three recently opened plants for safety electronics, airbag inflators and steering wheels. The three remaining plants of the Company’s nine facilities in China are producing seatbelts in Changchun, Nanjing and Guangzhou, with Guangzhou plant primarily supplying to Japanese vehicle manufacturers in China and Japan.


Volvo displays carbon-dioxide-free trucks
The Volvo Group is the first vehicle manufacturer to produce seven demonstration trucks that can all be driven without emitting any environmentally harmful carbon dioxide.
These trucks were exhibited for the first time today in Stockholm and are equipped with diesel engines that have been modified to operate on seven different types of renewable liquid and gaseous fuels. “Volvo is part of the climate problem, but today we have shown that carbon-dioxide free transports are a possibility and that we as a vehicle manufacturer both can and will be part for the solution to the climate issue,” says Leif Johansson, CEO of the Volvo Group.
The seven Volvo FM trucks are equipped with Volvo’s own 9-liter engines that have been specially modified by the Group’s engineers to illustrate the possibilities of carbon-dioxide-free transport. According to the widely publicized Stern report, approximately 14 percent of total global carbon-dioxide emissions will come from the transport sector, with road transport accounting for a total of 10 percent. However, there is no information on the percentage of these emission levels that in turn originate from cargo transport. A calculation based on European conditions and statistics, whereby passenger cars represent 60% of carbon-dioxide emissions and cargo transport for the remaining 40%, indicates that cargo transport will account for about 4-5% of total global carbon-dioxide emissions.
“As one of the world’s largest manufacturers of heavy trucks, diesel engines and buses, the Volvo Group is part of the climate problem,” says Leif Johansson, CEO of Volvo. “But environmental issues are one of the areas which we have assigned the very highest priority, and based on our resources and knowledge, we both can and will be part of the solution.”


Alfa Laval receives order for ballast water treatment system
Alfa Laval has received a breakthrough order for its new system, PureBallast, a chemical-free ballast water treatment system. The equipment will be installed on vessels owned by German ship owner E.R. Schiffahrt. The total order value is about SEK 12 million. Delivery is expected in 2008.
The new system combines a chemical-free technology with a compact design that fits easily into the engine room. The system meets the requirements defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), specialized agency of the United Nations.
“It is of course a great pleasure for us to get this breakthrough order of our PureBallast system”, says Lars Renström, President and CEO of Alfa Laval. “The market for ballast water treatment system is expected to be a SEK billion market and our aim is to take the leading position”.
Alfa Laval’s PureBallast equipment will be installed aboard four new ships owned by German ship owner E.R. Schiffahrt. These new ships, scheduled for completion in 2008, will be one of the first to comply with the pending IMO regulations.
“Our policy at E.R. Schiffahrt is to combine productive container shipping with sound environmental practice,” says Mr. Hans Huisman, E.R. Schiffahrt’s Senior Director for Newbuildings. “For that reason we have concentrated our search for water ballast treatment systems to non-chemical orientated solutions.


Finnish YIT to deliver piping to the new Marchwood power plant in UK
YIT Industrial and Network Services and Siemens Plc have agreed on a delivery of piping for the Marchwood combined cycle gas turbine power plant in Southampton, UK. The delivery comprises design, materials, prefabrication and installation.
The Finnish corporation will provide 1,000 tonnes of piping for the project, including main steam and low-pressure piping. Among the ordinary power plant steel pipes, the delivery includes rubber-lined cooling water piping, concrete-covered gas pipes, as well as fibreglass and high density polyethylene piping. The design of the piping will commence immediately and the delivery is slated for completion towards the end of 2008.
In recent years, Siemens has ordered similar major deliveries from YIT for projects in countries such as Ireland, Latvia, Sweden and Norway. All these commissions have been end-to-end deliveries, including materials, design, prefabrication and installation. Finnish YIT installation technicians and welders have participated in the most demanding installation works. Design has employed 3D models, enabling a high degree of piping prefabrication. This has considerably shortened installation times.


Atlas Copco strengthens its presence in the Balkans
Atlas Copco is opening two new customer centers in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina through the acquisition of three construction and mining equipment distributors, to support the fast growth in the region. The opening of the new customer centers will be October 1, 2007.
The new customer center in Croatia, which is created through acquiring the assets of Scandkop d.o.o. and Teracop d.o.o., will have its headquarters in Zagreb. The Bosnia-Herzegovina customer center will be opened following the purchase of AC Oprema, based in Sarajevo.
“These acquisitions will provide us direct access to an important region where we previously haven’t had any sales presence of our own,” says Björn Rosengren, President, Atlas Copco Construction and Mining Technique. “They will present good opportunities for growth, particularly in the construction industry as there is great focus on infrastructure development in the area.”
Scandkop has supplied drilling equipment and consumables for Atlas Copco since 1993, while Teracop is a distributor for the Construction Tools division since 1992. AC Oprema is a former Scandkop branch office. The acquired businesses have a total of 22 employees.

Life is not a box of chocolates for Cloetta Fazer
“A combination of slower sales growth at the end of the second quarter and higher manufacturing costs are reflected in a year-on-year profit decrease,” says Cloetta Fazer's CEO Jesper Åberg.
“Our business follows a seasonal pattern, where the first and fourth quarters are strongest in terms of sales and profit. Sales are also influenced by the weather and the heat wave in early June contributed to the downward trend. The cooler temperatures in July then triggered a sharp increased at the start of the third quarter.
“Our sugar confectionery range has shown impressive development. To boost capacity and efficiency, we have therefore decided to invest in a new production line in Finland.”
Sales remained strong in Finland however, with growth of 8 per cent during the period, but declined by 3 per cent in Sweden. Sales on the Baltic market continue to rise. The establishment of an in-house sales organisation in Russia led to increased sales in the first half of the year. Raw material costs, mainly for cocoa and milk products, have risen over the past year.
“Our products are exposed to severe price pressure, much of which we have been able to overcome through efficiency gains like the transition to fewer and larger production units.
Now we will be forced to raise our prices to offset rising raw material costs as these reach full impact in the second half of the year,” concludes Jesper Åberg.


Nolato Telecom forming joint venture with Chinese metal specialist
Swedish Nolato Telecom has teamed up in a joint venture agreement with the Chinese metal specialist OPD. A joint development and sales company will broaden Nolato Telecom’s customer offering to its mobile telephone customers to include not only plastic components but also metal ones.
“The metal content of many mobile phones is increasing and metal is used, combined with plastic, for such purposes as creating design effects,” comments Jonas Persson, Head of Nolato Telecom. “Historically, our strength has been with plastic, but by partnering with OPD we are now broadening our customer offering in metal technology.
“This broadening is in response to customer demand and will strengthen our market position. Mobile phone manufacturers want a single supplier to be able to deliver both plastic and metal parts,” Mr. Persson says.

