FöreningsSparbanken acquires HSB Bank
(18.09.02) FöreningsSparbanken (Swedbank) is acquiring all the shares in HSB Bank from HSB Sverige. Prior to the acquisition, FöreningsSparbanken owned 9.1 percent of the shares in HSB Bank.
HSB Bank has approx 200,000 retail customers, primarily mortgage savings and mortgage lending customers. In addition, a large number of condominium associations are customers of HSB Bank. In 2001 HSB Bank had total assets of SEK 10.4 billion and shareholders' equity of SEK 505 million. Its profit in 2001 amounted to SEK 48 million.

"HSB Bank has the majority of its customers in the Stockholm area, which means that the acquisition gives us a further boost in an important and fast-growing market," says FöreningsSparbanken President and CEO Birgitta Johansson-Hedberg. "HSB Bank is one of the few profitable niche banks and in recent years has had the market's fastest expansion in mortgage products. We will now be able to further strengthen our operations, in part by taking advantage of synergies in systems and technology. The acquisition of HSB Bank also extends the cooperation between FöreningsSparbanken and the HSB organization."

Until further notice there will be no change in HSB Bank's product range. The acquisition of HSB Bank will have a positive effect on profit as of 2003. HSB Bank's personnel will be offered employment at FöreningsSparbanken.



Denmark's leading telecommunications company invests in Streamserve
(17.09.02) Denmark's leading telecommunications company Tele Danmark (TDC) is investing approximately 10 million kronor in a deal with StreamServe to provide a licence, services, maintenance and support package. TDC will use StreamServe's Business Communication Platform for all of its electronic services in several business areas.
Implementing the new communication platform will radically reduce the number of interfaces in the company's IT-solution, enabling Tele Danmark to connect its underlying information systems for fixed telephony, Internet, mobile telecommunication and cable TV. In this way Tele Danmark will be able to meet new market initiatives, including e- invoices and e-box, in which the company holds a leading position in Denmark.

Commenting on the implementation John Jorgensen, Head of Customer Care and Billing at TDC said: "Instead of several separate solutions for managing and integrating our electronic services, we are implementing a single communications layer. The system will be faster and more unified, making it easier for us to work with our own systems and improve the service to our customers. We can now enable our customers to choose the way they receive information from us, moving to cheaper e-invoices and digital communication with our various business areas."

"This is a strategically important order for us" says Stefan Blomqvist, MD StreamServe Nordic. "Tele Danmark is one of the most advanced companies in Scandinavia in terms of consumer communication. By choosing to place StreamServe at the centre of its strategy, TDC has confirmed that our technology meets today's highest requirements. By utilising the latest technology, our Business Communication Platform will be connected to all TDC's important systems, creating dynamic opportunities in integration, distribution, storage and control of all modern electronic communication and relevant printouts".



Continued success for Boss Media on the British market
(17.09.02) Boss Media secures its leading position on Europe's most important market, the British market, by signing a contract with another important customer, Gaming Corp. Plc.
"This deal with Boss Media is the first and most important step in delivering on our interactive gaming strategy. We believe that Boss Media's software is the best available on the market today. This combined with the marketing clout offered by our Casino.co.uk portal and our other online businesses means we are confident of success in this rapidly growing market", says Justin Drummond, Chief Executive of Gaming Corp.

Boss Media's strategy has the last year been to establish a strong position in the British market where the combination of player interest, Internet penetration and the favorable legal climate makes this market the most interesting in Europe. Boss Media has to date signed contracts with several of the leading operators such as Gala Group, Victor Chandler and Sportingbet.com making Boss Media one of leading software suppliers of casino games on the British market.

"Gaming Corp is a prestigious customer with a proven record of sales and marketing online products. They have already established a valuable database of players for their own online casino with casino.co.uk", says Peter Bertilsson, CEO of Boss Media



Carl Bennet acquires Modul-System from Segulah
(13.09.02) Swedish industrialist Carl Bennet today acquires the Modul-System Group through his company Carl Bennet AB from Segulah I LP, a private equity company. Headquartered in Mölndal, Sweden, Modul-System has sales of MSEK 250 and roughly 200 employees. Modul-System is one of Europe's leading manufacturers of vehicle racking systems for service vans.
Modul-System Group will, after the acquisition, become an independent business area within the industrial group Carl Bennet AB. Carl Bennet AB is the major shareholder in listed companies i.e. Getinge and Elanders.

"Since its acquisition by Segulah I LP in 1999, Modul-System has expanded its international footprint dramatically resulting in overall annual sales growth of 15 - 20 percent. Modul-System's pretax earnings have since 1998 trebled to more than MSEK 30 in 2001.

"I see many interesting opportunities for developing and expanding the Modul-System Group. It has already established itself as one of the leading European suppliers of racking systems for service vehicles, and there is excellent potential for development," says Carl Bennet.

"Modul-System has grown successfully over the years. A stable and originally founder-owned company has since Segulah's acquisition grown faster along with trebled earnings to become the European leader in its market. In light of Modul-System's firm market position and stable profitability, it is a natural step for us to pass the torch to a capable owner. Modul-System is in good hands with Carl Bennet, whom we regard as a solid industrial owner with a long-term view," concludes Christian Sievert, partner at Segulah.



Production starts in Volvo CE´s new plant in Poland
(13.09.02) Today, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) officially opened its new factory in Wroclaw, Poland. The factory will serve as a global center for production of the new internally developed backhoe loader launched at ConExpo, Las Vegas, earlier this year.
The backhoe loader is a newly designed and developed product, meeting the highest quality standards, to extend the offering of Volvo compact machines. The machine will be built in the Wroclaw factory and sold first in European countries and the USA. Next year, it will also be offered in other markets.

"The interest for our new backhoe loader from customers and media has been very high and I'm confident the customers will enjoy operating our machine," says Mr. Didier Teirlinck, Head of Volvo Compact Equipment.

Volvo CE has invested around 5 MUSD in the new facility in Poland and will start with 120 employees.



Net Insight Introduces Gigabit Ethernet Access Module
(13.09.02) Net Insight, provider of real-time broadband infrastructure technology introduces Gigabit Ethernet Access Module. The new access module makes it possible to combine the cost-efficient and high-speed data transport associated with Gigabit Ethernet, with the guaranteed Quality of Service and bandwidth-on-demand characteristics of Net Insight's media backbone solutions. Combined with Net Insight's Multicast functionality, the solution provides an ideal platform for broadcast quality IP-based TV distribution.
Adding a Gigabit Ethernet interface to its multi-service network platform, Net Insight is able to significantly lower the costs for professional quality IP video contribution, mass distribution and high-speed file transfer.

"Media companies already have an IP strategy for their LAN and LAN to LAN data and file transfer traffic. But Ethernet's poor real-time performance makes it impossible to use the same network resources for live video contribution. The introduction of a Gigabit Ethernet module for our media network platform makes the transition to multi-service IP networks and real-time video transport over Ethernet a reality", says Bengt J. Olsson, VP Product Management, Net Insight.



Skanska appoints new President and Chief Executive Officer
(12.09.02) Skanska AB's Board of Directors has appointed Stuart Graham as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Skanska Group. Mr. Graham will move to Stockholm and he will assume his duties immediately, to succeed Claes Björk who is resigning from his present position.
Stuart Graham, 56, joined Skanska in 1990 when Skanska acquired the company where he was CEO. He has been an Executive Vice President of the Skanska Group since 2001. He has overseen Skanska's operations in the US, South America, the UK, Hong Kong, as well as the major projects business unit, Skanska International Projects.

In the process of seeking a new CEO the board has considered the need of finding a genuinely experienced manager from the industry to lead and develop a truly international construction group with extensive activities in project development and facilities management. The intention is also to strengthen the corporate functions in Stockholm to manage and control the Group's strategic development.


Autoliv Starts New Company in China
(11.09.02) Autoliv the Swedish maker of automotive safety systems - will commence operations in Northern China in accordance with a business license recently granted by the Chinese authorities. A new company will be formed as a joint venture between Autoliv and Maw Hung Industrial Corporation in the city of Changchun.
At the beginning of next year, this joint venture will acquire the existing assets and business of Changchun Engley (formerly Harbin Engley). This existing business supplies mainly seat belts. Autoliv's new company, however, will also offer airbags and a range of sophisticated safety system solutions to the rapidly developing automotive market in China. Initial contracts are for the supply of the Audi A6, the Volkswagen Jetta A2 and for local Chinese vehicle manufacturers.

The new company will be called Autoliv (Changchun) Maw Hung Vehicle Safety Systems Co., Ltd., and be designated by the initials ACC.



Precise Biometrics launches new fingerprint solution for mobile IT-security
(10.09.02) Precise Biometrics AB (publ), developers of user-friendly biometric security solutions based on fingerprints, is releasing a new fingerprint reader for protection of portable computers. With the launch of the new PC-Card reader, Precise 100 PC-Card, the company strengthens its product offering in the IT security market.
The Precise 100 PC-Card, is primarily designed for laptop users, who require a secure and convenient solution for computer access, as the laptop often travels with the user from one place to another. The user simply puts his or her finger on the easily accessible pop-out sensor to confirm identity and thereby unlock the laptop. As a user, you no longer need to remember your password.

Precise 100 PC-card offers increased security for laptops, which are generally more exposed to the risk of unauthorized access than desktops. The user-friendly design makes the product function as an integrated part of the laptop, while the use of real-time fingerprint image capturing makes the log-on routine quick and reliable. Additionally, Precise 100 PC-Card only uses one PC-Card slot (a standard slot on virtually all laptops) and can remain inserted even when traveling.

"We see a great demand among our customers for the type of product that Precise Biometrics can now offer. Secure and convenient access protection for laptops while traveling, simply by using a fingerprint, should be the ideal solution for every traveler," says Jeppe Gadd, product manager at Data Construction. one of Sweden's leading IT security distributors




Kreatel signs agreement with Lyse Energi AS in Norway
(10.09.02) Kreatel Communications which supplies IP-based set-top box systems, has signed an agreement with yet another energy supply company in Norway. Lyse Energi AS in Stavanger, has chosen Kreatel's IP set-top box system for delivering broadband services to its subscribers. This is the second agreement for Kreatel with a Norwegian energy supply company. Kreatel is also delivering its systems to Agder Energi AS.
Lyse Energi AS is planning to roll out fiber to the home (FTTH) to 20,000 subscribers during a few years time, offering services such as high speed Internet, broadcast TV channels and VoD. The first 500 subscribers are under deployment.

"Norway is a pioneer in building up the broadband infrastructure and Kreatel has taken a strong position on this market," says Lars Bengtsson, Managing Director at Kreatel. "Lyse has proven to be most competent and professional in its efforts and we look forward to our cooperation."

Via fiber all the way to the home, Lyse's subscribers will be able to sign up for a range of different broadband services. The project includes world leading suppliers such as Cisco for network equipment, IBM as the system integration partner, Tandberg Television for TV and video head end as well as for the portal delivering the services to the subscriber, Bitband for video servers, and accordingly, Kreatel for the IP set-top box system.

"Lyse Energi AS has appreciated working with Kreatel since autumn last year developing the concept for TV-centric services over a broadband network. We have found that Kreatel can offer the know-how and has the ability to deliver systems that will be in accordance with out needs," says Eirik Gundegjerde, Product Manager, Broadband Services at Lyse.



NCC to construct offices and studios for Danmarks Radio for SEK 210 million
(10.09.02) NCC Construction Denmark has secured a contract from Danmarks Radio (Danish national radio and television) to construct offices and studios in Copenhagen, Denmark. The order is valued at approximately SEK 210 million (about DKK 166 million).
The order is about concreting work for the first phase of the "DR Byen" (DR village), in Ørestaden, just outside Copenhagen. This initial phase consists of a building with 55,000 square meters of floor space..

The assignment will be performed in cooperation that is similar to partnering, meaning that the parties conduct the project in close cooperation on budget, schedule, quality issues and functionality.




Saab delivers latest Gripen, the first JAS 39C for Sweden
(06.09.02) At a ceremony in Linköping today, Saab handed over the first JAS 39C Gripen to Sweden's Defense Materiel Administration (FMV). This latest JAS 39C version adds a host of new capabilities to the Gripen, and is almost identical to the aircraft intended for export.
Åke Svensson, Chairman of the JAS Industry Group and Managing Director of Saab Aerospace, handed over aircraft 39.208 to Birgitta Böhlin, Director General of the Swedish Defense Material Administration (FMV). The ceremony was followed by an air display for about 300 specially invited guests.

"The introduction of the JAS 39C shows that Sweden is on the absolute cutting edge of technology. In addition, we have undertaken a cost- effective development effort that has benefited both the Swedish and export Gripen programmes. This is a milestone in the history of the Gripen," said Åke Svensson, in his address.

In addition to in-flight refueling and onboard oxygen generators, the latest version of the Gripen has large screen, full color displays in the cockpit, a strengthened wing structure, the ability to carry new types of pylons and new software in its computers. This combination of advanced technology and increased capabilities, brings a step change in the operational effectiveness of the aircraft over a wide range of missions.




Ericsson signs agreement with Orange Group for MMS
(06.09.02) Ericsson's position in MMS (Multimedia Messaging) has been further enhanced by being choosen as supplier of MMS technology to Orange SA and its 22 member companies, and by signing its first MMS contract with Orange France.
The framework agreement reinforces Ericsson's involvement in the development of new applications by Orange and further demonstrates its appreciation of Ericsson's MMS solutions.

Today, the deal with Orange France represents the first concrete result of this frame agreement. According to this contract, Ericsson will provide the MMS platform and related systems. It will also provide the services for integration to the Orange network, for example, interfaces to existing services such as WAP, SMS, and e-mail, as well as the services for implementation and support.




Autoliv and VW Introduce New Seat Belt
(05.09.02) The front seats of the new Phaeton - Volkswagen's luxury top-of-the-range vehicle - feature a new double seatbelt retractor system supplied by Autoliv. The retractor system consists of two automatic reels: one above the shoulder on the B- pillar between the doors and a second one built into the side of the seat.
The combination of two automatic reels gives the occupants greater freedom of movement. With a conventional one-reel system, the belt is subject to friction as it slides through an eye in the tongue of the buckle. As a result, it takes a certain amount of force to adjust the length of the lap portion of the belt, restricting hip movement and making the belt less convenient in use. But Autoliv's dual reel system allows greater freedom of movement, so that the occupants hardly notice they are wearing a belt. Reaching into a trouser pocket for a handkerchief or in other ways changing position in the seat will be much easier in the new Phaeton than in other cars without this dual reel system.

In order to keep the restraining force on the shoulder as low as possible, the reel on the pillar contains two separate springs. As soon as the front-seat occupant clicks the tongue into the buckle, an electrical signal switches the reel to the spring with the lower tension, so that the belt hardly presses on the shoulder at all. When the belt is unbuckled, the stronger spring is activated and the belt retracts rapidly onto the reel.

Because the new belt is not free to slide through the tongue, the lap and shoulder portions remain independent of each other, allowing the hips and torso to move freely without exerting a force on the other. The tongue of the new belt is more robust than conventional models to protect both portions of the belt from accidental damage or even intentional manipulation.



TietoEnator acquires Danish Araneum
(05.09.02) TietoEnator and Araneum have agreed to TietoEnator's acquisition of the Danish web-agency. The deal was announced in July and means that TietoEnator now takes over Araneum´s 55 employees as well as its customers including a number of international corporations and representatives of the public sector. The purchase price is 2,1 MEUR.
The acquisition will strengthen the company´s position in the Danish market. TietoEnator will now have approximately 350 employees in Denmark.

Araneum continues under its own name, but as a division under TietoEnator Consulting in Denmark. All the employees and Araneum´s existing management team will continue in this new division. Both parties will now focus on optimising the synergy effects of the acquisition.



Snow in the Mediterranean? Totally Board heads south
(05.09.02) Snowboarders, freestyle skiers, skateboarders, BMXers and inline skaters will all converge on Marseille, France for the fourth annual Nokia Totally Board event on Saturday, September 7. The event brings together a selection of top athletes and the latest in rap, hip-hop, drum & bass and rock near Marseille's Old Port on the coast of the Mediterranean.
"Totally Board is a great combination of sports and music, bringing the best of both to the south of France this year," said Pekka Rantala, Vice President, Marketing Services, Nokia Mobile Phones, Europe and Africa. "We are pleased to be able to sponsor such an exciting event."

A 25-meter high ramp, covered in 300 tons of snow, will act as a playground for dozens of riders competing in the Big Air event. A vertical ramp will allow skateboarders, BMXers and inline skaters to see who can clock the most air. Playing for the crowd will be hot bands like Kosheen, ROHFF, Idlewild and Psy 4 de la Rime. DJs such as DJEL, DJ Get Down, DJ Snipe and DJ Soon will entertain with their slick sounds and smooth rhythms.

During the event, the audience will be able to SMS chat non-stop with their mobile phones and messages will be displayed on huge SMS chat boards. Guerilla photographers will also be wandering through the crowd with Nokia imaging phones, taking pictures and sending the results to the giant MMS board at the event.



Revolutionary architecture becomes reality
(04.09.02) Advanced Finnish IT knowledge has been utililized in complex parts of the steel construction design of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a masterpiece of today's most debated architect Frank O. Gehry. His wildest dreams came into reality with Tekla Xsteel software. In 2003, the hall will become the home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic with Finnish-born Esa-Pekka Salonen as the conductor.
Later this week, Gehry will preside over the opening of an architectural exhibition of the Helsinki Festival to show the phases of design and construction of his work. In co-operation with Gehry Partners, the Museum of Finnish Architecture will display original drawings and an animation of computer models.

The gigantic building not only houses the main hall seating 2275 listeners, but also shops, a café, restaurant, small theatre and a unique, escalator accessible, parking garage for 2500 cars.

Throughout his 40-year career, Gehry has become known for his unorthodox buildings with dramatic curves, provocative dimensions and unusual materials. Due to its forthcoming users, the Walt Disney Hall has very great acoustic demands, and when located in Los Angeles, the seismic demands are no less important. Until today, Gehry´s most acclaimed work is the Guggenheim Art Museum in Bilbao, Spain, attracting visitors from all over the world, and not only art and architecture lovers.

- Xsteel was used to convert the architect's model into full scale, a fully detailed structural model. Tekla's intelligent model allowed the easy creation of accurate drawings and reports needed for fabrication, construction and management of the project, says Onita Salokangas of Tekla Product Marketing.



Pyrosequencing secures access to intellectual property for bacterial identification
(03.09.02) Pyrosequencing AB today announced that the Company has secured access to important intellectual property covering the use of the RNase P gene for identifying clinically relevant bacteria. The RNase P enzyme, found in all living cells, contains both conserved as well as highly variable sequences. The Company has been granted an option from Bioimics AB for an exclusive worldwide license to the RNase P gene for detecting pathogenic organisms. Under the license agreement, Pyrosequencing would also have rights to sublicense the target to potential collaborators for bacterial identification.
"We believe the RNase P gene may provide an attractive alternative to existing diagnostic methods for bacterial typing, which include phenotypic expression, biochemical techniques and sequencing whole genes, such as 16S RNA," said Björn Ekström, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Pyrosequencing AB. "Integral to our strategy, we will continue to expand the applications of Pyrosequencing(TM) technology for clinical applications while bolstering our intellectual property portfolio," he added.

"Diagnostic determination of bacterial infections today is not optimal when considering the time and complexity of many methods," said Professor Leif Kirsebom of Bioimics. "We intend to demonstrate that the RNase P gene is a valuable target for bacterial identification and that Pyrosequencing technology is a reliable, high resolution method that is much easier to use than existing platforms and may decrease the time required to complete the analysis."

>Pyrosequencing AB develops, manufactures and sells complete solutions for rapid applied genetic analysis based on its proprietary Pyrosequencing(TM) technology, a broadly applicable DNA sequencing technique. Pyrosequencing leads the global market in Applied Genomics with over 180 systems sold to major pharmaceutical and biotech companies and prestigious research institutions worldwide.



Alfa Laval wins important order for mineral processing
(02.09.02) Alfa Laval has signed a contract with Leighton Contractors Pty Limited in Australia for the supply of 84 large spiral heat exchangers to be installed at Australian Magnesium Operations' (AMO) new plant in Stanwell in Queensland, Australia. The order value is approx. 7.5 MEUR.
The Stanwell magnesium plant will produce 90,000 tons primary magnesium metal per annum. Predominantly the users of this product will be the automotive industry. One of the processes will be used to make anhydrous magnesium chloride as the feed to the electrolytic cells. The 84 spiral heat exchangers from Alfa Laval will be installed for a critical slurry cooling application in this process. Deliveries and installations will take place over a period of 12 months starting from the first quarter of 2003.

"There is a clear tendency in the processing industries to switch from traditional shell-and-tube to compact heat exchangers for heat transfer applications, which we believe is due to the considerably more compact design, higher energy efficiency and easier maintenance" says Yannick Richomme, President of the Alfa Laval Process Technology Division. "The industry becomes increasingly confident with the compact heat exchanger technology, a development that favours Alfa Laval that has a strong focus on and a world leading position in this technology."



Metso acquires the entire stock of Scandinavian Mill Service OY
(02.09.02) Metso Paper has today agreed to acquire YIT Installaatiot Oy's shareholding in Scandinavian Mill Service Oy, i.e. 51 percent of the company's shares. Scandinavian Mill Service becomes thus fully owned by Metso Corporation. The acquisition is part of the development of the Metso Future Care business concept and supports Metso Paper's aim to expand its scope in the daily service operations within the pulp and paper industry. The acquisition price is not disclosed.
Scandinavian Mill Service specializes in the paper industry service and maintenance operations. The company's net sales in 2001 were EUR 5.3 million. During 2002, the operations have grown strongly, and the company employs today 140 people in Finland, Sweden and Norway. YIT and Metso founded Scandinavian Mill Service Oy in 1999..



Ericsson demonstrates Malaysia's first international 3G mobile-to-mobile call
(30.08.02) Ericsson successfully demonstrated the first international 3G mobile-to-mobile call in Malaysia today. The historic international 3G mobile-to-mobile call was made via Ericsson's 3G mobile system in Malaysia to SmarTone Mobile Communications Ltd's 3G network in Hong Kong.
The historic call was made in conjunction with the opening of Ericsson's 3G Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) Showcase in Kuala Lumpur, with Malaysia's Minister of Energy, Communications & Multimedia, YB Datuk Amar Leo Moggie. presiding at the opening ceremonies and making the nation's first international 3G mobile-to-mobile call.

The Ericsson 3G Showcase is a fully operational 3G network based on commercial 3GPP compliant WCDMA products from Ericsson. Visitors can experience the appeal and effectiveness of advanced mobile applications, ranging from location-based solutions and games, to messaging services and mobile commerce, in a high-speed mobile network environment. The Ericsson Showcase features a complete WCDMA system and operations center.



Vodafone to launch multimedia messages in October
(30.08.02) In October, Vodafone Sweden will be launching its Vodafone MMS service, which will make it both simple and fun to send colour photos, sound and text from one mobile phone to another. During the introductory period, Vodafone will have special top-value offers for those who want to try out the service, after which it will cost SEK 4.80 to send a multimedia message in Sweden.
"This is a service we really believe in, since it combines all the potential of our new technology with man's age-old need to communicate in pictures," says Göran Mannerstråle, Commercial Director, Vodafone Sweden. "Pictures are almost as important in human communication as speech and text, and the Vodafone MMS service will help our customers to use all these channels to communicate. We are convinced that this will make for very active use of the service."

Customers can use mobile phones with built-in cameras and sound- recording equipment to create their own multimedia messages, or retrieve ready-made graphics and sound from video- and audio-banks either on-line or in their mobile phones. Users can send photos they have taken themselves on holidays, at parties or at work - in fact on any occasion and to reflect any mood - or choose ready-made photos with congratulations or good wishes.



Nokia and Korean Game Industry to Cooperate
(29.08.02) Nokia and the Korea Game Development & Promotion Institute (KGDI), today announced the signing of an agreement of mutual support for the development and deployment of Korean digital content for mobile communications.
The agreement will nurture one of Asia's fastest-growing games industries. Nokia will provide Korean developers with its matchless technical resources and aid in entering European and American markets.

"Korea has committed enormous resources to establishing creative and technological gaming leadership and we've seen an astounding number of high-quality mobile games as a result," said Vesa-Pekka Kirsi, who heads the games effort for Forum Nokia, Nokia's global developer effort. "This agreement underscores our commitment to working with some of the world's leading mobile games developers to help their games get out into the global marketplace."

"This agreement with Nokia helps ensure that our developers have the resources they need to develop applications on the newest devices from Nokia-and opens up distribution channels to get our applications into the hands of the world's leading operators in order to enable Korean developers to play a leading role in the evolution of this market," said Young-soo Chong, president, KGDI.



The EU Commission carries out Carlsberg investigation
(28.08.02) The Danish Eastern High Court today delivered a judgment in an action brought against SAS by Copenhagen Airports A/S concerning the payment by SAS for the airport company's sorting of baggage handled by SAS in 1999. Copenhagen Airports A/S invoiced SAS and other handling companies for this service in 1999.
The EU Commission has just initiated a voluntary investigation of Carlsberg. The purpose is to complete investigations already carried out by the Commission concerning alleged relations between Carlsberg and Heineken during the period 1993-96.

The investigation is voluntary. This means that Carlsberg is not under an obligation to let the Commission carry out the supplementary investigation. However, Carlsberg has cooperated loyally with the Commission throughout the investigations and will naturally continue to do so.



Judgment in Copenhagen baggage case
(28.08.02) The Danish Eastern High Court today delivered a judgment in an action brought against SAS by Copenhagen Airports A/S concerning the payment by SAS for the airport company's sorting of baggage handled by SAS in 1999. Copenhagen Airports A/S invoiced SAS and other handling companies for this service in 1999.
The judgment established that Copenhagen Airports A/S had no legal basis for charging for the service, and the claim against SAS was therefore dismissed.

Today's judgment by the Eastern High Court has the effect that Copenhagen Airports A/S must write off a claim of approximately DKK 50 million.

The judgment only concerns the year 1999, whereas the parties made a voluntary agreement for payment by the handling companies for baggage sorting services, which came into effect from 2000. This agreement was recently extended until the end of 2005.



Fifth Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup to start on September 12
(27.08.02) The Fifth Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup will start on September 12 in Valle Nevado, Chile. Visiting ten countries on four continents, the World Cup has athletes from 37 nations competing throughout the season. Nokia renewed its sponsorship agreement last year for three years, with an optional fourth year.
"As the title sponsor of the Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup for the fifth year running, we are excited about the coming season. It promises to be a thrilling one, with a full schedule of events. The Big Air Competitions - introduced to great success last year - are continuing with eight competitions, bringing snowboarding closer to the general public," said Isto Pankakoski, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Nokia Mobile Phones, Europe and Africa. "We are also sponsoring riders from around the globe who will no doubt inspire us with their efforts. We extend our best wishes to the riders, coaches and tour staff and look forward to an amazing year."

With the success of snowboarding at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics earlier this year, the fifth Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup aims to attract even more people to this sport. With a lifestyle and culture all of its own, snowboarding has become one of most popular winter sports in the world.

The Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup includes the disciplines of Halfpipe, Snowboard Cross, Parallel Slalom, Parallel Giant Slalom and Big Air, which take place in cities. The World Cup will finish on March 16, 2003 in Arosa, Switzerland.



Ericsson wins GSM deal with Turkish Aycell
(26.08.02) Ericsson and Aycell have signed an agreement for expansion of the Turkish operator's GSM mobile network in seven major cities. The agreement covers a three year period and is valued at Euro 55 million.
"This new agreement with Ericsson supports our strategy of continuously and rapidly expanding our coverage area and to providing better and more widespread services to our subscribers. We have chosen Ericsson because of our previous successful collaboration. The agreement ensures we will continue to benefit from Ericsson's expertise and support," said Tahsin Yilmaz, Vice President of Aycell.

Aycell is a wholly owned subsidiary of Turkish Telekom. Established in October 2001, Aycell is the fourth GSM 1800 operator to enter the highly competitive Turkish mobile market.

"The agreement confirms the very good cooperation between our companies, which began when Aycell was first established. The new agreement is also an affirmation of Ericsson's leading technology and services in Turkey's highly competitive mobile market," said Cem Agaoglu, Vice President and Account Executive for Turk Telecom and Aycell account at Ericsson in Turkey.



Skanska receives orders in Czech Republic totaling SEK 1 billion
(22.08.02) Skanska's Czech subsidiary IPS Skanska has received a number of new assignments. Contracts with a total value of SEK 715 M will be included in order bookings in the third quarter 2002. One contract valued at SEK 288 M is included in order bookings in the second quarter.
The largest contract, valued at SEK 437 M, is for a new head office for the RadioMobil telecom company in the Roztyly section of Prague. The customer is RadioMobil, which is majority owned by Deutsche Telekom's T- mobile division. Scheduled for completion in December 2003, the 51,000- square-meter building will house 1,700 workplaces.

This is also the case for a number of new, smaller projects for Scania, the German Kaufland department store chain, the Czech Technology University and Commercial Bank Prague. The value of these contracts is a total of SEK 278 M.

IPS Skanska is a leading building services company in the Czech Republic and has been a member of the Skanska Group since 2000.



Volvo Trucks unveils a new multi-million dollar investment in US
(21.08.02) Volvo Trucks has today unveiled an entirely new truck range for the North American market made to meet the tougher EPA 02 demands that come into force in the USA on 1 October. The project has been three years in the development, with the total investment amounting to 1.8 billion Swedish kronor (190 MUSD).
"By utilizing our global platform, we have developed a holistic solution in which we were able to optimise each and every component to meet the ambitious new emissions requirements - while continuing to maintain the excellent transport economy that haulage operators have come to expect," says Jorma Halonen, President of Volvo Trucks.

While the rest of the industry has focused on developing cleaner new engines for installation in existing truck models, Volvo has instead concentrated on developing all the various components in parallel, thus producing an entirely new truck generation that offers operators extremely competitive productivity and enviable total economy.

The new Volvo VN shares its platform with the new Volvo FH and Volvo FM models that were launched in autumn 2001 .



Metso to supply fiberboard production line to China and particleboard production equipment to Sweden
(20.08.02) Metso Panelboard will supply a Medium/High Density Fiberboard (MDF/HDF) production line to Guangxi Sunway Forest Products Industry Co. Ltd in Guangxi, China. Also the Swedish Swedspan AB has ordered particleboard production equipment from Metso.
The delivery for Sunway in China will include equipment for wood handling, fiber processing and panel handling as well as an intermediate storage system and an energy plant. Metso Panelboard will also supply process automation for the line. The production line will start up in the end of 2003. When in full operation, the line will produce 700 cubic meters of HDF or 800 cubic meters of MDF a day.

Guangxi Sunway Forest Products Industry Co. Ltd manufactures particleboard, MDF board, floor surface materials and furniture. Metso has previously delivered for the company a particleboard line, a MDF line and a defibrator system.

Metso Panelboard's units in Finland, Germany and Sweden will participate in the project.



Swedish tycoon Jan Hugo Stenbeck dies
(20.08.02) Jan Hugo Stenbeck, Chairman of Industriförvaltnings AB Kinnevik, and one of Sweden's more colourful business persons, passed away this morning in Paris, France following a brief illness.
Jan Hugo Stenbeck was Founder and Chairman of Invik & Co. AB, Tele2 AB, Metro International S.A., Millicom International S.A. and Transcom WorldWide S.A. He was in many ways regarded as a unique personality with a striking ability to recognize new trends in business. His unique prowness made him a favorite target for competition, but he always believed in commandeering his empire from the bow and in many ways championed Sweden to the forefront of the IT era.

Mr. Stenbeck suffered a heart attack at the American Hospital in Paris on Monday night and did not recover. He was 59 years old.