Skanska secures SEK 2 billion construction in London
Skanska has been awarded the contract to construct the Walbrook office and retail development in central London.
The contract amount totals GBP 150 million, or approximately SEK 2,050 M, and will be included in order bookings for the third quarter. The customer is the UK property company Minerva.
The construction project, at the intersection of Walbrook and Bond Court, with frontage on Cannon Street, will be one of the largest in the City of London. It will comprise a total of approximately 60,600 sq m, including 35,000 sq m of rentable office area and 6,000 sq m for stores and restaurants.
Skanska secured the contract based on the company’s expertise in such fields as design, foundation engineering, piling, construction, steel decking and mechanical and electrical engineering. There are few competitors in the UK market that can offer such a broad range of services as Skanska.
Skanska has carried out two major projects for Minerva in recent years, the 90 High Holborn development and the redevelopment of the company’s headquarters on Wigmore Street.
Work on the Walbrook project has now commenced and is expected to be completed towards the end of 2009


Aker Kvaerner secures contracts for Pusnes equipment for Arctic shuttle tankers.
Aker Kvaerner has been awarded contracts from Russian Admirality Shipyards to supply equipment for two shuttle tankers destined to operte in Arctic waters.  The contracts include bow loading systems and complete mooring and emergency towing systems. The total contract value for Aker Kvaerner is approximately NOK 40 million.
The equipment is designed for the extreme low temperature conditions in the Arctic areas. The vessels are being built for the Russian Shipowner Sovcomflot to service the Prirazlomnaya field in the Pechora sea.
Leif Haukom, President of Aker Kvaerner Pusnes, commented: "The award of these contracts confirms the strong position Aker Kvaerner has for supply of advanced loading systems for the challenging environmental conditions in the arctics. Pusnes systems are dominant in this area and have also been delivered for other Russian shuttle tankers servicing the Sakhalin and Varandey fields".
The bow loading system will be of the latest arctic version with completely oil spill-free connection and disconnection of the offloading hose for environmental protection.
Pusnes offloading systems have previously been delivered to the Prirazlomnaya platform and Aker Kvaerner Pusnes is currently completing the commissioning of offloading system for the Varanday export platform.
All the equipment will be manufactured in Europe. Delivery for the shuttle tankers to Admiralty Shipyards will take place in September 2008 and January 2009.
 


Metso signs service contract with Codelco in Chile
Metso Minerals has signed a contract with Codelco, the Chilean national mining company for on-site service and parts supply at Codelco's Andina Divisions' process plant, Northeast of Santiago, Chile. The value of the service contract over 5 years totals approximately EUR 13 million.
Metso's service team of over 100 employees will service Andina's process plant, which processes copper ore from two local mines. The service contract includes plant maintenance services for Metso and third-party equipment, process optimization services, wear parts replacement on crushers and grinding mills, parts supply, service tools, vehicles and labour.
Codelco's Andina Division produces some 248,137 tons of copper concentrate per year. The service contract will help Codelco increase production at Andina's process plant by extending wear-life and uptime and improving the overall production process.
Developing customer service is a key element in Metso Minerals' strategy. The contract in question is Metso's first long-term service contract with Codelco, and as such it is strategically very important to Metso.
 


Lars Nyberg new President and CEO of TeliaSonera
Swedish-Finnish Telecom giant TeliaSonera’s Board of Directors has appointed Lars Nyberg as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of TeliaSonera AB. He will assume his position on September 3, 2007.
Lars Nyberg has a long and successful career both internationally and in Sweden. Today he is Chairman of Micronic Laser Systems AB, IBS AB, DataCard Inc. and director of Autoliv Inc. and Snap-on, Inc.
Between 1995 and 2003 Lars Nyberg was Chairman and CEO of the US-based IT company NCR Corp. (NYSE: NCR). He continued as Chairman of the company until 2005. Previously, Lars Nyberg held several managerial positions in Philips, and was a member of Philips Group Management Committee.
“Lars Nyberg has a great record with vast international experience and is the perfect CEO to lead TeliaSonera into the future. He is an inspiring team builder and a visionary leader with a strong commercial focus,” says Tom von Weymarn, Chairman of TeliaSonera.
Lars Nyberg was born in 1951 and holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration, University of Stockholm. He lives in Stockholm, Sweden.


Hilding Anders buys major UK bedding business.
Hilding Anders has acquired all shares in the bedding company Myer’s, one of the UK's leading bed and mattress manufacturers. Located outside Cambridge and has 565 employees and net sales 2006 total SEK 500 million.
Myer’s is a well established, family owned bedding company founded in 1876 in Vauxhall Walk, London. The company is renowned for good service and product value. Myer’s owns well known brands such as Myer’s and the premium brand Staples which will complement Hilding Anders’ brand portfolio in the British market. Hilding Anders is today represented with the premium brands Slumberland, Dunlopillo, and Jensen in the UK.
“As the UK is the biggest market in Europe it lies in our interest to expand our business in this area, explains Anders Pålsson, President and CEO of Hilding Anders. It is particularly satisfying to acquire a company such as Myer’s given the company’s reputation and history, which is not entirely unlike our own. The addition of Myer’s brands to our existing brand portfolio will also make Hilding Anders particularly strong in the premium segment in the UK.”
Myer’s is the fifth acquisition made by Hilding Anders during 2007, and is a part of a decisive expansion strategy.
“Hilding Anders has now acquired five companies during the first half year of 2007 and the Group’s turnover for the year is estimated to increase by 20% compared to 2006. The expansion is in line with our overall goal of becoming one of the world’s largest bed and mattress manufacturers,” Anders Pålsson concludes.



Crowded Gotland relieved by new boutique hotel
It's small, the newcomer Hotel1 in Visby, only twenty rooms, but so too is the island of Gotland, the popular summer retreat in mid-Baltic.
Agneta Cederqvist retired from SAS after 25 years but decided that she didn't want to quit the hospitality business. The result , a small, boutique style hotel within Visby's medieval walled city, and with top level rooms overlooking the Baltic. Every room has been stylishly modelled and attention given to details that will lure returning guests to this new, family run establishment.
The new Hotel1 is located conveniently close to everything in small scale Visby, at Strandgatan 13 and will without doubt be put to test immediatly, as Visby kicks off it's annual Almedalen Week on 8 July. A week that puts the island in focus for the events and attractions surrounding one of Sweden's (and the Baltic regions) more prominant political and lobbyist gatherings. Even Hotel1 could not satisfy the growing demand for the ever increasing and vast interest attracted by this event, but every effort is welcome, and Hotel1 doesn't lack the comforts we seek to sneak away from it all..


NCC acquires Lithuanian construction company
NCC Construction Finland has entered into an agreement concerning the acquisition of Siauliu Titanas UAB, a Lithuanian construction company. Siauliu Titanas has approximately 200 employees and reported sales of EUR 13.8 million (approx. SEK 130 million) in 2006.
Siauliu Titanas is active throughout Lithuania in the construction of both residential and commercial properties and also holds development rights corresponding to 325 homes. The seller is the company’s principal owner and president, Stanislovas Valius, who will continue to serve as president of the company.
As a result of the acquisition, NCC strengthens its position in the Baltic countries, which has become an increasingly important market for NCC. During recent years, NCC has gradually increased its presence in the Baltic countries and construction commenced on slightly more than 400 proprietary housing units in 2006. Since 2003, NCC has had a subsidiary in Lithuania, NCC Pletra, for the development of housing. This company has annual sales of approximately EUR 0.5 million (approx. SEK 5 million).
“We believe in continuing robust growth in the Baltic countries, primarily within residential construction. The acquisition of Siauliu Titanas will increase our opportunities to compete in Lithuania, since our existing operations will now been given increased resources,” says Timo U. Korhonen, President of NCC Construction Finland.