Skanska receives design-build contract in New York valued at USD 76.5 M
(16.08.02) Skanska USA Civil has been awarded a contract to design and construct a new rail yard and shop facility for the Long Island Rail Road. The contract is valued at USD 76.5 M, about SEK 720 M, of which Skanska's portion is 80 percent. The customer is the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of New York State. The facility will be used by MTA's subsidiary, the Long Island Rail Road, the largest commuter railroad company in the U.S.
The project will be carried out by the Skanska USA Civil unit Slattery Skanska in an 80/20 consortium with Edwards and Kelcey, a New Jersey- based engineering firm. The companies are cooperating in the design and construction of the turnkey facility. Slattery Skanska and Edwards and Kelcey are also currently constructing a similar facility for Metro- North Railroad in Bronx, New York. This contract is valued at USD 76 M.
The deal is a follow up of the last year's order for 200 Volvo city buses for delivery to several operators in Shanghai. Operators and passengers have received these buses very well.

The new facility, the Arch Street Rail Yard and Shop in Long Island City, Queens, will comprise the installation of 21,000 feet (6.3 kilometers) of track, a 67,000-square-foot, (6,000-square-meters), five- track shop facility and an 920-foot-long (280-meter) platform for interior cleaning and servicing of two 12-car trains concurrently.



One Thousand Volvo Buses to Shanghai
(15.08.02) Volvo Bus Corporation's Joint Venture for city buses in China - Shanghai Sunwin Bus Corporation - marked a major breakthrough today with the signing an order for 500 Volvo city buses with one of the leading Shanghai Operators, the Shanghai Ba-shi (Group) Industrial Co.Ltd. The buses will be delivered over the next 12 months. The order is valued at approximately SEK 500m.
The total deliveries of Volvo buses and coaches to China including Hong Kong will thereby this year reach more than 1.000 vehicles. The market for heavy-duty buses and coaches in China is around 12.000 units per year, making it one of the largest markets in the world. The demand for modern, clean and efficient buses and coaches is expected to grow in the coming years.

The deal is a follow up of the last year's order for 200 Volvo city buses for delivery to several operators in Shanghai. Operators and passengers have received these buses very well.

"We have already a strong position on the luxury coach market in China. With this order we make a major breakthrough also on the city bus market. We are happy and honoured by the fact that the leading bus operator in Shanghai has now bought Volvo products again based on their experience and evaluation of our buses. We have chosen to establish our joint venture for city buses in Shanghai, which is a leading commercial and industrial region prepared to take advantage of our state of the art buses," says Jan Engström, President and CEO of Volvo Bus Corporation.



SKF sold steel unit in the United States
(15.08.02) SKF has sold its steel ring manufacturing unit Ovako Ajax Inc in York, South Carolina, USA, to eXpert Forge & Machine of Delaware Inc. Ovako Ajax has 60 employees and yearly external sales of SEK 180 millions. Ovako Steel's sales operations in the USA are not affected by this operation.



Ericsson selected by BT to deploy first business DSL Access in Ireland
(15.08.02) Ericsson today announced that it is partnering with Esat BT, the Irish arm of BT Ignite, BT's business services and solutions division, to deploy Ireland's first DSL solution specifically designed for the business market. The contract award is in the value of €25m.
BT Ignite will use the DSL platform to offer Internet, data and voice services to corporate customers in Ireland. Ericsson will manage, support and rollout the DSL solution, comprising DSL Equipment for co-location sites, Voice over DSL equipment for the integration of voice and data over the same DSL line, customer premises equipment and integrated access devices for BT Ignite customers.

"BT Ignite is the first to offer DSL services to the business market in Ireland and we are delighted to have Ericsson as our partner," said Steve Andrews, President, Carrier and Networks, BT Ignite. "We view a partnership approach to developing our networks as key to delivering the best services cost effectively across Europe, and this is another example of how working with a leading supplier such as Ericsson is helping us to further develop our services."

"BT Ignite had set some very demanding technical and performance targets, insisting on a world class solution at a very competitive cost and I am delighted that Ericsson met their requirements," said Stefan Feniuk, Vice President of Communications Solutions at Ericsson. "By choosing Ericsson to manage the complete DSL service, and with the capacity and reliability of the solution, BT Ignite are well positioned to meet the growing demand for DSL services."



Pannon GSM in Hungary selects Nokia to supply its consumers with mobile images, sound and text
(15.08.02) Hungarian mobile operator Pannon GSM has signed an agreement with Nokia for the supply of a complete end-to-end multimedia messaging (MMS) system for Pannon GSM's network. Nokia MMS solution gives mobile subscribers the ability to send and receive text, images, graphics and sound blended into a single rich message.
"Pannon GSM is happy to further strengthen our co-operation with Nokia. We believe that MMS will enable Pannon GSM to offer the new, modern multimedia services as well " says Björn Flakstad CEO of Pannon GSM.

"We are delighted to deliver Nokia MMS solution to Pannon GSM. With the Nokia MMS Pannon GSM's customers will benefit from the latest products and services that are taking us nearest ever to the next generation of mobile communications," says Thomas Högberg, Senior Account Manager, Nokia Networks in Hungary.

Within the industry, Nokia has delivered an MMS solution since December 2001. Pannon GSM Rt. is a mobile telecommunications operator in Hungary, headquartered in Budapest. The company offers high quality GSM voice and data communication services in 900 and 1800 MHz frequency. The network is accessible in 99% of the territory of Hungary.


TANDBERG Television secures significant digital cable system order in Spain
(12.08.02) TANDBERG Television announces that yesterday it received an order for a digital cable TV system from Spanish consortium Enditel Soluziona. The order is to fulfil a contract awarded to the consortium by the Spanish cable operator, AunaCable, for the launch of its new digital cable system later this year. The value of the contract to TANDBERG Television is expected to exceed €4 million.
TANDBERG Television will provide a wide range of solutions and services to bring digital video delivery and systems monitoring to AunaCable's planned 'triple play' consumer service, which will combine telephony, high-speed internet and broadcast quality television.


ZENITEL signs a long-term service contract for the Öresund Bridge and renews with Dutch COMBONET
(12.08.02) Brussels / Oslo, August 9, 2002 - Zenitel (Euronext: SAIT, OSE: SAI) today announced the closing of two long-term service contracts. The contract for the maintenance of the radio communication system of the Oresund bridge-tunnel complex between Denmark and Sweden is for duration of 4 years. The Dutch contract for the maintenance of the "Combo System" lasts 3 years. The contracts have a joint value of 2.6 mio EUR.
"Both communication investments have been installed by Zenitel and are key references for our Service activity. Service is a spearhead in our strategy and a major profitable growth driver in our business plan until 2006. Already more than 30% of Zenitel's revenue stems from Service, including after sales service, maintenance and repair, installation and commissioning and our impressive Total Care offering. Total Care brings our customers a high-level focused service with guaranteed results at pre-defined prices. " says Patrick De Groote, CEO of Zenitel. "The fact that Oresund and ComboNet again have singled out Zenitel as their long-term service partner is a major, positive signal for all stakeholders of the company."


Skandia starts Internet bank in Switzerland
(09.08.02) Skandia Bank Switzerland today opened for business. The bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Skandia and is independent from SkandiaBanken, which is established in Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
Skandia Bank Switzerland caters primarily to expatriates, offering a range of services including deposit accounts, credit cards, mutual funds, equity trading, and accounts in various currencies.


Ericsson responds to BB+ rating by Standard & Poor's
(01.08.02) Standard & Poor's today announced that it has downgraded the long-term credit rating of Ericsson from BBB- to BB+, maintaining their CreditWatch status pending completion of the rights offering. Ericsson's ratings from Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investor Services are now aligned. The downgrade has no effect on Ericsson's rights offering.
"This downgrade has no effect on our rights offering. As we have said earlier, the underwriting agreements with our banks remain firm and so does the commitment from a group of our major shareholders." says Michael Treschow, Chairman of the Board, Ericsson.

As stated on July 26, the underwriting agreements are unchanged even if the company's credit rating were to drop to BB by Standard & Poor's or Ba3 by Moody's Investor Services.

"We consider it unlikely that our rating should fall two more steps before completion of the rights offering, and we are confident that the rights offering will be completed as planned," says Michael Treschow.



NCC receives order for the extension of the Metro system Circle Line in Singapore
(31.07.02) NCC is partner in an international joint venture which has been awarded contract, C822, for the extension of the Metro system Circle Line in Singapore. The total value of the contract is approximately SEK 1,9 billion, of which NCC's portion is 850 MSEK. The Client is LTA, the Land Transport Authority of Singapore, a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport.
The Joint Venture comprises of NCC and Econ Corporation Ltd, a well- established Singaporean construction company listed on the Singaporean stockmarket.

"We are delighted to have received our second major project with the same Client, Land Transport Authority, in Singapore." says Mr Per Nielsen, President of NCC International. "Singapore is one of our prioritized markets for project operations internationally and this type of repeat business reinforces NCC's focus on meeting, and indeed exceeding the Client's expectations from the Contractor."

Contract C822, is for the construction of two underground stations under Circle Line stage 2. It also involves the construction of the interconnection tunnels between the two stations.

Physical works will start in the last quarter of this year.



Ericsson responds to Ba1 rating by Moody's
(26.07.02) Moody's Investor Services today announced that it has downgraded the long-term credit rating of Ericsson from Baa3 to Ba1 and continues to review its rating for possible further downgrade pending completion of the rights offering. The action does not affect the underwriting of the rights offering.
"This action by Moody's does not affect the underwriting agreement from the banks nor the commitment from our largest shareholders. We are fully committed to maintaining a very conservative financial profile and the underwritten rights offering is an important element of this strategy," says Michael Treschow, Chairman of the Board, Ericsson.

The terms agreed with the banks supports the underwriting even if the company's credit rating were to drop to BB by Standard & Poor's or Ba3 by Moody's. Ericsson believes such a scenario is unlikely. According to Moody's, their new rating will remain under review until the completion of the rights issue, whereupon Moody's expects to confirm the Ba1 ratings with a negative outlook.

Credit agencies have been systematically lowering their ratings for the communication equipment industry for some time. Ericsson views Moody's decision as related to their view of the industry in general and the company believes that it will not impact Ericsson's leadership position in the market.



Metso sells the Dutch pump unit to American ITT Industries
(26.07.02) Metso Minerals, rock and mineral processing part of Metso Corporation, has sold Svedala Robot B.V. in the Netherlands to the American ITT Industries.
Svedala Robot B.V. came into Metso's possession in September 2001 through the acquisition of Svedala Industri AB from Sweden. The divestment is part of Metso's post-acquisition integration measures. The sales price will not be disclosed.

Robot B.V. is a manufacturer of submersible pumps and pump systems used in wastewater applications. The unit has annual net sales of approx. EUR 10 million and a personnel of approx. 75 people. It is located in Alphen aan den Rijn in the Netherlands. The company was founded in 1954 and acquired by Svedala in 1991.



EU clears merger between Telia and Sonera
(10.07.02) The European Commission today announces the approval of the merger between Swedish and Finnish telecommunications companies Telia and Sonera. The approval is based on the following commitments agreed by Telia and Sonera:
- Telia has committed to sell the mobile operations, dealership chain and wireless LAN business in Finland. In addition, the combined company has agreed to provide to the purchaser of its mobile operations in Finland national roaming on commercial terms and at a fair price if the purchaser does not already have a nationwide GSM network in Finland.

- Telia has committed to sell its comhem AB cable business and related network in Sweden.

- The combined company has committed to ensure that its fixed and mobile network businesses in Sweden and Finland are held in separate legal entities, which are distinct from related retail activities. The network companies' boards of directors will include an external director appointed according to corporate law. This commitment can be revised after five years.

- The combined company has committed to make available to telecommunications operators in Sweden and Finland its regulated wholesale fixed and mobile network products and international GSM roaming in Sweden and Finland on a non-discriminatory basis compared to the terms on which they are offered internally within the combined company. Pertaining to the roaming product, Telia-Sonera will have the right to require reciprocity in respect of prices, quality and other conditions. This obligation to provide services on a non-discriminatory basis is in force for a period of three years and will be subject to a fast-track dispute resolution procedure by arbitration.

The Swedish fixed (Skanova) and the Finnish mobile networks are already today operated separately. The Finnish fixed network is currently operated in a subsidiary (Sonera Carrier Network Ltd.).



Nokian tyres and Amtel enter into joint venture in Russia
(09.07.02)Russian Amtel Holding and Finnish Nokian Tyres plc have signed a letter of intent to form a 50/50 joint venture company for the purpose of manufacturing, marketing, and selling premium branded tires in Russia and CIS countries.
The letter of intent, is the latest step in a relationship between the two companies in formation of a strategic partnership. A final joint venture agreement is expected to be completed in the autumn 2002. The parties have already earlier agreed to start off-take manufacturing of Nordman branded tyres at Amtel factories in the autumn of 2002.

The Joint Venture, expected to be called Amtel - Nokian Trading, will produce tires under Nokian and Nordman brands in CIS and will have a manufacturing capacity of 3 Million tires. First Nokian branded tires are going to be produced at JV's facilities in Voronezh in 2004. Full capacity planned to be reached by 2007. Total investments into new manufacturing facilities will reach US$ 110 million with first year investment of 38 million, with the equity ratio of 30-40%.

"By combining the strengths of Nokian Tyres and Amtel, which have a strong strategic fit, we expect to create a more efficient organization committed to the needs of our customers in CIS countries", said Mr. Kim Gran, President of Nokian Tyres plc. "Furthermore, the new company has great innovative potential in product technologies and market knowledge. The elements for success in a growing Russian and CIS markets are very strong."

"The joint venture will have an impressive product range of tires for passenger cars, light and heavy trucks. Synergies in manufacturing capacity and distribution network of Amtel plus branded quality products and technology of Nokian Tyres will greatly benefit our customers, as we continue building critical mass in CIS markets," stressed Mr. Sudhir Gupta, President of Amtel. Amtel Holdings Company, a privately held company, is a leader in the tire industry in CIS countries with a total market share of approximately 30%. In the automobile and light truck market segment, AMTEL's share is even higher - over 36.5%. and now have 11 Grand Slam titles and 60 crowns overall.



Telia Purchases French and Italian assets of KPNQwest
(08.07.02) Telia International Carrier has broadened its position in France and Italy by expanding its Viking Network through the purchase of assets of a French subsidiary of KPNQwest.
Through the deal with KPNQwest's liquidator, Telia IC gets access to a duct-based high capacity network between Paris-Lille and Paris-Kehl (Germany) including a metro ring in Paris. Installed IP, SDH and DWDM equipment is an important part of the agreement.

"This investment represents a few percent of our annual investment budget and will give us a significant presence in one of Europe's most telecom intensive regions", says Erik Heilborn, President Telia IC.

The Swedish part of KPNQwest has already been picked by Swedish Internet Provider Internet5, who continue to strengthen their market share.



SEB continues to pursue sailing
(05.07.02) SEB's venture in the Volvo Ocean Race resulted in an increased appetite. The bank is now developing its commitment to the sailing sport through co-operation with Fredrik Lööf, one of the world's best sailors. Fredrik Lööf belongs to the elite of Swedish athletes, is a multiple World Champion and Olympic medallist and was nominated to Svenska Dagbladet's medal of honour after the Olympics in Sydney.
The cooperation between SEB and Fredrik Lööf stretches over a two-year period in the initial phase and includes, amongst other things, the World Championship in star boat in Los Angeles in August this year and the Olympics in Athens in 2004. "Fredrik is one of Sweden's greatest athletes, at the same time he is a very exciting person and will be an excellent ambassador for us," says Jan Torstenson, Head of Group Marketing at SEB. In practise, this means that Fredrik Lööf will be present at various kinds of customer activities, seminars and such. "Fredrik is considered to be a role model in how he prepares and carries out his ventures," says Jan Torstenson. "He will be able to bring us a lot of experiences."

SEB established itself within sailing through the sponsorship of the "SEB" during the Volvo Ocean Race. The co-operation with Fredrik Lööf is a natural next step. "We have had many good experiences during the Volvo Ocean Race. Sailing is an excellent sport to combine with exciting customer activities," says Jan Torstenson. "The connection between the bank and sailing has proven to work well in relationship building as well as in brand building purposes."



SAS Group to sell its shareholding in SMART
(05.07.02) The SAS Group has signed an agreement with Amadeus to sell its 95% stake in Scandinavian Multi Access Systems (SMART) to Amadeus. The shares are sold at a total price of approximately MSEK 1.000.
"We believe that the travel distribution business will be subject to structural changes and increased competition including a diversification of distribution channels. The ownership of SMART is not of a future strategic interest for the SAS Group and we are pleased to have reached an agreement with Amadeus, which is better positioned to support and secure the future development of the company. Further, we will enjoy the continued commercial relations with Amadeus, under the terms of our existing agreements" says Jørgen Lindegaard, CEO of the SAS Group.