Hilding Anders acquires one of Netherlands’ leading bedding companies Eastborn
Hilding Anders has acquired all shares in the bedding company Eastborn, one of the leading bed manufacturers in the Netherlands. The company’s net sales amounted to SEK 280 million 2006 and the total number of employees is 184. The acquisition of Eastborn makes Hilding Anders the clear market leader in the Netherlands.
Eastborn was established in 1959 and has become one of the leading participants in the Dutch market through a successful strategy within product development and design. The company produces beds and mattresses in the upper price segment and has well known brands such as Sand, Master, and Lund in its brand portfolio. Eastborn also supplies beds to the growing cruise ship segment. Eastborn will serve as a complement to Hilding Anders’ existing company, Pullman, which sells products in the premium segment.
“The Dutch market is important for Hilding Anders as it also affects the Benelux area and provides opportunities in the nearby German market, explains Anders Pålsson, President and CEO of Hilding Anders. The addition of Eastborn to our Group enables us to perform co-ordinated domestic and imported brand portfolio strategies in these markets. With our increased capacity we will also be able to serve our private label customers to an even greater extent”.
Eastborn is the third acquisition made by Hilding Anders during 2007, and is a part of a broader expansion strategy.
“Hilding Anders intends to grow into one of the world’s leading bed and mattress manufacturers, Anders Pålsson continues. By acquiring Eastborn and thereby enhancing our position in the Benelux markets we are acting according to that strategy. Hilding Anders will continue to take further initiatives to grow in Western Europe this year”, Anders Pålsson concludes.


Bakkavör Group/Glitnir Bank acquires Remaining Stake in Creative Foods
Bakkavör Group of Reykjavik, Iceland has, in cooperation with Glitnir Bank, acquired the remaining 60% stake in Creative Foods, a Chinese salad manufacturer.
Bakkavör Group and Glitnir acquired a 40% stake in the company in March 2006 after co-founding Bakkavör China with the purpose of facilitating the transaction and exploring further investment opportunities in China. Today, Bakkavör Group holds an 80% share in Creative Foods while Glitnir Bank holds 20%. Glitnir provided advice and funded the deal. The acquisition price remains confidential. The acquisition will not have a material effect on the Group's overall trading results during this financial year.
Creative Foods grows produce and packs around 250 salad products in five factories and employs around 750 people, supplying supermarkets and foodservice chains in China. Among its key customers is Yum! Brands, one of the largest restaurant chains in the world which manages outlets such as Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut. Other customers include Wal*Mart, Carrefour, Starbucks and Burger King.


Trelleborg Automotive opens new manufacturing facility in Romania
Today, 21st June, the Trelleborg Group’s Trelleborg Automotive business area has inaugurated a newly constructed manufacturing facility in Dej, Romania. The increased production capacity from this state-of-the-art plant serves the needs of Trelleborg’s existing customers Audi, Dacia, Ford, Peugeot and Renault by providing local supply to their Romanian and Eastern European plants.
“We have a strong global platform that will be further reinforced by this plant,” says Trelleborg President and CEO Peter Nilsson. “It is important to be close to the companies we supply to fulfill just-in-time requirements. This facility continues our commitment to the developing automotive sector in Eastern Europe.”
Using proven leading-edge manufacturing processes, the production site in Dej will produce engine and chassis mounting systems. Initially, the plant will supply the Renault (Dacia) plant where the successful Logan model is assembled. The investment is in response to increasing component volumes.
The Dej facility will have about 100 employees by the end of the year and is designed to meet stringent environmental standards. “We now have a best-in-class facility with enough capacity to meet growing requirements,” says Henrique Fischer, President, Trelleborg Automotive Europe.


SKF acquires Electric Motor Diagnostics Co
SKF, the Swedish pioneering maker of ball-bearings, has acquired Baker Instruments Company, Ft Collins, Colorado in USA, a leading manufacturer of test and diagnostic instruments for electric motor assessment.
Baker has yearly sales of some USD 11 million and 62 employees.
The condition monitoring technologies used by SKF to date are based on measurement of mechanical properties, principally via vibration and lubrication analysis.
“This move into electric motor diagnostics is important to our new Energy Efficiency solutions business, and is in line with the SKF Group’s move towards supporting our customers in their Sustainability efforts” says Phil Knights, President SKF Service Division.
Baker’s sales are mainly focused on the industrial motor users and geographically mainly on the American market.


Gunnebo Industrier acquires Emirate Safety Services in United Arab Emirates
The acquisition of Emirate Safety Services LLC (EmiSafe) in United Arab Emirates strengthens the presence of the Lifting business area in the Middle East and provides a platform for the Group's ongoing growth in the region.
With sales of approximately SEK 20 million, EmiSafe has been the Lifting business area's partner and distributor in the Middle East for a number of years. The company is primarily engaged in sales of hoisting equipment, as well as testing and servicing of cranes and lifting equipment. Among its customers are construction firms, crane companies, shipyards, harbours and shipping lines, as well as oil and gas companies.
Christer Lenner, CEO of Gunnebo Industrier AB, says that "the Middle East and United Arab Emirates represent an expansive, fast growing region. In line with our strategic focus, the acquisition of EmiSafe initially provides a platform for growth of our Lifting business area in the Middle East. But we foresee solid potential for our Fastening business area and Blocks business unit as well."
While EmiSafe is most active in Dubai, it also has units in the Abu Dhabi and Sharjah emirates. The company is expected to be the hub and distribution centre for Gunnebo Industrier's planned Middle East expansion.


Major order for Volvo Buses in Norway
Volvo Buses in Norway has secured its largest individual order to date. The bus operator Veolia Transport has ordered 173 Volvo buses that will be deployed in traffic operations in the Stavanger area.
During the spring, Veolia Transport Sør AS won the procurement process for all public transport in Sør-Rogaland, around Stavanger in southern Norge. There are considerable differences between the traffic to be provided in the various parts of the region, and Veolia Transport needs many different types of vehicles to be able to offer the most effective and productive traffic. Volvo Buses offers an extremely varied range of vehicle types and can deliver exactly the type of buses required by Veolia Transport.
The order for Sør-Rogaland applies to 173 buses of the Volvo 7700, Volvo 8500 and Volvo 8700 type. It pertains mainly to low-entry buses with a length of either 12 meters or 14.5 meters, as well as two-axle 12-meter low-floor buses and 18-meter articulated buses. The order also includes three double-deckers based on Volvo’s well-proven B9TL double-decker chassis. The buses will be fitted with 7-liter, 9-liter and 12-liter engines, and certain buses will have Volvo Buses’ 9-liter engine that is fueled by natural gas.


Wärtsilä opens new training centre in Korea
Wärtsilä Land & Sea Academy (WLSA) has taken another major step forward in the development of its training services by opening today a new training centre in Jisa, near Pusan in South Korea. The new training centre supports the growing use of Wärtsilä engines and propulsion equipment in ships built in Korea.
"The demand for training is steadily rising and the WLSA centre, with its world class facilities, is well located in Korea so that the training can be made hand-in-hand with newbuilding deliveries", said Tage Blomberg, Group Vice President, Services, Wärtsilä Corporation.