"SMART operates in a region of great strategic importance for Amadeus," commented David V. Jones, Executive Vice President, Commercial for Amadeus. "We have a clear policy of supporting travel agents, within the travel distribution chain, so full ownership of SMART is a very logical step for us. We also look forward to continuing our close working relationship with the SAS Group".

Following completion of the acquisition, SMART will change its name to Amadeus Scandinavia.



International breakthrough for Kongsberg's Minesniper
(04.06.02) "The Minesniper market generally consists of all nations with a navy and with ongoing or planned programs for this type of sea mine destruction. We are working on many exciting projects these days and the UK and Italian Navy are two examples", says Ivar Flage, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
"We are proud to have been chosen by IZAR and the Spanish Navy to equip their vessels. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace will supply the Minesniper vehicle and the control system that will enable the Spanish Navy to destruct sea mines quickly and efficiently", states Marketing Manager Ivar Flage of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

The system will be deployed on Spanish mine-clearing vessels. Initially, the contract covers two vessels and carries a price tag of roughly MNOK 15. The contract has a potential value of nearly MNOK 70, including options for another four vessels.

Minesniper is also be marketed in a helicopter based version, and Kongsberg is in the process of making a larger offer to US Navy in co-operation with the US defence industry.



Trelleborg reaches final agreement for sale of the operations within Metech
(27.06.02) The Trelleborg Group has signed a final agreement for the sale of the operations within its metals-recovery company in the US, Metech International Inc. The purchaser, through its American subsidiary, is the Viking investment company, which is listed in South Africa. The transfer of ownership is expected to occur during the third quarter of 2002.
The sale of the Metech operations will result in a loss of approximately USD 3 M, which will be charged against the Trelleborg Group's earnings during the second quarter, and a positive cash flow of approximately USD 12 M during the third quarter.

"The sale offers an acceptable way to free the capital tied up in the Metech operations, while it also means that we have now divested virtually all units outside our core operations," notes Fredrik Arp, Trelleborg Group CEO.



Hydro Aluminium step up production of engine blocks
(27.06.02) Hydro Aluminium has developed an all aluminium engine block for a new high volume diesel engine. On the basis of a serial production order for this engine block and with prospects for new orders for aluminium blocks, the board of Norsk Hydro has approved a major expansion of VAW alucast, Dillingen.
The technology is developed through the former VAW Casting Business Unit in partnership with a renowned European car maker over the last few years.

Up until today, mainly gas engines could be made from aluminium. Blocks for high performance diesel engines must sustain high temeperatures and up to three times the pressure of traditional gas engines. With this new development also high-end diesel engines can be produced from aluminium.

The development, which makes production of high performance diesel blocks feasible, contains several proprietary elements. The technology offers advantages to the automotive industry such as integration of features that were previously not possible to integrate in the block as well as substantial weight savings of 30-50 kilo per block.

Ericsson wins GSM expansion and upgrade contract in Serbia
(27.06.02) Ericsson and leading Serbian operator Mobtel have signed a contract valued at more than USD 105 million to expand and enhance Mobtel's GSM 900/1800 network. Ericsson will as sole supplier provide equipment, software and services in the expansion.
Implementation will begin immediately, and when completed in 12 months will allow Mobtel to offer their customers the latest, most advanced services, including MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service). Capacity in the network will nearly double, from the current one million subscribers to close to two million.

"The enhancements this contract brings will allow Mobtel to offer the newest Mobile Internet services to our users as well as prepare us for major subscriber growth," said Sreten Karic, General Director of Mobtel.

"This represents a big and inspiring step for the Yugoslav market," said Mobtel Director in Charge Branislav Andjelic. "We are very happy to work with Ericsson. We have been in partnership with them since 1995 and will continue for years to come."



Scania in a major new deal with Russia
(27.06.02) Scania has sold 100 trucks to Russia's third-largest gas and oil company, Surgutneftegas. This puts Scania's vehicle sales in Russia for the first six months of this year on a par with the figure for the whole of last year.

All the trucks in the latest order feature all-wheel drive. The contract is for 50 three-axle tractors and 50 three-axle tippers. The deal with Surgutneftegas also encompasses spare parts, and the contract is valued at about 9 million EUR.

"Our Russian operations have seen exceptional expansion since the market bottomed out during the country's economic crisis of 1998," says PG Nilsson, the Managing Director of Scania's Russian subsidiary, Scania Russia. "Within the next five years, Russia will develop into one of Scania's ten-largest markets.


Metso supplies crushing and road construction equipment to India
(27.06.02) Metso Minerals has received orders worth more than EUR 20 million for rock crushing and road construction equipment for India's road infrastructure development. The customers are Indian and Malaysian construction companies. The deliveries are taking place during the second quarter of 2002.
The equipment supplied by Metso Minerals includes 15 crushing plants as well as rollers, pavers and other road construction machinery.

India has introduced several large projects to improve its road network and traffic connections. Current projects include three major motorways with a combined length of more than 13,000 kilometers. The largest project is the 5,800-km long 'Golden Quadrilateral', which will combine Delhi in the north, Mumbai in the west, Bangalore and Chennai in the south and Kolkata in the east. The other two motorways will cross the country from east to west and from north to south.


Telia chosen by Belgacom for international backbone contingency
(26.06.02) Telia International Carrier (Telia IC) and Belgacom are strengthening their ties. Due to the current instability in the telecom market Belgacom has reserved DWDM capacity on Telia IC´s Viking Network for an initial period of six-months in order to secure its current pan-European network if the need arises.
Telia IC will deliver 36 wavelengths, making up a total of 8 European rings connecting Brussels, London, Paris, Strasbourg, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Amsterdam, and securing network continuity for Belgacom customers.

Telia and Belgacom already have ongoing voice contracts and last week Belgacom ordered STM-1 connections to replace capacity on KPNQwest´s network . The contingency solution is another step in the current cooperation between the two companies.

- Not only was Telia IC´s offer competitive but the financial stability of the company, combined with an extensive footprint, helped to close the deal, comments Bridget Cosgrave, President of the Carrier and Wholesale Business Unit at Belgacom.


Debut for Skandia in France
(26.06.02) Skandia today opened its operation in France, marking the continued build-up of its successful concept. Skandia France will initially offer its products through independent financial advisers and brokers.
"By establishing operations in France, which is Europe's second-largest savings market, Skandia is following up its European strategy and now covers the largest savings markets in Europe," says Ulf Spång, Senior Executive Vice President of Skandia and head of the Europe Division.

Hein Donders, COO, Skandia France, adds: "Skandia France's strength is being part of a global savings company, which gives us access to global fund solutions, global analysis resources, and market-leading technology."

The French savings market is expected to grow rapidly based on the demographic trend. In addition, the country is currently debating changes in its pension system.


Axis delivers video servers to home security project in Singapore
(25.06.02) Axis Communications continues to prove its market leading position in IP-based video security and surveillance solutions. Together with local partners Axis was chosen to deliver an easy-to-use and cost-effective video surveillance solution to a new residential housing project in Singapore. The order is worth over 300 000 Euros.
The surveillance solutions to be implemented are based on AXIS 2400 video servers, allowing high quality images to be transferred and managed efficiently and cost effectively. With its built-in Web access, the digital video servers from Axis minimize administrative needs and enable security staff to view all images on or off site on a 24-hour basis. The solution also adds direct value to tenants by making it possible for them to monitor their homes through live video feeds. Residents can subscribe to broadband Internet and access "their" cameras remotely via a customized portal.

The ability to offer tenants, or house owners, a secure environment is an increasingly important part of any housing project brought to market. Surveillance solutions that add to a greater feeling of security are therefore a competitive advantage in new housing developments, but at the same time cost effectiveness is highly prioritized to be able to build secure homes with rents and costs that tenants can bear. Axis' main advantage in efforts like this is its ability to deliver tailor-fit video surveillance solutions that are easy to install, user friendly and cost effective.



Norske Skog in global agreement to guarantee employee rights
(24.06.02) A new agreement will guarantee employee rights at all of Norske Skog's mills throughout the world. The agreement - between the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Union (ICEM) and Norske Skogindustrier - is the first of its kind among the world's paper and pulp producers.
"We in Norway regard it as a matter of course that employee rights should be protected by laws and agreements," says Kjell Bjørndalen, head of the Norwegian United Federation of Trade Unions. "In other parts of the world this is by no means a matter of course. The agreement now concluded will guarantee all employees of the Norske Skog group, throughout the whole world, basic union rights at their company. This means, among other things, a right to establish trade unions, the right to collective bargaining, an obligation to provide information and minimum health, environment and safety standards," emphasises Bjørndalen.

""The agreement with the Norwegian United Federation of Trade Unions/ICEM is an expression of our will and ability to think innovatively in our efforts to be a good employer and a company aware of its social responsibility," says CEO and President Jan Reinås, Norske Skog.

"We take it for granted that all Norske Skog's activities should respect basic human rights and fundamental ILO conventions on the protection of employee rights. The agreement harmonises well with our core values of Openness, Honesty and Cooperation," he adds, pointing out that this agreement commits the company to observe basic human rights and to guarantee good working and cooperation conditions.

"This is what we do at Norske Skog, and it is an absolute requirement for our entire global organisation," says Jan Reinås. .



Enea Wins Outsourcing Order in Telecom Field
(24.06.02) Enea Realtime has won an order from Ericsson for the administration and maintenance of testing platforms for the verification of 3G radio base stations. The contract runs over 4 years and includes product maintenance, user support and further development.
"We are naturally very pleased that Ericsson has shown this confidence in us, which is an important confirmation of the correctness of the strategy we have determined," says Peter Johansson, President, Enea Realtime.

"Our plan to grow in the outsourcing area and as a provider of complete undertakings appears to be timely. In this manner, we are able to function as an external development and maintenance department to Ericsson, complementing their competence in testing and verification."



Modest interest in evening trading
(20.06.02) Stockholmsbörsen(Stockholm Stock Exchange) will not introduce evening business hours during 2002. Stockholmsbörsen has concluded that the demand is insufficient to enable smoothly functioning evening trading. Healthy trading liquidity is a prerequisite for operating a smoothly functioning and efficient marketplace. The assessment made by Stockholmsbörsen is that evening business hours would not give rise to the requisite liquidity in the current market climate.
"Our objective is to always offer a smoothly functioning and sufficiently liquid marketplace. After assessing the opinions of Exchange Members, we have arrived at the conclusion that the current demand for trading during evening hours would not be sufficient to achieve satisfactory trading liquidity during those hours. In view of this, introducing evening business hours could damage the credibility of the entire market", says Claes Urban Dackberg, Product Area Manager Equity Products at Stockholmsbörsen. "This does not mean that we are completely abandoning our belief in extended business hours. We still believe that evening trading could prove attractive when demand reaches a level that is sufficient for offering satisfactory liquidity also during evening hours," Dackberg continues.

Stockholmsbörsen engages in a continual dialog with Exchange Members, regarding such matters as business hours, to ensure that the marketplace remains as efficient as possible.



Nokia and Belgacom Mobile sign a three-year frame agreement
(20.06.02) Nokia and Belgacom Mobile NV/SA have signed a three-year frame agreement for the expansion of the Proximus brand GSM network in Belgium. Nokia will provide a full range of GSM radio-access network infrastructure, operational support systems equipment and related services.
Deliveries have already begun and will continue over the next three years, according to Proximus' needs.

In addition to network equipment, the agreement includes consulting services for project management and provides the Nokia KeyCare Package.

"We are very please to be expanding the GSM network, as it well reflects the long-term dedication we have to our relationship with our customers," says Folke Rosengard, Account Director, Nokia Networks. "Since 1996, we have been working together with Proximus starting with the building and optimizing of its GSM and GPRS network and are now paving the way to a new era of advanced mobile services."



Nokia and Belgacom Mobile sign a three-year frame agreement
(20.06.02) Nokia and Belgacom Mobile NV/SA have signed a three-year frame agreement for the expansion of the Proximus brand GSM network in Belgium. Nokia will provide a full range of GSM radio-access network infrastructure, operational support systems equipment and related services.
Deliveries have already begun and will continue over the next three years, according to Proximus' needs.

In addition to network equipment, the agreement includes consulting services for project management and provides the Nokia KeyCare Package.

"We are very please to be expanding the GSM network, as it well reflects the long-term dedication we have to our relationship with our customers," says Folke Rosengard, Account Director, Nokia Networks. "Since 1996, we have been working together with Proximus starting with the building and optimizing of its GSM and GPRS network and are now paving the way to a new era of advanced mobile services."



Kinnevik sells 1/3 of it's forests and sawmill to Sveaskog
(19.06.02) Kinnevik today announced that is has reached an agreement with Sveaskog on selling 200 000 hectares forestland, corresponding to 1/3 of Korsnäs forest as well as the sawmill operation within Korsnäs. The deal is expected to be completed during the latter part of August. Agreement has been reached between Korsnäs and Sveaskog that will secure the supply of raw material to equivalent production volume.
Over the years, Korsnäs AB has been over capitalized and has had the advantage of additional stability through exceptionally large shareholders' equity, and a very large holding of forestland. Thereby, the company has carried lower interest costs than the industry average and has also benefited from profits from its forestry holdings. Korsnäs AB shall be one of the world's most efficient paper producers in the future without these advantages, showing stable profits regardless of upswings and downturns in the economy.

The Kinnevik sale of these assets is to be seen as a step towards a modernization of Korsnäs that requires higher return on capital and through which, capital is made available for investments with greater rate of return. The price is estimated to a total of MSEK 2 060 and the capital gain to MSEK 750, assumed that prior write-ups are split equally over the forestland.


Metso proposes reduction in UK manufacturing capacity
(18.06.02) Metso Minerals is o reorganize its manufacturing capacity in the UK. As a result, a component manufacturing unit located in Charlestown, Cornwall, in the UK is being considered for closure. The factory employs 108 people and had net sales of EUR 7 million in 2001.
The factory was transferred to Metso Minerals in September 2001 through the acquisition of Svedala Industri AB from Sweden. Since then Metso Minerals has reorganised and downsized its manufacturing capacity worldwide, most notably in North America.

The Charlestown unit consists of a foundry and associated machine shops, manufacturing primarily casting components for other Metso Minerals' operations worldwide.

Metso Corporation is a global supplier of process industry machinery and systems, as well as know-how and aftermarket and services. The corporation's core businesses are fiber and paper technology, rock and mineral processing and automation and control technology.


Swedish budget deficit in 2003 will increase the supply of Treasury bonds
(18.06.02) During 2002, the central government budget will show a surplus of SEK 25 billion, according to the Swedish National Debt Office's new report .
The Central Government Borrowing Forecast and Analysis shows that in 2003 the Debt Office anticipates a deficit of SEK 12 billion. Starting in October 2002, the supply of nominal Treasury bonds will increase to SEK 3 billion per auction.

The Debt Office forecast for 2002 monitors the central government's incoming and outgoing payments on a daily basis, so that it can fund the government's borrowing requirement or invest surpluses each day. This also provides continuous material for the Debt Office's forecast.

In 2002, tax revenues will be SEK 10 billion larger than in the previous forecast, which was published in February. However, the Debt Office is no longer expecting the central government to divest any assets during the year. Net lending to government agencies will be unchanged at about SEK 2 billion. Interest payments on the central government debt are estimated at SEK 59 billion. This is SEK 5 billion lower than in the last forecast. The surplus is thus projected to reach SEK 25 billion.

For the first time since 1997, the central government budget is expected to show a deficit in 2003. This deficit is estimated at SEK 12 billion. Even though the growth in the Swedish economy is expected to be higher, the budget balance will thus deteriorate by SEK 37 billion compared to 2002. Adjusted for nonrecurring payments, the 2003 budget will show a deficit of SEK 17 billion.

Local governments will receive larger disbursements from the central government, since their tax revenues will increase. The cost of sickness benefit and higher unemployment benefits will lead to larger disbursements. Interest payments on the central government debt are projected to be as large as this year, SEK 59 billion.



Volvo Buses chosen as preferred supplier to leading Mexican Bus Operators
(13.06.02) Volvo Buses has been chosen as preferred supplier to two of the leading bus operator groups - the Flecha Amarilla and Toluca Groups - in Mexico. The new contract runs for three years with about 600 buses to be delivered per year. This agreement follows the earlier order for 900 units of Volvo 7550.
The contract gives Volvo Buses a leading position within the upper segments in the Mexican market. The deliveries will start already in mid 2002 and continue until mid 2005. The total framework agreement amounts to approximately SEK 3.0 billion.

With the introduction of the Volvo 7550, the Flecha Amarilla and Toluca Groups and Volvo have created a new standard in the market in upper class services. Volvo continues the trend by introducing the TX-platform through Volvo 9700 and extends the offer into the regular services with the Volvo 7350, built on the 7-litre platform. The introduction of the Volvo 9700 - in both a two- and a three-axle version - is a step in the global rollout of the TX-platform. For the transit service, MASA C11R with a new face-lift will be delivered.

"We are very honoured that the Flecha Amarilla and Toluca Groups have decided to choose Volvo Buses as their preferred supplier and long-term partner. The repeat order confirms our investments in a Mexican industrial base with quality products and a dedicated aftermarket operation. The operators and passengers in this demanding market have very well appreciated our products. Mexico has been the number one market in deliveries for us both in 2000 and 2001 and we are very encouraged by our customers confidence in our new products", said Jan Engström, President and CEO, Volvo Bus Corporation.



Vodafone and Anoto take 1st at 2002 Bluetooth Congress Award in Amsterdam
(17.06.02) Vodafone in Sweden and Anoto have been awarded first prize at the Bluetooth Congress Award in Amsterdam. The companies won the prize for the Vodafone Notera service which was launched in Sweden in April, and which enables hand-written texts and drawings to be sent digitally via mobile phone as e-mail, SMS or fax.
The jury explained its decision by stating that the service clearly shows how bluetooth solutions generate unique income opportunities for mobile operators around the world while also helping bluetooth become the standard for all future mobile terminals.

"Vodafone Notera is a mobile service of use to everyone using pen, paper, mobile phones or computers today, and there are also significant development opportunities for the future. It is, of course, also encouraging that the service has now gained international recognition," says Jon Risfelt, President and CEO of Vodafone in Sweden.

"The Bluetooth Congress Award serves as confirmation that we are on the right track and that mobile operators can offer an innovative, user- friendly service in their mobile data networks. The launch in Sweden is an important breakthrough for us, and the introduction of paper-based services in collaboration with a global operator such as Vodafone in Sweden will help ensure that Anoto functionality is made widely available to the public," says Christer Fåhreus, Anoto's President and CEO.



Chinese operator Yunnan MCC taps Nokia to expand its GSM network
(13.06.02) Nokia and Yunnan MCC have signed a contract for the further expansion of Yunnan MCC's GSM network. The expansion represents phase eight of Yunnan MCC's network expansion and will improve the network's coverage and capacity. The total value of the contract is estimated at approximately 75 million USD.
Under the agreement, Nokia will provide infrastructure for GSM core and radio-access networks, as well as its mPosition location-services solution and USSD messaging solution. Nokia mPosition allows Yunnan MCC to offer value-added services based on the geographic location of the mobile subscriber. Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD), being supplementary to popular SMS, enables Yunnan MCC to offer faster messaging services.

In addition to equipment, Nokia will provide extensive support services for fast network ramp-up, including project management, implementation, radio-network planning and optimization services.

"We are very pleased to be extending our cooperation with Yunnan MCC," says David Ho, Vice President of Nokia Networks China "As we see it, our stable long-term relationship brings value to both our companies. With this particular expansion, Yunnan MCC not only grows its coverage and capacity, but also prepares to expand into new service areas such as location-based services."

Deliveries have already begun and the expanded network will be operational later this year.



Ericsson congratulates the wireless industry on joining forces to promote open standards
(12.06.02) The world's leading wireless vendors, operators, software companies and content providers today announce the formation of OMA, Open Mobile Alliance, a new global organization that aims to grow the market for mobile services.
In connection to this, we see the need for a clear message on the importance of open standards to the telecom market.

Ericsson's vision is based on open standards, a driver behind the company's leading role in standardization through all generations of mobile technology - from 1G to 3G. The successful combination of consistently driving innovation and standardization is reflected in a leading market share around 40 percent in both 2G (GSM) and 3G (WCDMA/UMTS).

"Open standards are truly key to the growth of the mobile market," says Torbjörn Nilsson, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Strategic Business Development at Ericsson. "We need interoperable applications, phones and other devices, but equally important are global network standards as the basic enabler to communicate voice, data, video and pictures to everyone, everywhere. Through OMA we will continue our long-term commitment to achieve interoperable end to end solutions, which can now be promoted even more concerted."



Innovative Design Award for HÅG
(11.06.02) The largest US exhibition for office furniture, NeoCon in Chicago, has awarded the best and most innovative new products presented in the US market.
HÅG received the award "Most Innovative Product" for the new visitor/conference chair HÅG H05 Communication, designed by Peter Opsvik

The chair HÅG H05 Communication is designed to fit in harmoniously with the HÅG H05 working chairs, but fits equally well in meeting rooms and other places where people like to communicate.

"We were among the first to introduce movement in our working chairs, and are thus often perceived as trend setting in this respect", says Marketing Director Toril Bache Jenssen. "However we spend a decreasing amount of time at our desk and more and more time together with other people. For this reason we are also focusing on ergonomics in our communication chairs. HÅG H05 Communication is based on the unique HÅG-concept and provide the user with all the movement needed."

"Best of NeoCon" is perceived as the commercial furnishing industry's most prestigious design competition. The recognition gives HÅG significant attention and interest in the American as well as the European market.



Scania to supply 200 trucks to Sudan
(11.06.02) Scania has sold 200 trucks to Raiba Trans, a member company of the Elnefeidi industrial group in the Sudan. The first consignment of 25 vehicles will be shipped in July.
The trucks will be used for transport duties in the expanding Sudanese oil industry, operating mainly between Port Sudan and Khartoum.

"This is a very important deal," comments Per Holmström, Sales Director of Scania's African markets. "The Sudanese economy is growing rapidly in step with the expanding oil industry. We have a long-established relationship with this customer, which already numbers about 80 Scania trucks in its current fleet of 500 or so."

The Elnefeidi Group is active in a number of commercial areas, and the Raiba Trans haulage company is also involved in international aid missions under the auspices of the UN's World Food Program. Apart from Sudan, Ethiopia and Chad, this agency is also working in Afghanistan.



Esselte transfers production from Denmark to Poland.
(11.06.02) Esselte has decided to transfer the remaining production in Randers, Denmark to Esselte's plant in Poland as soon as possible.
Esselte has found that it is not possible any longer to maintain a cost efficient production in Denmark in comparison with competition and other Esselte manufacturing units. As earlier announced, the extension of the Polish plant was finalised at the end of last year and this unit continues to play a larger role in the European manufacturing operations.

These actions form part of the earlier announced streamlining of the supply chain in Europe by efficiency improvements and a further concentration to fewer plants.

The transfer will affect approximately 130 Danish employees.



NCC leaves Norwegian Snöhvit project
(07.06.02) In February this year, Statoil and NCC Norway signed a declaration of intent regarding work connected to the Snöhvit project in Norway. Due to delays in starting up this project, the agreement has now been canceled, since NCC and Statoil have not been able to agree on a new price.
"Statoil was not prepared to fully compensate NCC for the shorter and more disadvantageous construction period. Since all of NCC's operations are subject to the requirement that only profitable assignments may be accepted, it has not been possible to reach agreement on a mutually acceptable new price," says Per Nielsen Head of NCC International Projects.

The Snöhvit project has been delayed due to surveys conducted by ESA. As a result of this delay, NCC would have been faced with a shorter and more disadvantageous construction period.

NCC's share of the Snöhvit project, SEK 570 million, was included in orders received by the Group during the first quarter of 2002.



Winners of the Stockholm Partnerships Award announced
(06.06.02) On World Environment Day, June 5, 14 final winners were announced and received the Stockholm Partnerships Award from His Majesty, Carl XVI Gustaf, during a ceremony in Stockholm City Hall. The winners represent innovative solutions for sustainable development in metropolitan areas from thirteen countries around the world.
The winning projects are; co-operation and partnership between the cities of Emthanjeni in South Africa and Karlstad in Sweden; microfinance for development and social justice in Nicaragua; model for economies in transition in Ciechanów, Poland; an african international partnership helping to secure peace with community radio stations in Niger; model for micro financing and community development in five provincial cities in Vietnam; technology prototype for sustainable living in Inkerman Oasis, Australia; stormwater and sewerage project in Gaza, Palestinian Territories; transportation research and injury prevention programme in India; partnership for urban regeneration pattern break project in Stapleton, USA; programme for social inclusion through information society from Ventspils in Latvia; international walk to school initiative in UK; sustainable transportation with carsharing in Gothenburg, Sweden and a model for transport and public space in third world cities by Bogota, Colombia.

The 2002 Stockholm Jury Prize goes to Jeb Brugmann for his work in founding and supporting Local Agenda 21 between 1992 and 2002. He conceived the idea and the term Local Agenda 21 and he has been one of the central figures in bringing local government concerns to the attention of the United Nations.

The winners of Stockholm Partnerships Award has been selected by an international jury. They all demonstrate local impact, innovative thinking and a potential for replication or transferability. In all over 220 development projects from 53 countries have submitted entries to the Partnerships Programme. Together they all represent a "knowledge base" for urban innovations useful to cities all over the world.

The Stockholm Partnerships for Sustainable Cities conference is organised by the City of Stockholm to commemorate the global awakening of the environmental challenge 30 years ago at the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm.



Scania named Truck of the Year in Russia
(06.06.02) Scania has been elected Truck of the Year in Russia in the best imported heavy vehicle category. The award was made by a jury of the country's leading trade journalists.
The jury was faced with a choice of foreign models from Scania, Volvo, Iveco, Mercedes, MAN, DAF and Renault.

The official Russian statistics of sales of heavy vehicles for 2001 were published at the same time. These show that Scania leads the field with 29% of the market for imported trucks. Amounting to approximately 25,000 vehicles annually, the market for heavy vehicles in Russia is completely dominated by domestic makes, with western trucks accounting for only 5% or so. However, the percentage of European trucks is increasing rapidly as the Russian economy strengthens, and is now approaching 10%.

"Winning the Truck of the Year award is obviously very satisfying," comments P.G. Nilsson, MD of Scania's subsidiary, Scania Russia.



Ericsson announces enhanced 3G-ready Mobile-Packet Backbone Network solution
(05.06.02) Ericsson has released the latest version of its Packet Backbone Network , which provides mobile operators with a pre-tested and verified, carrier-class backbone with full 3G capabilities over a single, integrated IP or IP/ATM core infrastructure.
Mobile-PBN enables operators to offer new or expanded services - such as high quality mobile multimedia - in an extremely reliable and scalable way. It is especially designed for security; offering operators enhanced network protection, and improved billing, customer application and network integrity. The multi-layered security of Mobile-PBN is achieved using MPLS-based Virtual Private Networks and advanced firewalls.

"Our Mobile-PBN is already a market leader, having been deployed in more than 20 countries worldwide. This latest version fully supports WCDMA and EDGE networks, making it the first solution to offer full support for 2G, 2.5G and 3G over a single, integrated backbone and this unique solution further strengthens our leadership position," says Joakim Walstam, Solutions Manager for Mobile-PBN at Ericsson.



Skanska takes initiative to reduce construction costs in Sweden
(03.06.02) The situation within the Swedish construction industry has been a matter of debate for some time and a number of useful ideas and proposals have been put forward. Now it is time to move from words to action, according to Claes Björk, President and CEO of Skanska.
"We must strive to reduce costs in the Swedish construction industry by 10 percent and to decrease the number of production faults by 20 percent annually. This is entirely possible. This has been demonstrated by our experiences in other countries," says Claes Björk.

"One condition is that we must be able to develop new forms of cooperation involving all parties, that is, users, customers, architects, designers, planners, contractors, materials manufacturers and operations managers."

Therefore, Skanska is inviting everyone connected with the construction industry to a broad gathering to develop future forms of cooperation in Sweden.

"I hope that all of the forces involved will be able to agree on the formation of a highly competent and independent group of experts to direct the improvement process and to establish a clear-cut action program for innovations and new approaches. Hopefully, this will then result in practical action and a large number of good examples in Sweden," says Claes Björk.

"Let us together create at least 75 model projects for 2005. We could name the concept '75/2005.' These 75 projects would exemplify new approaches and would provide guidance as to once again make Sweden a role model for the world in terms of efficient, high-quality building."



Norwegian Environmental Technology Company Wins Stockholm Industry Water Award
(03.06.02) Kaldnes Miljøteknologi AS, an environmental technology company that has developed an innovative, compact and flexible biological water treatment process is the 2002 recipient of the prestigious Stockholm Industry Water Award.
The Kaldnes Miljøteknologi Moving Bed Process has benefited a diverse array of industries, enabled a worldwide business and knowledge network, and highlighted the unique collaborative opportunities between science and industry. Thanks to the technology, treatment facilities in the pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, dairy, chemical and food industries, as well as municipalities, are smaller, more efficient at cleaning water, easier to build or upgrade, and more flexible.

The award is given by the Stockholm Water Foundation, the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and recognizes the company's unique suspended carrier biofilm technology, which beneficially combines the advantages of activated sludge and traditional biofilm processes. Varieties of this patented Moving Bed Process are today applied in over 20 countries of both the developed and the developing world.

“We especially appreciate the close cooperation between the company and sound university research”, said Mr. Björn Rosén, Chairman of the award committee. "Kaldnes is an encouraging example of how an idea born in a university research group leads to an encompassing and important international business. And it is the result of some 10 years’ dedication to process development that has achieved operational effectiveness and proven results in several hundred plants.”

The award, to be presented on August 14 during the annual World Water Week in Stockholm, recognizes corporate development of water and wastewater process technologies and contributions to environmental improvement through improved performance in production processes.



Atlas Copco finalizes acquisition of Krupp Berco Bautechnik GmbH
(03.06.02) After the approval from regulatory authorities, Atlas Copco Berema AB, Atlas Copco Holding GmbH and Atlas Copco France Holding S.A. have finalized the acquisition of Krupp Berco Bautechnik GmbH, Essen, Germany, and its sister company in France, part of ThyssenKruppTechnologies AG. The purchase sum was not disclosed.
Krupp Berco Bautechnik is one of the world's leading manufacturers of hydraulic demolition equipment for the mining and construction market, with an annual revenues of approximately MSEK 600 (ME65) and 420 employees.

Krupp Berco Bautechnik will now become part of Atlas Copco Construction Tools, a division within the Construction and Mining Technique business area. The acquisition is in line with the division's strategy to expand the business in the demolition tools field.

The Atlas Copco Group includes reknown brands such as Atlas Copco, RSC, Milwaukee Electric Tool, Chicago Pneumatic, and AEG Power Tools.



Environment-friendly CHP plant inaugurated in Copenhagen
(31.05.02) One of the world's most energy-efficient and environmentally-adapted CHP plants, Avedøre 2, was inaugurated on Friday by Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark.
Avedøre 2 will be one of the most modern CHP plants in the world, with environmental values that set an example for the industry. The plant has been built as part of a necessary renewal of the electricity generation system in eastern Denmark and in order to provide some of the heat required by Copenhagen. The objective was to radically improve environmental performance by replacing older generation plants, while at the same time achieving an acceptable level of profitability.

"The building of Avedöre 2 has helped to increase our expertise and led to innovative thinking with regard to thermal power and fuels", said Vattenfall's President and CEO, Lars G Josefsson, in connection with the inauguration.

The plant, which has cost approximately DKK 4 billion, consists of a KAD unit (a power plant with advanced steam data) that uses gas or oil in combination with wood briquettes, two gas-fired turbines and a straw- fired biomass unit. Avedøre 2 has a NOx cleaning system, ash filters and desulphurization equipment. Fuel flexibility is even greater today than it was in the original plans, which guarantees that generation will be competitive in the long term.