Korea is the world's largest shipbuilding country and also the largest manufacturing country of large diesel engines. Korean engine builders are leading manufacturers of Wärtsilä RT-flex low-speed engines under licence. Wärtsilä and Hyundai have formed a joint venture company named Wärtsilä Hyundai Engine Company Ltd to manufacture Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel medium speed engines to power large LNG carriers. Korean shipyards are taking more than 80% of the world market for LNG carriers.
The new WLSA centre is purpose-built to provide training primarily for Wärtsilä RT-flex low-speed engines and Wärtsilä 50DF medium-speed engines for customers' engineers, shipyard staff, the licensed manufacturers and classification society surveyors. The training centre is ideally positioned to provide training for customers' engineers coming to Korea to accept delivery of their new ships.


World-première for Scania’s ethanol hybrid bus
A full-size low-floor city bus that cuts fossil CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent if fuelled with ethanol and saves at least 25 percent fuel – that’s the essence of Scania's hybrid bus concept. The concept bus is conceived to make a major contribution towards sustainable public transport.
Scania's hybrid concept bus achieves all of these objectives, while meeting the lowest emission levels (Euro 5 and EEV). It also appeals to passengers because it is convenient and comfortable, to drivers with manoeuvrability for the tightest city environments and to operators since it uses technology designed to last the life of the bus. Energy storage makes use of supercapacitors, which are much more robust than batteries in heavy-duty operation.

Debuting at the UITP public transport congress in Helsinki 21-24 May 2007, the new Scania concept bus is the result of a three-year development project conducted at the Scania Technical Centre in Södertälje, Sweden. Hasse Johansson, Group Vice President Research and Development:
“Making public transport more convenient to attract more passengers is the best way to combat congestion and reduce environmental problems in cities. Scania's concept bus, with its low floor, big doors, uncluttered interior and automatic ticketing system is a big step in this direction. Passenger comfort and circulation are outstanding for a full-size city bus."
“The ethanol hybrid concept bus demonstrates Scania’s commitment to participate in the transition into a sustainable urban transport system – a transition that needs to start right away. Scania sees no reason to wait for other new fuels and technologies that could become viable in ten years’ time. With our innovative hybrid-drive concept we improve fuel economy and cut emissions by at least 25% and running on ethanol reduces fossil CO2 emissions by up to 90%. This combination of technologies paves the way for affordable and realistic city transport for many years to come. We are truly proud of this achievement,” concludes Mr Johansson.
Twelve conventional ethanol buses equipped with Scania's hybrid-drive system will start regular operation in Stockholm in 2008 and 2009 in cooperation with the city’s public transport operator, SL (Storstockholms lokaltrafik). Ten of these are partly financed by the Swedish Energy Agency.


Keep better track of your dog with your mobile
The worst nightmare for all dog owners would be to lose their darling pet. However, Sweden’s 700,000 dog owners can soon keep better track of their doggy with the help of their mobile phone and a GPS receiver that is attached to the dog’s collar. If an SMS message is sent to the GPS unit, it replies by sending an SMS or MMS message with text or a map image indicating where the dog is located.
Every year approximately 15,000 dogs disappear now and then from their owners and many have wished for a simple way to find their runaway pet. The companies Petlink Development and M-Tech have therefore developed a GPS receiver for dogs, which owners can use to find their pet using GPS navigation and mobile communications.
Petlink has chosen to use a Telia subscription in the GPS unit in order to have the best possible mobile coverage. The subscription costs SEK 79 per month and can be connected to all models of mobile phones, regardless of the type of subscription. In mid-May, the product will have its world premier and will be available for purchase in around 40 pet stores in Sweden.
“Being able to use GPS navigation to find your runaway dog is just one of many examples of how a mobile phone can make everyday life a little easier,” says Stefan Trampus, head of enterprise sales for Mobility Services at TeliaSonera Sweden.
Swedish dog owners will be the first to search and find their pets with Petlink’s GPS service. The same service will be launched in Norway and Denmark this autumn.

How the service works:
The GSP receiver contains a SIM card which is registered with Petlink and can be located using GSP navigation over the mobile network. The dog owner searches for his dog by sending an ordinary SMS message from his mobile to the dog’s GPS receiver. The receiver responds by sending information about the dog’s location either as a map image or text message. A dog owner can also decide how far the dog may be allowed to run freely, and when the dog has exceeded the set limit, the dog owner will receive an alarm on his mobile phone. Five mobile numbers can be connected to the dog’s GPS receiver. The mobile subscription used in the GPS receiver is Telia Telematik, which is used for mobile data and can be blocked for mobile phone calls. Traffic costs are billed in addition to the monthly subscription rate.

NCC awarded Snøhvit contract worth SEK 245 million
NCC has secured the final major maintenance contract involving construction and technical civil engineering services at Snøhvit, Statoil’s natural gas field. The facility is located on Melkøya, outside Hammerfest in Northern Norway. The order is worth approximately SEK 245 million.
Snøhvit is the first facility in Europe for the production and export of liquid natural gas.
The contract becomes effective in May 2007 and extends for five years. NCC will manage the technical maintenance of the facility and be responsible for improvements and modifications.
“Since we have been active at Melkøya for several years and built four large gas tanks, this is a perfect assignment for us. The long-term focus of the contract makes it particularly satisfactory,” says District Manager Tor Nordstrøm.
Snøhvit constitutes the first field development in the Norwegian sector of the Barents Sea and is the first LNG plant (liquid natural gas) in Europe. Unprocessed gas will be piped from subsea field installations to Hammerfest, in order to be transported by tankers to the market. The plant will be brought on stream this autumn.
NCC plans to have a permanent administrative staff of about five employees at Melkøya. The contract corresponds to 30 full-time positions.

Volvo finalizes acquisition of Ingersoll Rand’s road development equipment division
On April 30, Volvo concluded the acquisition of US based Ingersoll Rand’s road development equipment division, other than operations in India which will follow shortly. The division will be consolidated in the Volvo Group from May 1, 2007.
Volvo has now received the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities and other permits required to conclude the acquisition in all countries except India, which is expected to follow shortly.
Ingersoll Rand’s operations in road development equipment comprise soil and asphalt compactors, asphalt pavers and milling machines as well as material handling equipment such as telescopic handlers and rough terrain forklifts. As previously reported, the purchase consideration for the assets amounts to about USD 1.3 billion, about SEK 8.8 billion.
Ingersoll Rand’s road development division – with production facilities in the US, Germany, India and China – is headquartered in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, US and has about 2,000 employees. Operations posted sales in 2006 of USD 864 million, with operating profit of USD 101 M.


Icelandic investors acquire majority stake in Kilroy Travels
A contractual agreement was signed today, 16 March, in Copenhagen, concerning the purchase by two Icelandic investors of a majority holding in the travel agency Kilroy Travels International.
 
Kilroy, a leading travel agency chain in Northern Europe, traces its roots back to the year 1946, when an association of Nordic students founded a travel agency. Kilroy, who's primary target group has been young people and students, and the sale of athletic-, recreation-, adventure-, and language-related tours, has been in operation since 1991.
 
In today's transaction, the company Íslensk fjárfesting ehf. (Icelandic Investment ehf.), which is owned by Arnar Thórisson and Thórir Kjartansson, acquired a 53% stake in the travel agency. They have purchase rights for an additional 20%. Straumur-Burdarás Investment Bank acted as advisors to the purchasers and provided partial financing for the transaction. The purchase price was not revealed.
 