NCC to sell properties in Sweden for SEK 4 billion
(31.05.02) NCC has reached an agreement regarding the sale of 40 properties in Sweden. The sales price of SEK 3,950 million will generate a gain of SEK 430 million for the NCC Group. The purchaser is Whitehall Street International Real Estate Limited Partnership 2001 and Whitehall Funds, which are real estate investment funds managed by Goldman Sachs International.
The sale will affect the NCC Group's earnings during the second quarter of 2002. NCC will receive SEK 3,550 million in cash on June 28, 2002. The remaining amount of about SEK 400 million, will be paid through a promissory note that will be amortized during the following two to six years.

The current transaction is in line with the Group's strategic orientation, which entails selling all of NCC's managed properties before the end of 2003. It also increases the likelihood that the Group will meet its full-year earnings forecasts for 2002, meaning profit after financial items of at least SEK 1,300 million, including the sale of NVS. The sale will also have a favorable effect on the Group's cash flow during the second quarter of 2002 and will reduce its indebtedness.

The transaction is subject to the approval of the Swedish Competition Authority. .



Ericsson stocks fall because of power cut
(30.05.02) (SNow) A fire in tunnel caused large parts of western Stockholm to come to a halt on Wedneday, forcing Swedish Telecom giant Ericsson to urge it's employees to stay at home.
A major power stoppage, which will have an effect on Stockholm for several days, was caused by a fire that gutted a tunnel in western parts of the city on Tuesday. The subway system came to a halt, banks could do no business and Stockholm's Silicone Valley suburb Kista, the home of Ericsson and the hub of Stockholms IT community plunged into darkness. The Stock Market didn't take the news lightly, and prices for Ericsson shares dropped several kronor.

Communications with the outside world will remain on a skeleton level for several days as firemen assess the damages, that proved to be more serious that first assumed. According to sources, the tunnel in question has been plagued with similar incidents no less than four times, and it was only a matter of time before this fire was to happen.




Pharmexa receives top ranking in Danish Corporate Governance Award
(29.05.02) The Danish Shareholders Association has announced the results of the Danish Corporate Governance Award 2002. The Award is based on 17 criteria around Corporate Governance and information policy in publicly traded Danish companies.
Pharmexa was ranked fifth in the Award listing, placing it among the highest ranked listed companies in Denmark. Among the 10 highest ranked companies, Pharmexa is by far the smallest company and one of just 3 companies not belonging to the KFX index. Pharmexa is the highest ranked member of the KVX index (the Danish growth index) in the survey.

Chief Financial Officer and responsible for Investor Relations Jakob Schmidt says: "We are proud of the high ranking, placing us in front of some of the largest, most well respected companies in Denmark. Since we went public two years ago, we have worked on becoming a shareholder friendly company."

Pharmexa was outranked by ISS A/S that won outright, followed by H. Lundbeck A/S, Topdanmark A/S and a trio tied for Bronze; Group 4 Falck A/S - GN Store Nord A/S and SAS A/S.



Mobile communication makes newspaper deliveries safer and simpler
(24.05.02) Sweden's four major newspaper distributors have signed a joint agreement with Swedish Vodafone for a mobile telecoms service that allows the newspaper distributors' monitoring centres to follow the work of their delivery staff via SMS while it is being done.
Tidningsbärarna, Pressens Samdistribution, Västsvensk Tidningsdistribution and Tidningstjänst have jointly procured this service from Vodafone. Altogether, the agreement covers around 5,000 subscriptions.

The telematics service will allow newspaper delivery staff to send an SMS to the monitoring centre when they begin and end their rounds. The text messages will be received by the monitoring centre's system, which then shows how the delivery work is proceeding. If one of the staff fails to report in and cannot be reached, the monitoring centre can send someone directly to the relevant distribution area or alert the SOS service.

"The security aspect was crucial when our company decided to opt for this solution. But it also generates added value for our delivery staff, since we can use the service to inform them about events within our operations that may affect their work," says Tommy Carlsson, President of Västsvensk Tidningsdistribution.

Among other things, the service enables the monitoring centre to send information about operational stoppages at the printing presses, delayed newspaper deliveries and other matters that might impact on the work of the delivery staff. In time, the idea is also to allow delivery staff to report back to the centre when there is a shortage of newspapers to deliver to certain subscribers. This will allow the newspapers' own subscription services to remedy the shortcomings and provide adequate information when their customers call to complain

"The market for tailored communication solutions is growing. Newspaper delivery staff work alone at night, so this service gives them greater security, since they know that the monitoring centre is following their work. It also provides the newspaper distributors with a form of quality assurance for their operations and enhances communication about workflows. This in turn means that they can offer their customers an even better level of service," says Anders Sjöholm, Commercial Director at Corporate & Telematics, Vodafone Sverige AB .



Ratos accepts offer for Esselte
(24.05.02) The US private equity company J.W. Childs has today made an offer for all the shares in Esselte. The offer corresponds to SEK 90 per share.
Ratos's CEO Arne Karlsson comments on the offer: "We consider today's offer to be well balanced. In recent weeks, the shares have traded at a high level, but in relation to the last 30 trading days, today's offer represents a 30% premium."

Ratos has been a shareholder in Esselte since 1947. In recent years Esselte's operations have been streamlined and made more efficient.

"The work carried out by Anders Igel and his management team in recent years has been highly instrumental in raising Esselte's profitability to satisfactory levels. However, much remains to be done, particularly regarding structural issues in Esselte's European operations. This means that this offer comes at a suitable time," says Karlsson.

Today's offer is directed to all Esselte's shareholders and is subject to more than 90% acceptance.



The Icelandic Software Fund and Talenta to merge
(23.05.02) The boards of the Icelandic Software Fund (ISF), Talenta-Hataekni and Talenta-Internet have agreed on a merger of the three companies under the name of the ISF.
Through this arrangement, those companies in Iceland that have specialised in venture capital investments in IT companies will be joining their forces, with the combined company being the country's largest single investor in this field. The management believes that by joining forces ISF will be in a better position to tackle the tasks that lie ahead and give adequate support to the firms they invest in. ISF will continue to concentrate on investments in Nordic IT companies with a clear international potential and reach.

After the merger, the largest shareholders in ISF will be: Islandsbanki, Landsbanki, the New Business Venture Fund and Bunadarbanki. Other shareholders include the largest pension funds in Iceland and other investment funds in addition to about 1,600 private individuals. Shares in the ISF and Talenta-Hataekni are listed on the Iceland Stock Exchange, and the new company will continue to be listed.

With this merger concluded, the ISF has managed to strengthen its position as the leading VC firm in Iceland - specializing in IT - a strategy started just over a year ago with the acquisition of Bunadarbanki IT portfolio, followed with aqcusitions of the IT portfolio of the New Business Venture Fund as well as the IT venture arm of Landsbanki.



Metso closes conveyor belt production unit in Hamburg, Germany
(22.05.02) Metso Minerals, part of Metso Corporation, streamlines its operations and intends to close down the conveyor belt production unit in Hamburg, Germany. The unit employs 95 persons and its net sales were EUR 11 million in 2001.
The closing has no effect on Metso Minerals' customer service. The customers will be supplied similar products from Metso Minerals' conveyor belt manufacturing units in Finland, Norway, Germany and Belgium. The closing decision is based on financial losses and oversupply in conveyor belt markets.

Svedala Scholtz Transportbandtechnik GmbH was transferred to Metso Minerals through the acquisition of Svedala Industri AB in September 2001.



Swedish Meda signs long term strategic agreement with Ranbaxy
(22.05.02) Meda has entered into a long-term strategic agreement with India's largest pharmaceutical company, Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited, regarding generic products for the Scandinavian markets. In relation to the agreement, Meda takes over existing sales of Ranbaxy in the Scandinavian areas.
"The collaboration with Ranbaxy fits well into Meda's strategy to strengthen our position in the field of generic products", says Anders Lönner, CEO of Meda. "In the coming years, several big products will lose patent protection in the territory, and generic substitution is becoming reality in several countries"

Dr Nick Douthwaite, Marketing Manager for Ranbaxy's Western Europe Division said "Ranbaxy is delighted to be associated with Meda and hopes for a long and mutually beneficial relationship. The production capabilities and strengths of Ranbaxy coupled with the marketing competences of Meda will make a formidable combination."



Nokia chosen to secure one of the world's largest private networks
(21.05.02) Top IT services company Maersk Data has installed 100 Nokia IP network security appliances to ensure secured customer data
Maersk Data, one of the world's largest providers of central IT operations, chose Nokia to ensure business continuity among its global customers. Maersk Data, headquartered in Denmark, supports customers across the world with its independent global network.

Some of these companies are dedicated to Internet-related fields such as the development and operation of Internet portals, and Internet-based marketing. Others are involved in more traditional areas such as facility management, development and networking.

Kenneth Saxskiold-Nørup, department manager for security & systems management at Maersk Data, says, "We have to protect our network for more than 500 locations across the world, so we have a fairly large network, making it one of the largest privately-owned networks in the world."



NCC to build, operate wastwater-treatment project in St. Petersburg
(21.05.02) A consortium comprising NCC, Skanska Eastern Europe and YIT today concluded an agreement to jointly build, develop and operate the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant in St. Petersburg, Russia. The project is worth a total of EUR 128 million.
SWTP is the most urgently required water-treatment project in the Bay of Finland and the Baltic Sea. According to plans, the plant will have the capacity to treat water for approximately 700,000 inhabitants in the St. Petersburg area.

The project will be implemented in the form of a Public-Private- Partnership model, in which the city of St Petersburg and private companies will cooperate in terms of financing and ownership. Vodokanal, the water-treatment administration in St Petersburg, will own 40 percent of Nordvod, the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO) will own 20 percent and NCC, Skanska and YIT will jointly own 40 percent. This will be the first Public-Private-Partnership project of its kind in Russia.

The SWTP project will also be the first project to be developed within the framework of the Northern Dimension Environmental Partnership (NDEP), an international environmental program initiated by the European Commission, the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea and international financing institutions. The project will be financed via contributions from Sweden, Denmark, Finland and the EU's Tacis program, plus loans from the Nordic Investment Band, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Finnfund and Swedfund.



Saab wins huge defence contract in UK
(21.05.02) Today, Lord Bach, the British Minister for Defence Procurement, announced e in Glenrothes, Scotland, that Saab Bofors Dynamics had been appointed as preferred supplier of the Next Generation Light Anti- Armour Weapon Programme for the British and the Swedish Armed forces.
The contract, still subject to final negotiation, is worth about 4 billion SEK including development and mass production. The development will take place mainly in Sweden with production mainly in the UK.

"We are delighted and proud that the British and the Swedish Armed Forceshave appointed us as supplier. It confirms that we are world leaders in the area of light anti-armour weapons", said Ingemar Andersson CEO for Saab Bofors Dynamics.

The contract is for joint development in order to meet both Great Britain and Sweden's requirements, with mass production for Great Britain. Sweden has an option for varying production quantities that will be discussed later.



Ericsson to supply T-Mobile with MMS technology
(16.05.02) Ericsson and T-Mobile International have signed a general agreement for the delivery and integration of MMS technology.
Ericsson is to supply and install Multimedia Messaging technology into T-Mobile's GSM/GPRS/UMTS-network. After the successful launch of MMS by T-Mobile affiliate Westel in Hungary, T-Mobile now plans to roll out MMS in Germany, Austria and the UK this summer with more countries to follow.

MMS offers an increase in mobile-to-mobile messaging capabilities by enabling colour pictures, animations, audio and video clips to be sent along with text. This opens the door to content-rich applications and services such as electronic postcards, animated cartoons and multimedia presentations.

"We look forward to helping T-Mobile introduce Multimedia Messaging and open the door to multimedia services for consumers," says Ingvar Larsson, Vice President and General Manager of Ericsson Service Network and Applications.



Atomic ski boot unit to be transferred to Altenmarkt, Austria
(16.05.02) Atomic, owned by Finnish Amer Group, announces that it is transferring its ski boot development and part of its production to its site in Altenmarkt, Austria. The existing production facility in Köflach Austria has been sold to Lear Corporation Austria GmbH. Atomic is a wholly owned subsidiary of Amer Group Plc.
The value of the sale to Lear is not being disclosed. The agreement will have no material impact on Amer Group's results.

"Ski boot development and production of ski boot shells will be transferred to Altenmarkt. This will enable us to increase the efficiency of both our production and our research and development activities. In the future we can take further advantage of the new R&D centre in Altenmarkt when developing new boots for winter sports," says Pekka Paalanne, Senior Vice President and CFO of Amer Group.

"We believe it is very important that research, development and production planning work together. The more efficient our product development process, the quicker we can react to market trends," the President of Atomic, Michael Schineis commented. Ski boot assembly is outsourced.



Atomic ski boot unit to be transferred to Altenmarkt, Austria
(16.05.02) Atomic, owned by Finnish Amer Group, announces that it is transferring its ski boot development and part of its production to its site in Altenmarkt, Austria. The existing production facility in Köflach Austria has been sold to Lear Corporation Austria GmbH. Atomic is a wholly owned subsidiary of Amer Group Plc.
The value of the sale to Lear is not being disclosed. The agreement will have no material impact on Amer Group's results.

"Ski boot development and production of ski boot shells will be transferred to Altenmarkt. This will enable us to increase the efficiency of both our production and our research and development activities. In the future we can take further advantage of the new R&D centre in Altenmarkt when developing new boots for winter sports," says Pekka Paalanne, Senior Vice President and CFO of Amer Group.

"We believe it is very important that research, development and production planning work together. The more efficient our product development process, the quicker we can react to market trends," the President of Atomic, Michael Schineis commented. Ski boot assembly is outsourced.



Vattenfall to invest a billion in the environment
(16.05.02) Swedish Vattenfall has decided to invest approx one billion SEK in a plant for increased incineration of sorted waste in Uppsala, Sweden. The plant will have advanced purification that meets strict environmental requirements.
The new incineration plant will increase the energy recovery from waste by 30% to 360,000 tonnes of waste generated by the residents of Uppsala each year. The plant will be in operation by 2005.

As of this year, it's illegal to dump combustible waste at landfill sites. Which means a lot of garbage that must be dealt with. Overall, the incineration capacity available in Sweden is lower than the demand. According to a survey by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, both recovery and incineration must increase if the ban on dumping is to be met. The investment in Uppsala provides a significant contribution in this respect.

Sweden can deal with its waste in an environment-friendly way. The sorting of waste no only leads to better materials recycling and better fuel, incineration is an efficient and sustainable way of dealing with waste. Vattenfall Värme Uppsala has substantial competence in the area of waste incineration and provides a safe delivery site for suppliers of waste. This investment, will reinforce Uppsala's position as a centre of competence for Swedish district heating.

"This investment in modern technology for increased waste incineration is an important investment in reliable and environment-friendly district heating for Uppsala. By replacing other fuels with waste, our total emissions will be lower," says Gerold Lange, President of Vattenfall Värme Uppsala. "We are very keen to ensure that all environmental aspects are taken into consideration, and will do everything to make sure that this is a plant that Uppsala residents can be proud of".



SAS Group Executive Vice President Ehrling takes the bow after new record loss
(15.05.02) Follow the announcement of a record breaking loss of nearly SEK 1.5 billion (approx USD 150 mill) Marie Ehrling, Executive Vice President of the SAS Group and current head of SAS Airline, is to leave SAS at her own request. She was the last Swedish executive officer within the SAS Group which has undergone major executive changes under the past year.
"SAS Airline is now entering an entirely new phase," says Marie Ehrling. "The organization of operations into four sections is a structural change that I have been encouraging for several years. An important milestone in the development of SAS Airline has now been reached. My current position is to be discontinued and, for me personally, it is a suitable time to seek new challenges outside SAS. I am strongly confident that SAS Airline will emerge form the crisis that arose in autumn 2001. A long-term process of change is under way in all areas within the airline: the traffic system, product and pricing concepts, distribution and control. The foundations have been laid for the modernization that is required to create a competitive SAS Airline."

"Marie Ehrling has done fantastic work at the SAS Group over many years. She has assumed a goal-oriented approach in developing SAS Airline and it is thanks to her that a great deal of the current process of change is being conducted rapidly and efficiently. She has thereby laid the foundation for the profitable and competitive operation of SAS Airline. Marie has been a huge asset for SAS. I respect, but deeply regret her decision to leave SAS," comments Jörgen Lindegaard, President and CEO of SAS.