Other owners are Kilroy's Managing Director and key executives and the Finnish investment company HYY Group, which was formerly the primary owner of the company. The Kilroy management team will remain unchanged following the acquisition, but at a shareholders' meeting yesterday it was decided that Arnar Thórisson would take over as the Chairman of the Board.
 
Kilroy operates 25 travel agency offices in Holland and the Nordic countries.


Skanska to build casino in Snoqualmie, Washington
Skanska has been contracted to build a casino in Snoqualmie, Washington, USA The contract amount is USD 120 M, about SEK 840 M, which is included in the order bookings for the first quarter. The customer is the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe.
The project involves a new casino, a 1,000-seat event center and five restaurants. Casino Snoqualmie will cover about 17,200 square meters and is being built in a mountain-lodge style. The project also includes a parking facility.

Work has begun and is scheduled to be completed in November 2008.
Skanska is currently also constructing a 400-room hotel and casino addition to the Greektown Casino in Detroit, Michigan. This project will be completed in 2008.

SCA to acquire Procter & Gamble’s European tissue operations
SCA is to acquire Procter & Gamble’s entire European tissue operations including a number of well-known and strong brands. This acquisition is an important step in improving profitability within SCA’s European consumer tissue operations. SCA intends to further strengthen its product offering of brands and supply of quality private label products as well as greatly strengthening product development based on an awareness of consumer needs.
Jan Åström, President and CEO of SCA, comments: “We know that consumers throughout Europe are closely involved with their tissue products. Many consumers have greater demands than those being met by the market today. This acquisition will help us to take important steps towards improving our customer offer and profitability in our European consumer tissue operation.”
The acquisition will give SCA access to additional established high quality brands. SCA will acquire the Tempo brand, the market leader in paper handkerchiefs in Western Europe and Hong Kong. In addition, SCA will obtain an exclusive licence in Europe to use the well known Bounty and Charmin brands for kitchen rolls and toilet tissue respectively. With this acquisition, SCA will increase its branded portfolio, providing the platform for consumer driven awareness. SCA plans to invest significantly in the company’s brands in terms of innovation and marketing over the next few years.

The purchase price is EUR 512 million and will be paid in cash. Annual net sales are close to EUR 500 million. The EBITDA margin is on a par with SCA’s total tissue operations. Synergies are expected to be considerable.
Procter & Gamble’s five facilities are included in the acquisition. The plants are located in Manchester (England), Witzenhausen and Neuss (Germany), Orléans (France), and Lucca (Italy) and have a total of approximately 1,100 employees. SCA will have good opportunities to improve the supply chain and cost structure for the brands involved. The acquisition will give SCA further possibilities to optimize distribution and logistics to better serve SCA´s retail customers.

SCA’s European consumer tissue operations, in common with those of other players, have been under pressure in recent years. Rationalisation of the retail product range, by retailers focusing on private labels products, has led to increased pressure and frequent switching of supplier by the retailers.
“At the same time, we have had sharply increased energy and raw material costs. In this situation, few players have invested in innovation and product development. The result has been that the entire market has underperformed in terms of profitability,” says Jan Åström and points out that the acquisition is important in order to break this trend.


Young people invited to Combat Climate Change
The National Geographic Society and Vattenfall jointly invite school pupils in five European countries to a competition on energy solutions for the future in order to encourage their engagement in global climate issues. The competition is part of a pan European multi media campaign, named Combat Climate Change.
School children aged 14-19 years old in five European countries – Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden and Finland – will be asked to consider the current climate and energy issues of the day in relation to the three pillars of Sustainable Development – environment, economy and society. Entrants will then have to devise a solution that can be applied at a local level.

The overall winner will get an all expenses paid study trip to Washington D.C., home of the National Geographic Society, to meet leading environment and energy experts. There are also prizes for the winners in each of the participating markets. The schools that generate the most entries will receive cash donations to help further fund geography and climate studies.
The competition constitutes part of a major multi-media pan European campaign intended to convey the increasingly important issues of global climate change and the need for viable energy alternatives. The campaign will deploy all of the media assets of National Geographic – magazines, television and digital media. It is being announced by National Geographic Magazines, National Geographic Television and National Geographic Digital Media in partnership with Vattenfall. It will also include a Direct Mail promotion to 30,500 European schools inviting competition entries. Activity will run from March-June 2007 with further special Winners Announcement activity scheduled for November 2007.

”Climate change is the overriding environmental problem of our times and solving it will be the biggest challenge for mankind in the 21st century. It is of utmost importance that the youth of Europe has profound knowledge of the climate change issue and contributes with its creativity to the quest for a solution. We at Vattenfall are proud to be co-operating with National Geographic on this crucial issue, commented Lars G. Josefsson, President & CEO of Vattenfall”.

Declan Moore, Vice President and International Publisher, National Geographic Magazine, added: “The Combat Climate Change program represents a wonderful opportunity for thousands of school students across Europe to enter an exciting competition and find out more about the facts and issues surrounding the debate. At National Geographic, our mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. The Combat Climate Change competition, supported by Vattenfall, is a fun and stimulating way for the future stewards of our planet to learn about current climate and energy issues. Solving the problem of climate change depends on everyone making careful choices about our energy use.”

Information, quizzes, games and activities can be found at www.nationalgeographic.com/combatclimatechange


Hilton sells Scandic Hotels to EQT 
Scandic Hotels, Scandinavia's largest hotel chain, has been acquired from Hilton Hotels Corporation by a new Nordic owner, EQT V, a private equity group.
"Five incredible years within the Hilton family have provided us with knowledge and systems supporting our position as the leading company in the Nordic countries. Now, there is time for change and the next step gives us an opportunity to build on and develop our Nordic roots and core values”, says Frank Fiskers, currently Vice President Hilton with responsibility for Africa, Indian Ocean & Eastern Mediterranean, and coming CEO at Scandic in connection with the change of ownership and completion of the transaction.

Scandic has under the Hilton ownership strengthened its position as market leader by for instance launching various new product concepts and also by taking the commitment to sustainability and CSR further than any other hotel chain. Scandic Sweden is for example the only hotel chain in the world where all the hotels are eco- labelled (The Nordic Swan). During 2006 an extensive health program was created for Scandic’s team members and guest employees and guests.
 
- With EQT as owner, a company with a track record of creating growth, Scandic is provided with good opportunities for continued expansion and to further strengthening our position as market leader within services as well as CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)”, continued Frank Fiskers.

Upon completion of the transaction, Hilton will continue to have a presence in Nordic with six Hilton hotels - three in Finland (including the Hilton Helsinki Vantaa Airport due to open in August 2007), two in Sweden and one in Denmark at Copenhagen airport.   


Hydro's Castings business sold to Nemak
Following approval by the European Commission, Norsk Hydro ASA, the Norwegian aluminium and energy group, has today completed the sale of its Castings business to the Mexican automotive supplier Nemak.
The sale represents an enterprise value for Hydro's castings business of approximately NOK 3.7 billion. The transactions will result in a gain for Hydro of approximately NOK 900 million under US GAAP.
 
The divestment of the castings business is a major element in the ongoing restructuring of Hydro's downstream aluminium portfolio. The sales process for the company's Automotive Structures business is still ongoing.
 
Nemak, a subsidiary of the Mexican industrial company Alfa S.A.B., is a leading producer of cylinder heads with operations in Europe, North and Central America. The castings business acquired from Hydro includes production facilities in Germany, Austria, Hungary and Sweden, manufacturing aluminium cylinder heads and engine blocks for the automotive industry. 


TrygVesta offers stress counselling to employees at Danish workplaces
Employees covered by a Tryg health insurance via their employer, now have access to stress counselling
A new telephone counselling service will provide clarification regarding sources of stress, options available for action, clarification of who is able to help in the process and not least advice on how to avoid stress.
 
Stress is a growing problem for both businesses and individuals. The consequences thereof are days of sickness and loss of quality of life of the individual and large losses and difficulties in maintaining the production for Danish businesses. Therefore, Tryg will now offer stress prevention under the name of StressStop. The service will be provided along with its ordinary health insurance targeted Danish workplaces - without any additional costs for the customer.
 
Both the person feeling stressed, the manager of a stressed employee and the colleague who can see that something is wrong, can call the StressStop hot line and get good advice.
 
- The offer is not a treatment, because treatment of stress requires medical expertise in relation to the physical symptoms and psychological expertise in relation to the psychological symptoms. On the other hand, StressStop will offer assistance in identifying the problem and, based on this, in making the decisions necessary - whether this involves treatment or a change in the demands of the professional or personal life of the person concerned, says Jens Stener, Manager of Health Care & Pension in TrygVesta.


Vacon wins contract in sugar industry in Brazil
The Finland-based variable speed AC drives manufacturer Vacon has signed a contract through its Brazilian partner Vorax Acionamentos e Automação Ltda.
With AC drives to be delivered to Usina José Bonifácio, a sugar manufacturing company in São Paulo, Brazil, Vacon will extend its market coverage in the country and further strengthen its position in the sugar cane industry.
Vorax won the contract for a total of 5 sugar mill systems including drives as well as drives cabinet assembly, commissioning and start-up. The systems to be delivered to Usina José Bonifácio will be controlled by Vacon AC drives of 690 V. "For Vacon close cooperation with distributors such as Vorax plays an essential role in development of the multi-channel sales that aims for the widest possible geographical coverage," says Mr Heikki Hiltunen, Executive Vice President, Vacon.

"The sugar industry is an important market in Brazil, and we are very pleased that such an important customer as Usina José Bonifácio has chosen us as their drives supplier," says Mr Claudio Luis Baccarelli, Area Manager for South America, Vacon.

Often the primary fuel source at sugar mills is bagasse, the biomass remaining after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice. Brazil has initiated investments in modern facilities at sugar mills producing cogeneration, i.e. combined heat and electricity (CHP). Heat energy is used at the mill, and electricity is typically sold to the consumer electricity grid. Electrification of sugar mills reduces steam consumption of the system, and thus, more energy will be available for sale. Furthermore, the use of AC drives improves efficiency levels and dynamic response, decreases mechanical stress, and thus, increases production levels.

Brazil is one of the world's major producers of sugar and ethanol. "With this project, Vorax extends its range of applications in sugar and ethanol plants, where we already have references for example for cane hoists, conveyor tables, conveyor belts, pumps and fans and sugar centrifugal machines," says Mrs Rosana Moraes, General Manager, Vorax.


Ericsson announces cash offer to acquire Tandberg Television
Ericsson today announces a voluntary public cash offer to acquire Norwegian Tandberg Television outstanding shares share for an aggregate price totaling approximately SEK 9.8 billion.
Carl-Henric Svanberg, president and CEO, Ericsson, says: "IPTV for cable and telecom operators is the biggest networked multimedia opportunity going forward. Ericsson and Tandberg Television is a strong combination with a unique ability to offer complete IPTV solutions. Tandberg's leading TV technology and customer base and our global presence and strong position in IP networks and IMS, will create a leading player in networked media solutions for telecom, cable and satellite operators as well as media companies.

"A large part of the expected traffic growth in the world's mobile and fixed networks is expected to be generated by TV services. Tandberg is a world-leader in video head-end, encoding and compression technology critical to maximize picture quality while minimizing bandwidth in video applications. This technology is a key part of IPTV solutions. Tandberg
is particularly strong in MPEG-4 which is critical for cost effective delivery of High Definition TV. In addition, Tandberg offers on-demand and interactive video solutions.

IPTV is key in multimedia offerings from telecom operators as well as cable and satellite operators. Today the majority of digital TV network investments are made by cable operators while telecom operators are quickly increasing their investments from a lower level.

With the majority of sales in cable/satellite and the growing telecom business, Tandberg has built a premiere customer base with customers in more than 100 countries. The company has over 200 patents granted. The European and North American operations are headquartered in Southampton, UK and Atlanta, US.

Tandberg Television employs 870 people, including more than 370 video and software engineers. Tandberg's revenues in 2006 were USD 350 million with a growth of 21%. EBITDA reached 21% in 2006. Since 1997, Tandberg Television has been listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, Norway.


Skanska to build railway in Norway for NOK 498 M
Skanska has been contracted to build a new section of railway in Norway. The contract amount is NOK 498 M, about SEK 550 M, which is included in order bookings for the first quarter of 2007. The customer is the Norwegian National Rail Administration (Jernbaneverket).
The contract involves the new construction of a 2.8-kilometer section of double track between Skøyen and Asker, west of Oslo. The project is one of four sections of the new railway line between Lysaker and Sandvika.
Skanska’s assignment includes all work except track laying. Parts of the new double-track will pass through tunnels.
Construction begins in March 2007 and is scheduled for completion in July 2011. Skanska Norway is active in building construction and civil engineering projects. The unit reported sales last year amounting to about SEK 10.6 billion, with some 4,300 employees. Skanska is also active in Norway in the development of residential projects and in PPP projects.


Outokumpu Technology to supply copper converter technology to Kazzinc, Kazakhstan
Outokumpu Technology has agreed with Engineering Dobersek GmbH for the delivery of converter and gas handling technology for the new copper smelter of Kazzinc in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan.
Kazzinc, the largest zinc producer in Kazakhstan, operates two zinc smelters, one lead smelter and a number of mines and concentrators. In addition to zinc and lead, the mines also produce about 70,000 tons of copper in concentrate. These concentrates constitute the raw material base for the new plant. 
Outokumpu Technology's scope covers engineering, delivery of converter hoods for two Pierce-Smith converters, punching machines and design of auxiliary equipment. The new installation is scheduled to be in operation in the second half of 2008.
"This project is an example of Outokumpu Technology's proprietary technologies, which not only contribute to a cleaner environment, but also reduce the smelter's operating costs - both features are well received today in the emerging markets such as Kazakhstan," says Lennart Hedlund, Technology Sales Manager at Outokumpu Technology AB in Skellefteå, Sweden.


Scania invests in engine production
Scania invests in order to increase it´s engine production capacity.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with GM Powertrain to acquire it´s production plant in Södertälje Sweden,” says Per Hallberg, Head of Production and Procurement and a member of Scania’s Executive Board.
This acquisition will enable Scania to increase engine component production capacity and to start production of injection systems for engines.
“It´s an important step in the task of boosting Scania’s total production capacity to 100,000 vehicles by 2010,” Mr Hallberg says. “Another advantage is that we will have production and product development in close proximity to each other.”
Scania will offer all employees at the GM Powertrain production plant employment at Scania. Scania will by that gain access to personnel with long experience of engine manufacture.
“According to plans, during 2009 we will successively start production in the portions of the plant that GM makes available,” Mr Hallberg says. This production will include machining of engine components and a new generation of extra high-pressure injectors (XPI).
Since 1992, Scania has a successful alliance with the American engine manufacturer Cummins to develop and manufacture injection systems for engines. This alliance led to development of Scania HPI, the injection system used in Scania trucks today, which will be replaced by XPI. Production takes place in a joint venture company with manufacturing in United States, Mexico and in the future in Sweden.
“With XPI, we can offer our truck and bus customers the best conceivable operating economy, while reducing emissions so that we meet both Euro 5 and 6 environmental standards,” Mr Hallberg says.