Misuse of company funds detected in leading pharmaceutical supplier
(14.05.02) Finnish OY Tamro, who acquired Swedish ADA AB (Apotekarnes Droghandelsaktiebolag), the leading pharmaceutical distributor in Sweden in 1995, has today requested a police investigation whether and to what extent the company funds have been used for private purchases during the last few years.
In its own investigations the management of Tamro Sweden has noticed that some private invoices, which can not be connected to Tamro Sweden's normal business operations, have been paid through Tamro Sweden's accounts. The overall value of invoices detected so far is a few hundred thousands Swedish crowns. Some employees involved in the matter, have already left the company.

"We will comment on this subject only after the police investigation has been completed, if the investigation brings out some significant new aspects of Tamro Sweden's business operations," announced Marjatta Virtanen, Director of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations

Tamro AB is the leading distributor of healthcare products in Sweden. The company has distribution centres in Gothenburg, Malmö, Stockholm and Umeå. Of the Finnish Tamro Group companies Tamro AB is the largest with a 39% share of the Group net sales.



Pilot production of liquefied wood fuel start at Porvoo refinery
(14.05.02) The first pilot plant of liquified wood fuel in the Nordic countries begins production today at Fortum's Porvoo refinery. The pilot plant will use forestry residues and sawdust as raw material, which is converted into liquid fuel to be used as heating oil in housing and industry. The pilot plant is based on proprietary technology developed by Fortum and Vapo in co-operation with VTT. The plant will be inaugurated by Sinikka Mönkäre, the Minister of Trade and Industry.
Using the pilot plant, Fortum and Vapo are developing the entire production process of liquified wood fuel, including wood chips reception, crushing, drying, manufacturing, i.e. quick pyrolysis, treatment of liquids, and storage of products. The plant capacity is two bulk cubic metres of wood chips or sawdust per hour, producing 300 litres of Forestera(TM) liquified wood fuel.

The project for the construction of the pilot plant was launched in 1999. With the plant, Fortum and Vapo continue the development of a new proprietary production technology and product in order to start commercial operations. In full commercial scale, about a million cubic metres of forestry residue can be used for the manufacture of the liquid Forestera(TM) fuel. As liquified wood fuel this corresponds to five per cent of the Finnish healing oil market.

The manufacture and use of the liquified wood fuel will slightly reduce the Finnish carbon dioxide emissions. The new technology offers competitive energy in accordance with sustainable development also for the international markets.



Capacity demand increases - Telia sells infrastructure
(13.05.02) Telia International Carrier today announced the sale of 48 fibres to Telewest Communications, the broadband communications and media group. The infrastructure is on the eastern UK leg of Telia IC's Viking network, which was recently developed through the acquisition of the assets of 360 Networks in February.
The deal is the first major sale on the newly acquired network and demonstrates how quickly Telia IC is beginning to see a return on its investment, initially through fibre sales. Telewest will utilise the fibre to extend its broadband network capabilities in the UK.

"Telia International Carrier recognises dark fibre is still an active market," says Erik Heilborn, President of Telia IC. "For companies looking to build particular types of customer solution, or to develop a network in terms of expansion or increasing redundancy, buying fibre is far more cost-effective than digging up roads and laying down new infrastructure in the ground."

"This fibre is helping us to further increase Telewest's delivery of broadband services across the U.K", says Matthew O´Connor, Director Telewest's Carrier Services division: "The speed of deployment was impressive and the service provided by Telia over the course of our relationship has been excellent."

Skanska awarded power plant project in New York
(08.05.02) Skanska's U.S. subsidiary, Slattery Skanska, has been awarded its fourth power plant project in New York in recent months. The contract is valued at USD 160 M, SEK 1,620 M. The customer is Stone & Webster. The power plant project is being carried out for the KeySpan Energy Development Corporation.
The new project is for a combined-cycle power plant to be built on a site at the existing Ravenswood Generating Station in Long Island City, NY. A combustion turbine generator and a heat recovery steam generator will produce a total of 250 MW.

The scope of work includes all construction work on site, from relocation of existing utilities, site demolition and preparation, to placement of the concrete foundations and construction of the new 47,000-square-foot powerhouse building, including a 400-foot reinforced-concrete stack.

Preconstruction work for this fast-tracked project is underway. Construction will begin immediately and is scheduled for completion by November 2003 .



Milwaukee honored with the American Eagle Award
(08.05.02) Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp., a company within the Atlas Copco Group, was the overall winner of the American Eagle Award 2002. The award program recognizes corporate activities that best promote the principles of the American free enterprise system.
Industrial Supply Manufacturers Association (ISMA), and Industrial Distribution Association (I.DA) members across the U.S. annually compete for the American Eagle Awards. This year, nine manufacturers and distributors and one individual were honored with awards in separate classifications and special categories. Since the American Eagle Awards program was established in 1975, more than 400 manufacturers and distributors have participated in the competition.

Milwaukee, overall winner in the manufacturing category, is a leader in promoting the free enterprise system that is "far above the standards of most companies," according to Gary Salvatore, chair of the ISMA American Eagle Awards Committee. "These award recipients are truly raising the bar of excellence for how our corporate culture and policies can encourage our employees and communities to live and thrive together for the benefit of both."



Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Standardizes on Telelogic DOORS
(07.05.02) Swedish Telelogic, today announced that Lockheed Martin Aeronautics has standardized its requirements management processes on an enterprise-wide level, mandating the use of DOORS for all new projects.
As part of this expanded commitment to DOORS, a Lockheed Martin-led team will also build the groundbreaking Joint Strike Fighter series using DOORS as its requirements management system. The decision expands use of DOORS to encompass work performed by its partners and suppliers, including BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman.

The Joint Strike Fighter program is the U.S. Department of Defense's initiative to produce cost- effective, next-generation strike aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marines, and U.S. allies. A key objective of the program is to reduce the development, production, and ownership costs of the JSF aircraft. Each aircraft is based on a common design with standard features, incorporating unique components according to the differing needs of each service.

"We have used Telelogic DOORS for number of years. It is now our enterprise-wide requirements management solution and we use it to manage our most complex and demanding projects." said Randal K. Moore, Director, Systems Engineering at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "Through our use of DOORS we ensure that Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' quality processes and methodologies are consistently implemented."

DOORS will provide Lockheed Martin the ability to maintain complete traceability and analysis, from the rationale for all requirements and the impact of changes to requirements to details about the evolving status of the program as it moves through production, testing and fielding.



Skanska secures contract in Hong Kong valued at SEK 1.1 billion
(06.05.02) Skanska's 50-percent owned subsidiary Gammon Skanska has been contracted to build a large office complex in Hong Kong. The contract is valued at HKD 870 M, about SEK 1,140 M. Skanska's share amounts to SEK 570 M. The customer is Swire Properties.
The 40-story Pacific Forum complex will be constructed on One Queen's Road East in Wan Chai district of Hong Kong. The office tower totaling 58,000 square meters includes a 3-story basement retail area and car park. Work begins immediately and is scheduled for completion in mid- 2004.

Swire Properties is a repeat customer for Gammon Skanska. The companies have worked closely together on a number of commercial and residential development projects for many years. One of the largest was TaiKoo Place, comprising more than 200,000 square meters and valued at HKD 3 billion.

Swire Properties and Gammon Skanska will develop a partnering framework for the new project. Jointly, the companies will apply a total approach to ensure high productivity and quality and to minimize environmental impact.



Telia Overseas sells holding in Bharti Mobile
(06.05.02) Telia Overseas AB has sold its stake in Bharti Mobile Ltd in India. The purchaser is the Indian mobile operator Bharti Televentures.
The sale is expected to give Telia Overseas a capital gain of approximately SEK 200m. Total invested capital including loans amounted to SEK 528m. The sale is in line with the company's strategy to successively realise earlier investments. The transaction will be closed during the fall of 2002.

Swedish Ratos owns approx 9% of Telia Overseas and has invested SEK 328m in the company since 1996. Telia Overseas acquires, develops and sells telecom licences, mainly for mobile telephony and communications networks in developing countries. In addition to India, Telia Overseas has operations in Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Uganda and Namibia.



Icon Medialab closes down in Sweden & France
(03.05.02) Icon Medialab International AB has taken further steps following its earlier announcement to exit its operations in Malmo and Gothenburg, when the company today decided to cease the funding of its operations in Stockholm and France. The consequence of this decision is that the subsidiary in Stockholm, Icon Medialab AB, has filed for bankruptcy. This was a very difficult decision considering the history and importance of Stockholm to IconMedialab. However, a thorough assessment of the performance of the Stockholm operation during the past weeks has made the Board of the company conclude that the financial situation of the operation is not strong enough to make further funding worthwhile.

IconMedialab will continue to maintain a strong presence in the Nordic region. Our operations in both Finland and Denmark have the quality of management and professional staff to provide services to their respective clients. These offices together with the remaining IconMedialab organisation are well capitalised according to sources.

"While we consider the Swedish marketplace to be important to us, our current operation there and the weakened economic environment make it impossible for us to continue in our current state, says Robert Pickering, CEO of IconMedialab..



ABB lands Norwegian oil rig maintenance contract
(03.05.02) Norwegian Statoil has awarded ABB a five year contract covering maintenance and refurbishment contracting of it's North Sea oil and gas rigs. The contract is valued at USD 330 million and includes three two-year extension options.



Dimension designs to supply digital storage solution for 250,000 vintage recordings for Radio Sweden
(02.05.02) Swedish Dimension has recieved an order from Sveriges Radio Förvaltnings AB for a data storage solution for older archival material. The project is designed to digitize and preserve audio recordings from the archives of Radio Sweden.
Approx 250,000 recordings, totaling over 14 years in playing time is to be stored digitally. The system will mainly comprise older recordings. Rarities include a wax cylinder recording of Enrico Caruso from the late 19th century and the first children's programs recorded in 1925 by famed Swedish program director Sven Jerring.

"Many of the older recordings in our archive are being destroyed by age," says Bernt Stigson, who is responsible for digital storage at Sveriges Radio Förvaltnings AB. "Some of the wax cylinder recordings might only make it through one more playback. Now we have the chance to archive them in a better, safer manner, while at the same time making them more accessible."

The new system will primarily store wax cylinder recordings, 78 rpm records and vintage reel to reels. The material comes in part from the Gramophone Archive and in part from the Radio Archive. Some of the older documents from the Document Archive will be stored as well.

"Our solution for Sveriges Radio Förvaltning is a good example of how Dimension, as an integrator, assumes turnkey responsibility and creates a customized system," says Sven Uthorn, Managing Director of Dimension. "And we can play a part in preserving Radio Sweden's recorded treasures."


Nokia wins GSM network expansion deal in Thailand
(02.05.02) Nokia and Advanced Info Service Plc a leading mobile phone service operator in Thailand, have signed a deal worth over 50 million USD to expand AIS's GSM network. Under the agreement, Nokia will supply to AIS GSM radio and core network equipment, including Nokia UltraSite base stations, base station controller upgrades, and a mobile switching center that includes packet-switching support for GPRS service.
In addition to equipment, Nokia will provide network planning, project management, site construction, implementation and integration services for fast network ramp-up. Deliveries have already commenced and are expected to be concluded in May.

This new expansion will enhance AIS's network coverage and capacity to better answer the increasing demand for voice and data services in its GSM network and support evolution to the Mobile Internet era.

"We selected Nokia for this network expansion because we have strong confidence in Nokia's technology and professional supporting services," says Wichian Mektrakarn, Vice President of Engineering, AIS.



Wärtsilä wins European Environmental Report Award
(30.04.02) Wärtsilä took First place in the Best First-Time Report category of the European Environmental Reports competition this year, the sixth in the competition's history. The award was presented on Monday in Copenhagen by the European Federation of Accountants. Environmental reports were submitted from altogether 15 countries.
In the judges' opinion the Wärtsilä report contained all the essential elements required in an environmental report and it forms an excellent platform for reporting in the future since it is based on the Sustainability Reporting Guidelines for the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The judges also noted that the report was strong on communication highly informative: it gave a balanced description of both positive and negative news and the report's good structure made the information it contained easily accessible.



Metro has attacted 700,000 readers in France, two months after launch
(30.04.02) Metro's Paris and Marseille editions have 700,000 daily readers only two months after launch, making Metro the second most read newspaper in Marseille and the fourth most read newspaper in Paris, according to the results of an independent survey by leading research house Taylor Nelson SOFRES Médias, at the end of April.
Metro has clearly become the most read free newspaper in France with twice as many daily readers as its principal free newspaper competitor in Paris, and surpassing its free newspaper competitor in Marseille. The city of Lyon, where Metro also has an edition, was not included in the survey.

The survey, carried out by SOFRES last week, found that 82% of Parisians are aware of Metro, compared to 32% for rival free newspaper, 20 Minutes. 487,000 people over the age of 13, read Metro every day, more than twice as many as the 225,000 readers who read 20 Minutes. In Marseille nearly 20% of the population over the age of 13, or 201,000 people, read Metro every day.

Pelle Törnberg, President & CEO of Metro International, commented: "This is a very strong result for Metro France, coming only 2 and a half months after the launch of our first editions in the country."



Hutchison 3G Austria selects Nokia as sole supplier of its 3G core network
(29.04.02) Nokia will be a strategic partner for network supply and deployment in Hutchison's entry into the Austrian market.
Nokia and Hutchison 3G Austria GmbH have signed a contract for the supply of Hutchison's 3G network in Austria. Under the agreement, Nokia will supply its 3G core-network equipment, as well as operations and support service (OSS) for the core network and implementation and maintenance services.

In addition to network equipment, Nokia will provide its Network Deployment Package, which covers implementation and project management and the Nokia KeyCareTM Package to maintain the competitiveness of the network.

"We are extremely pleased that Hutchison 3G Austria has selected Nokia as a strategic partner to deploy the most innovative 3G network on the market," says Ian McCaig, Vice President, Nokia Networks. "The 3G core network solution included in this deal will help Hutchison 3G Austria to be a front runner on the road to All-IP networks and true multimedia services."



Industrivärden sells holding in door maker Besam
(29.04.02) Industrivärden has decided to divest it's holding in the wholly owned door automation company Besam to the AssaAbloy lock group. The sales price was approximately SEK 3.1 billion.
Besam has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Industrivärden since 1992. During the past ten-year period Industrivärden has helped develop Besam from a local supplier into a global player in automatic door systems. Today Besam is the only door automation company that is active in all major markets in the Western world.

Commenting on the deal, Industrivärden's CEO, Anders Nyrén said: "As a long-term active owner of Besam we focused on matters such as profitability, technology content and geographic expansion. We are pleased with our contribution and are now realizing the value that we have created at the same time Besam can continue to develop with such a strong owner as AssaAbloy."

Under Industrivärden's ownership, sales have grown from SEK 935 M to slightly more than SEK 2 billion today.



French Army orders Finnish Sisu trucks
(29.04.02) Partek subsidiary Oy Sisu Auto Ab will be delivering 110 Sisu trucks to the French armed services. The vehicles will be produced at Sisu Auto's Karjaa plant. The first of the vehicles ordered by the French Ministry of Defence will be delivered from the Karjaa plant in the autumn, but the deliveries are actually due in 2003 and 2004.
Sisu is to complement Renault's models with its heavy-duty trucks. The Sisu trucks in Renault's sales programme are an independent product brand in Renault's Kerax models. The transaction will strengthen Sisu's position as a manufacturer of special and military vehicles.



Wilson Logistics Group acquires the Swedish freight group Exceed
(26.04.02) Wilson Logistics Group, is acquiring the Swedish air- and seafreight group Exceed AB. Through the merger with Exceed, Wilson will consolidate its position as a leader on the Nordic market with global annual net sales for the Group of approximately SEK 7,000 million.
The Wilson Logistics Group has reached an agreement with the private equity company Ratos AB on the acquisition of the Nordic-based air- and seafreight group Exceed AB, which is represented through companies in Sweden, Denmark, Finland and the United Kingdom. The new group will be co-ordinated under the Wilson Logistics Group with the present MD, Henrik von Sydow, as CEO. The Group will have annualised net sales of approximately SEK 7,000 million, subsidiaries in 27 countries on five continents and approximately 2,300 employees.