Volvo makes bid for Japanese Nissan Diesel
AB Volvo’s Board of Directors has decided to make a public offer to acquire the Japanese truck manufacturer Nissan Diesel.
The offer, which is supported by Nissan Diesel’s Board of Directors, means that Volvo offers JPY 540 in cash per share and the total value of Volvo’s offer amounts to SEK 7.5 billion. Volvo already owns a 19% holding in Nissan Diesel and preference shares which can be converted to an additional 27.5%, after full dilution.

“With Volvo as owner, Nissan Diesel gains the resources and the financial stability needed to fully capitalize on the opportunities that a closer cooperation offers to both parties,” says Volvo CEO Leif Johansson.
Volvo’s offer for Nissan Diesel represents a premium of 32% based on the average prices during the past three months. The offer is open through March 23 and is not conditional upon a lowest level of acceptance, but is dependent on the necessary approvals from the anti-trust authorities. Volvo anticipates that payment can be made for acquired shares on or about March 29, 2007. If the offer for Nissan Diesel is implemented, Volvo will have paid a total of SEK 13 billion for all shares, corresponding to JPY 469 per share.
“Nissan Diesel’s products and know-how represent a valuable complement to the Group’s truck business,” says Leif Johansson. “Nissan Diesel holds a solid position in Japan and the rest of Asia where the Volvo Group foresees substantial growth potential. A merger offers both parties even greater possibilities to learn and benefit from each other’s know-how and resources.”
“During our joint synergy study, great trust grew between the companies and I believe that the merger is the best alternative for Nissan Diesel’s future,” says Iwao Nakamura, President of Nissan Diesel.

Since Volvo’s first purchase of shares in Nissan Diesel, Volvo’s Deputy CEO Jorma Halonen was appointed Vice Chairman in Nissan Diesel’s Board. Jorma Halonen sees major mutual advantages with an even closer cooperation.
“Nissan Diesel can benefit from the Volvo Group’s resources and know-how, but Volvo can also benefit greatly from Nissan Diesel’s experience of medium-heavy trucks and its expertise in, for example, hybrid technology,” he says.


Finnish Atria bids for Swedish spreads
Will the motto Good Food - Better Mood is sufficient to help Sardus shareholders part with their shares to Finnish Atria?
Finnish food giant Atria today made a bid of SEK115 per share to acquire 59% ownership. Atria hopes it's bid will tempt shareholders to realize the benefits of a strong Finnish ownership, but there is still some anxiety that the increased domination of Finnish ownership in the Swedish meat business, may lead to a loss of independance and a potential string of future layoffs.
Sardus has a strong marketshare in sandwich spreads; liverpastes and sausages, a popular choice for Swedish sandwich eaters.


Consafe Logistics buys into Sonat to build a new, more competitive team
Consafe Logistics has purchased a minority share in Sonat AB, a Swedish company that integrates a knowledge of insourced Supply Chain Management into the clients own logistics operations, allowing for enhancment and expansion of operations.
Consafe Logistics is a leading supplier of Warehouse Mangement Systems in Europe, and the market leader within Logistics Management in Scandinavia.
"A teaming with Sonat now allows us to offer our customers more productive and continuous support. The demand for our services is on steady increase, and we want to ensure our abilty to maintain an advanced level of customized and quality assured services. Consafe Logistics main strength,
which lies in logistical solutions, will now increase with the addition of Sonat's experience and knowledge of logistical processes" says Ulf Wallin, CEO, Consafe Logistics Group.


Flying start for Alfa Laval in China 2007
Alfa Laval – a Swedish world leader in heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling – continues its high activity in China. The company has received three new orders for Alfa Laval Packinox custom-designed heat exchangers from Chinese customers. The order value is about SEK 180 million. Delivery will take place during 2008.
- I look upon the development in China as a confirmation of our strong local position, says Lars Renström, President and CEO of Alfa Laval Group. In December we received large orders to the petrochemical industry in China to a total value of about SEK 240 million. On top of this we have now received orders for an additional SEK 180 million.
In all cases the heat exchangers will be used in catalytic processes in the manufacture of mixed xylenes which are key raw materials for various petrochemical end products such as polyester fibres and PET plastic bottles.


Yara enters new gas supply agreement with Gazprom
Yara has entered into an agreement with Gazprom for the delivery of natural gas to its plant in Le Havre, France. The agreement is significant for Yara as it opens up for more flexible and competitive natural gas supply and pricing in Europe.
"The deal with Gazprom represents Yara's first direct purchase of Russian gas. It enables us to source gas more competitively and flexibly in Europe", says Head of Supply & Trade in Yara, Hallgeir Storvik.
Yara consumes roughly three billion cubic meters of natural gas per year in its fertilizer plants in the Netherlands, France and Italy, and is one of Europe's largest industrial consumers of natural gas. Most of the gas is used as feedstock for ammonia production, which is the most important raw material for finished fertilizer products.

"Yara has taken an active approach to secure improved terms in a more liberalized European energy market, and the Gazprom deal represents an important achievement in this respect," says Mr. Storvik.
"We are very pleased to be working with Yara on this major contract. We have ambitious growth plans for the French energy market, having opened our office in Paris in 2006. This contract is a good example of how we can combine local market knowledge with a strong trading capability to bring excellent results for our customer," says Vitaly Vasiliev, CEO of Gazprom Marketing & Trading.


Atlas Copco opens a Customer Center in Pakistan
Atlas Copco has established a fully-owned customer center in Lahore, Pakistan, to grant customers direct access to products and to provide local service to rapidly developing industries in this country.
The new customer center, Atlas Copco Pakistan Private Ltd, offers Atlas Copco’s ranges of tools, compressed air equipment, construction and mining products, as well as related aftermarket activities.
Pakistan is a growing market with many infrastructure projects, such as hydropower plants, tunnels and quarries, expected to be realized in the near future. Sales of compressors have experienced rapid growth over the last three years as industry has expanded, and the future looks bright for tools sales, with a major expansion predicted both for car production and general industry.
With a local customer center, Atlas Copco will be prepared for the anticipated growth. Customers will benefit from direct sales and aftermarket support, backed up by the knowledge and experience of the manufacturer, as well an improved stock availability.
“By establishing this new customer center in Pakistan we are moving substantially closer to our customers and distributors and making a commitment to further growth in this country,” says Ronnie Leten, Business Area President, Atlas Copco Compressor Technique.


TeliaSonera to test turbo 3G in Sweden
During the spring, TeliaSonera Sweden will be opening a new super-fast mobile broadband network for customers as part of its strategy to always offer them the best connectivity. In areas of Stockholm and Gothenburg, the mobile network is now being enhanced with new High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) technology, also called turbo 3G, which will give customers wireless connections to the Internet at speeds up to 3.6 Mbps.
Initial trials will begin during the second quarter of 2007 in areas of Stockholm and Gothenburg and all of Telia’s customers in the test areas will be able to try the turbo 3G network if they have a mobile handset or portable computer that is HSPA-enabled.

“More and more people want to access the Internet from any location and they would prefer to connect as quickly as they do from home or the office. Our wireless broadband services are very popular today and we are noticing that our customers have a growing need for faster wireless broadband. We are constantly evaluating technologies that can give our customers the best added value and we can now see that HSPA will be an excellent complement to our existing mobile network, which is in line with our ambition to offer our customers the best network and connectivity,” says Håkan Dahlström, Head of Mobility Services Sweden in TeliaSonera.

With the new HSPA technology, it will be faster and easier for customers to connect wirelessly with their computer and surf, send messages and documents or download music, images and films. Today, TeliaSonera already offers speeds up to 384 Kbps in its mobile network in Sweden.


Wallenberg takes the helm at Electrolux
Marcus Wallenberg strengthed his position in the financial world today as he accepted the roll of Chairman for Electrolux, a leading producer of appliances and equipment for kitchen and cleaning and also one of the largest producers in the world of similar equipment for professional users.
Wallenberg succeeds Michael Trescow who declined re-election. Marcus Wallenberg is Chairman of SEB, Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken, Saab AB and ICC (International Chamber of Commerce). He is also Deputy Chairman of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson. He has been a member of the Electrolux Board since 2005. Marcus Wallenberg begins his term as Chairman at the AGM on 16 April 2007.


Norwegian-Swedish Helicopter cooperation
Saab AB and Heli-One AS in Norway have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the international helicopter support market. The possible future Norwegian procurement of the Gripen fighter aircraft has paved the way for a co-operation between Heli-One and Saab to capture future contracts for helicopter support in the Nordic countries.
This MoU is the latest example of an increased collaboration between Swedish and Norwegian industry. The two companies, Saab and Heli-One have already begun to explore mutual business opportunities. One possible approach is to promote the Heli-One Stavanger facilities in Norway as the preferred center for training, maintenance and logistic support of the NH90 helicopters for the Swedish Defense Forces.

Saab Aerotech and Heli-One have participated in several discussions regarding more intensified collaboration and we are very pleased to now have this agreement in place”, states Lars-Erik Wige, President of the Saab Aerotech.

Since we started our discussions with the Norwegian authorities regarding the Gripen fighter, we have seen an enormous interest among Swedish and Norwegian companies, both in the military and the civil sector, resulting in huge potential for increased cooperation within Scandinavia.” says Kjell Möller Saab Vice President and Managing Director for Saab Industrial Cooperation.
Heli-One has a long standing record in providing training, maintenance and logistic support to both commercial and military helicopter operators worldwide. Swedish Defence Forces is already a major customer of Heli-One regarding support of their Super Puma helicopters. In order to capture new business opportunities from our Swedish customer as well as for other helicopter operators, we see this partnering with Saab as a major step”, states Jens Kørte, Managing Director of Heli-One (Norway) AS.

GSMA SIP Trials led by TeliaSonera proved Video Share interoperability
TeliaSonera has led the GSM Association’s SIP Trial work with the participation of other key players in the industry. Continuing trials are paving the way for advanced SIP/IMS services to function smoothly across networks, terminals, platforms and national boundaries right from launch. Video Share is the latest example of services where interoperability has been demonstrated.
Video share service enables the participant in a voice call to send live video of what they are looking at to the other participant. Video share is expected to become a very popular service used to exchange everything from live holiday greetings to other footage of free-time activities and also more business-oriented uses, for example sending video of an item for sale.

The GSMA’s programme of interoperability trials was established to ensure that end users will be able to enjoy easy-to-access and easy-to-use next generation multimedia services, with a fully reliable service experience.
The tests make use of a technology called IP Multimedia Subsystems (IMS), to allow users to share video streams across the fixed and mobile networks in a fast and efficient way. IMS, which uses the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to initiate and manage connections, is a network architecture that many operators plan to use to deliver new services such as instant messaging, push-to-talk, videotelephony and multiplayer games to mobile users.

Demos at 3GSM World Congress
Video share service interoperability will be demonstrated by the GSMA at the 3GSM World Congress. The demonstration will showcase the most comprehensive real-time simultaneous video and voice communications between a variety of mobile clients and in a number of contexts - mobile phone to mobile phone and mobile phone to laptop - all demonstrated using different networks.

NCC’s new President and CEO Olle Ehrlén takes office today
Effective today, February 12, Olle Ehrlén assumes the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of NCC.
Olle Ehrlén was appointed to this position by the NCC Board in November 2006. He succeeds Alf Göransson, who becomes new Chief Executive Officer of Securitas.
Olle Ehrlén, aged 57, has a degree in engineering from Chalmers Institute of Technology in Gothenburg. He has been employed by NCC since 1973 (at what was then Vägförbättringar) and has held several different positions within the NCC Group, involving both building and civil-engineering operations. In 2001, Olle Ehrlén became president of NCC Construction Sweden, the largest business area in the NCC Group, with sales of slightly more than SEK 23.5 billion in 2006 and approximately 9,000 employees. In 2003, he was appointed Deputy CEO of the NCC Group.
Tomas Carlsson, previously Head of NCC Construction Sweden’s Western Region, succeeds Olle Ehrlén as President of NCC Construction Sweden.


Birdstep launches mobile internet connection manager for MAC OS X
Oslo, Feb 13, 2007 Birdstep Technology ASA, the leading provider of seamless connectivity and mobility software for laptop, PDA's and Smartphones, today announced the availability of EasyConnect for MAC OS X.
The addition of MAC OS X to the connection manager suite makes Birdstep's offering complete, with support for all major Windows® operating systems - Windows PC (Vista, XP and 2000), MAC OS X, Windows Mobile and Symbian. This makes Birdstep a complete vendor for all major operating systems on the market today.

"This is an important addition to our product portfolio and in line with our strategy to be a complete provider for connection managers that work with multiple network standards a the majority of devices and operating systems", said Petri Markkanen, CEO of Birdstep Technology. "Support for the MAC is an important component of our offerings to the Small Office Home Office (SOHO) and SME segments, particularly now that the numbers of MAC users are growing.", continues Mr. Markkanen.

Mac users are generally sophisticated, highly mobile and heavy users of wireless data. They are often opinion leaders, with a significant potential to influence buying decisions and peer behaviour, but connecting a MAC to mobile data networks is still far too complex for most users. In addition, they want and expect wireless data solutions from their current operator. EasyConnect for Mac is developed precisely to solve this problem, making it easy for these high value users to get connected wherever they are.
 EasyConnect for MAC OS X is generally available at 3GSM World in Barcelona the 13th of February 2007.


Cargotec Receives a Significant Port Equipment Order
Cargotec's MacGREGOR business area providing marine cargo handling solutions has received an order for port equipment from Norwegian ship owner Color Line.
The equipment will be delivered in 2007-2008 for Color Line's SuperSpeed service between Norway and Denmark. The new pair of ferries is being built by Aker Yards in Finland and will be ready for handover in 2007 and 2008.
 MacGREGOR will supply two level linkspans and passenger gangways to Color Line's port facilities in Kristiansand and Larvik, Norway. The order also includes two upper level linkspans to Color Line's port facilities in Hirtshals, Denmark.
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