"Despite the fact that the companies, particularly in Sweden, have a strong market position, joint analyses have revealed that the companies complement each other more than through simple duplication. The merger is thus a logical step for both companies. The merger with Exceed AB will bring with it an important injection of expertise as well as customers within third-party logistics, which we feel is a key strategic component," comments Henrik von Sydow, CEO, Wilson Logistics Group.



Fingerprint Cards and Global Biometric announce licensing agreement
(25.04.02) Fingerprint Cards AB has sold a worldwide, non-exclusive license to Global Biometric Corporation, New York. The license is limited to Fingerprint Cards' Löfberg patent. The licensee intends to use the patent for development of biometric enabled smart cards.
The Löfberg patent describes the design of an authentication system directly integrated in a data carrier, which may come in a number of forms such as, but not necessarily, a chip card. Both enrolment and verification take place in the data carrier. The patent describes specifically the integration of a fingerprint sensor, microprocessor and relevant algorithms for storing and matching fingerprints in the data carrier. All operations for verification of identity are carried out in the data carrier and the system is PC independent.



Pricer receives order from German Supermaket chain Metro
(25.04.02) Pricer has received an order from the leading German retail chain Metro. Beginning in 1996, Metro has installed Pricer's Electronic Shelf Label System in 53 Cash & Carry stores in Germany, and has implemented a totally integrated ESL system.
The latest order includes delivery of batteries and accessories. Deliveries will start during 2002 and will continue during a three years period. The order, at a value of at least 1.4 MUSD, follows the agreement Pricer and Metro signed in 1996 giving Metro the possibility to change batteries on their existing labels after a five years. The labels were at the time of purchase specially designed on a request from Metro to have the possibility to easily change batteries.

"The new order is a solid confirmation of the confidence that Metro has for the Pricer system. Metro is one of the most important customers to Pricer and this order further strengthens the relationship", says Mr. Jan Forssjö, President and CEO of Pricer.



Scania concentrates cab production Oskarshamn in Sweden
(24.04.02) Scania continues to concentrate component manufacture in its Swedish plants. This year, cab production in the Netherlands is being transferred to Scania Cabs in Oskarshamn, where approximately SEK850 million have been invested in a new finishing paint shop and a new cab fitting-out line.
Scania has invested heavily in its Oskarshamn cab plant since the introduction of the 4 series trucks in the mid-1990s, representing one of the biggest single investments in production facilities in the company's history.

"We have invested in higher capacity, improved productivity, higher quality and lower environmental impact. Initially, we will have a production capacity of 50,000 cabs per year which, if required, can be increased to 60,000 without further outlay," comments Anders Nielsen, plant manager at Scania Cabs in Oskarshamn.



Scania concentrates cab production Oskarshamn in Sweden
(24.04.02) Scania continues to concentrate component manufacture in its Swedish plants. This year, cab production in the Netherlands is being transferred to Scania Cabs in Oskarshamn, where approximately SEK850 million have been invested in a new finishing paint shop and a new cab fitting-out line.
Scania has invested heavily in its Oskarshamn cab plant since the introduction of the 4 series trucks in the mid-1990s, representing one of the biggest single investments in production facilities in the company's history.

"We have invested in higher capacity, improved productivity, higher quality and lower environmental impact. Initially, we will have a production capacity of 50,000 cabs per year which, if required, can be increased to 60,000 without further outlay," comments Anders Nielsen, plant manager at Scania Cabs in Oskarshamn.



Inoxell has received acceptance for its Scaffold Technology Patent
(24.04.02) Inoxell A/S today announced that the European Patent Office has issued an acceptance of Inoxell's patent on its scaffold technology.
The European acceptance significantly strengthens Inoxell's patented CellScreen technology platform, which is a versatile genetic approach for manipulating biological processes inside mammalian cells to enable discovery of novel targets for drug action. CellScreen generates effector peptides that modulate a disease or cellular pathway of choice in mammalian cells, and thus leads directly to drug targets that are functionally validated. This is distinct from many genomics or proteomics techniques that mainly generate correlative information, e.g. through the mapping of expression patterns in diseased versus normal cells. The output of CellScreen is a peptide/target pair that is directly amenable for traditional high throughput screens used to identify drug candidates from libraries of small molecules.

The expression of small, biologically active peptides inside mammalian cells is hampered by short half-life of the peptides. Inoxell's proprietary scaffold technology solves this problem, thus significantly increasing the chance of success. Furthermore Inoxell's proprietary scaffold technology has the additional advantage of targeting the peptide expression to distinct cellular compartments.

Dr. Peter Kristensen, CEO of Inoxell says: "This is an important step for Inoxell. The approval of our Scaffold Technology Patent complements our already issued European Patent covering the CellScreen technology to form a strong basis for our business."



Astrazeneca wins Losec patent case in Canada
(24.04.02) The Appeal Division of the Federal Court of Canada, has ruled in favour of AstraZeneca in litigation between AstraZeneca and RhoxalPharma Inc. under the Patented Medicines (Notice Of Compliance) Regulations.
Rhoxalpharma had appealed against a decision in the Federal Court in December 2000 in favour of AstraZeneca after alleging that its omeprazole product, developed by Andrx, would not infringe AstraZeneca's formulation patents for Losec. The Appeal Division agreed with the Federal Court finding that RhoxalPharma's allegation of non-infringement was not justified and therefore prohibited the Minister of Health from giving RhoxalPharma marketing approval for the generic product until expiry of the formulation patents in June 2009. Omeprazole is the active ingredient in Losec. In Canada, AstraZeneca has several patents covering Losec, among those are patents for salts, formulations and uses, and intends to fully enforce its patent rights. These patents expire between 2007 and 2014.



Telenor Mobile selects Birdstep as provider for their new WLAN offering.
(22.04.02) Telenor Mobile today announced that they have selected Birdstep Technology as the provider of wireless access software for their new WLAN offering. The Birdstep Wireless Access Software Portfolio is to be used as an Access Controlling Device (ACD) for individual WLAN zones.
Birdstep Wireless Access Software Portfolio consists of the Birdstep IP Zone Server for secure access and authentication, the Nomadic Portal for device-independent publication of local information by means of XML structured content, and the Billing Gateway for implementing various billing methods. The solution supports high-speed access to information and services for users of PDAs, laptops and mobile phones. Secure and continuous connectivity between WLAN Zones and GSM/GPRS networks are achieved through the integrated support for Mobile IP.


"This is a strategic and important agreement for Telenor Mobile. The development of secure, high-speed data access solutions in wireless networks is of fundamental importance for Telenor Mobile in order to provide the best solution to our customers. We experience an increasing demand for the combination of voice and high-speed data access in the mobile network in the Nordic marketplace. This solution provides a unique combination of WLAN services plus our existing GSM net", says Ingvild Myhre, Managing Director of Telenor Mobile.

The Norwegian market for these kinds of services are valued at several hundred millions for the next 3 to 5 years.



Volvo Construction Equipment opts for Made in China
(22.04.02) Volvo Construction Equipment has decided to establish a wholly owned subsidiary and facility, Volvo Construction Equipment (China) Co, Ltd, for production of construction equipment in Shanghai, China. The new facility is scheduled to be in operation as from spring 2003 and will initially be used for the assembly of crawler excavators. The company will employ 150.
The Chinese market for crawler excavators is one of the biggest markets in the world with annual sales of over 10,000 units, a number that is expected to grow over the coming years.

"Our new facility is designed to meet future customer requirements and we will be able to produce a couple of thousands of machines depending on customer demand," says Mr. Tony Helsham, President & CEO of Volvo CE.

The new company will be based in the Jinqiao Export Processing Zone in Shanghai's Pudong New Area. The investment in the new facility amounts to approximately 15 MUSD. Volvo has recently been granted the necessary business license and needed approvals.



Scania commences bus assembly in St. Petersburg, Russia
(19.04.02) Scania has commenced the assembly of buses in St. Petersburg. The company has invested approximately SEK 80 m. in a plant for bodyworking city buses for the Russian market on chassis produced in Sweden. The facility has a capacity of 200 vehicles per year and will employ 60 people during the first year.
The decision to establish an assembly unit in Russia was taken to meet the national demand for new, more reliable and more environmentally compatible buses to replace older public transport vehicles. Scania estimates that approximately 16,000 city buses per year will be required to meet this demand.

Scania's wholly-owned subsidiary, Scania Peter, will be responsible for production of the vehicles. The model in question will be the same Scania OmniLink 12-metre city bus as sold in other European countries and will be powered by the Euro 3 version of Scania's 9-litre engine. The number of Russian suppliers to the St. Petersburg production operation will be increased successively.

Russia was Scania's first export market. Scania-Vabis (as the company was then known) delivered its first vehicle - a motorised carriage - to a Russian customer already back in 1911.



SAS drops domestic traffic and opens opportunities.
(18.04.02) Scandinavian Airlines has decided to drop 13 of it's domestic air routes n Sweden, causing an immediate scramble amongst smaller airlines.
Scandinavian Airlines sudden decision to drop 13 of it's domestic routes in Sweden later this year, resulted in quick response from it's smaller competitors. Almost all routes were quickly added to the timetables of Skyways and other domestic operators, and the panic SAS created never really got off the ground.

SAS has had difficulties in maintaining a profit from the routes in question, but none of the new operators have expressed anything but joy that SAS is at last letting them share a piece of the lucrative domestic air travel market.



Public transport travel in Turku (Åbo) now possible using electronic tickets
(17.04.02) Finnish Novo has provided Turku (Åbo) Public Transport with an electronic ticketing solution, through which public transport users can buy bus tickets using text messages. The service is part of the Telepay-EU-project, in which the use of mobile phones to pay for travel is being researched. In addition to Turku, trials are underway in Berlin, Rome and Ile-de-France.
Tickets are bought by sending the text message LIPPU24 to number 16246 and responding to a confirmation request. Depending upon the telephone operator, the cost of the ticket is 4.5 to 4.8 euros. The ticket is valid for 24 hours and the trial periods in Turku will run from 15th to 30th April and 1st June to 31st October 2002.

The ticket service is based on Novo's public transport information solution, mTravel. In future, public transport users will be able to obtain timetable information and real-time directions along with their electronic tickets, in order to ensure the smooth completion of their journeys. Then, it will be possible to replace maps, paper timetables and bus tickets with the use of a mobile phone. .



Hydro opens remelter in Spain
(17.04.02) Hydro Aluminium today opened its aluminium remelt and recycling plant near Madrid, Spain. The new plant at Azuqueca de Henares will serve the Spanish and Portuguese market with an annual capacity of approximately 60,000 tonnes of primary quality extrusion ingot based on the recycling of aluminium scrap. The new plant is part of Hydro Aluminium's network of casthouses, serving all major aluminium markets in Europe and the USA.
Total investments in the Spanish plant are EUR 25 million, approximately NOK 200 million. The opening of the plant consolidates Hydro Aluminium's operations in Spain and Portugal. Hydro Aluminium supplies 150,000 tonnes of aluminium extrusion ingot to the extrusion industry in the Iberian Peninsula, and has over relatively few years reached a market share exceeding 33 per cent. In addition, Hydro is involved in the Spanish and Portuguese aluminium industry, to which it supplies aluminium extrusions, building systems and rolled products. Hydro Aluminio Azuqueca S.A. will have 47 employees.



Anoto launches ability to transmit handwritten notes as e-mail, SMS, fax or digital copy to computers
(17.04.02) Next week products and services enabling Anoto functionality will be launched in Sweden, making it possible to digitally transmit handwritten notes as e-mail, SMS, fax or digital copy directly to a computer. The market introduction is made together with four Anoto partners: Vodafone introducing the new Notera services in its GPRS net; Sony Ericsson presenting its first digital pen - Chatpen; and 3M and Esselte supplying paper products enabling Anoto functionality.
"Those partners taking part in today's product launch have been involved since the early stages and we are now passing an important milestone together. Further development of the concept will be undertaken jointly with Vodafone and other partners, and customised solutions and new private user services will be introduced gradually" says, Christer Fåhraeus, President of Anoto AB.

"Being able to present the Vodafone Notera services subsequent to intensive cooperation with Anoto, and having reached our goal on time, is highly satisfactory. Vodafone in Sweden sees a big potential for the Anoto concept, and our long-term ambition is to reach broad user groups among corporate and private customers. The commercial trials that began last autumn have shown that there is a keen interest in customised corporate solutions and this is something we will be taking a closer look at now that the core services have been introduced," says Nils Carlsson, Head of Product Marketing Management, Vodafone.

Initially Vodafone is introducing four basic services in its GPRS net, Notera E-mail, Notera SMS, Notera Fax and Notera Anteckningar. To be able to send handwritten notes a digital pen - Chatpen, digital paper with Anoto functionality, a mobile phone with Bluetooth communication from Sony Ericsson and a Vodafone subscription are required.



Saab Ericsson Space wins Space Agency contract
(16.04.02) Saab Ericsson Space has agreed to become a major supplier of computer equipments for two new European Space Agency (ESA) large scientific satellites, Herschel and Planck. The order value is in the order of 16 million Euros.
The two-satellite Herschel / Planck Project is the largest scientific space mission ever undertaken in Europe. In this ambitious project, ESA aims to accomplish major savings through joint development of core hardware for both spacecraft and also by using a shared launch opportunity on an Ariane 5 launcher in February 2007. The prime contractor for the joint missions is Alcatel Space of Cannes, France. The main contractor in charge of the Service Modules in which the SES equipment will be installed is Alenia Spazio of Turin, Italy.

The Herschel mission is intended to find answers to questions on how stars and galaxies are born through the use of infrared astronomy. The Herschel satellite is approximately 7 metres high and 4.3 metres wide, with a launch mass of around 3 tonnes. It will carry three major scientific instruments and a giant 3.5 metre diameter Silicon Carbide telescope, which at the time of its launch will be the largest telescope ever in space.

The Planck mission will try to answer questions related to how the universe was formed and what size it may have and how old it is. These facts will be derived from observing radiation that emanated from the "Big Bang" 15 000 million years ago. Planck will carry two major instruments and a Microwave telescope receiver for frequencies from 25 to 1000 GigaHertz (GHz), using a 1.5 meter ultra-high precision reflector antenna.. The Planck satellite is 4 metres high and 4.2 metres wide with a launch mass of around 1.5 tonnes.

The satellites will separate after launch to operate independently in separate orbits around the L2 Lagrangian point, at a distance of 1.5 million kilometres from Earth.



Autoliv Recieves Toyota Awards
(15.04.02) Autoliv has received Toyota's Excellent Award for Quality Performance as well as for Toyota's Excellent Value Improvement for parts supplied in Japan.
Autoliv was the only restraint system supplier among 22 other Toyota suppliers to receive this prestigious awards.

Autoliv's business with Toyota in Japan dates back to the 1980ies, when the company began shipping inflators to the vehicle manufacturer's plants in Japan and North America. Seat belt sales started in the 1990ies to several Toyota's plants. At the same time, sales began of airbag modules to Toyota's plants in Japan and North America, and have now expanded to worldwide locations. Autoliv became an early adopter of the revolutionary Toyota Production System.

"We are delighted and proud of having been selected for these awards", said Mr. Lars Westerberg, Autoliv's President and Chief Executive Officer. "In addition to our excellent quality, we think the awards are in recognition of all the efforts we have made lately to increase our support to them also in Toyota's domestic market with local production in and development resources. This is in line with our strategy to have production and tech centers near all our major customers", explained Mr. Westerberg.



Swedish Mobile operator Europolitan is now officially Vodafone
(15.04.02) Europolitan Vodafone today changed its brand name to Vodafone to elucidate the collaboration with the Vodafone group. Thereby marking the end to a chapter synonymous with mobile telephony entrepreneurship in Sweden.
"Our company has come a long way since its founding eleven years ago. It is a fantastic achievement to have joined the world's largest mobile network, a Group represented on five continents with over 200 million mobile telecom users. This means that we have the resources to bring our customers a strong service offering both at the national and the international levels, and this can only benefit both business people and private consumers," says Jon Risfelt, President and CEO of Vodafone in Sweden.

Collaboration within Vodafone has already resulted in a large number of mobile services that can also be used outside Sweden, and it will continue to do so. Recently, Vodafone was the first mobile operator in Sweden to launch GPRS roaming in three countries outside the Nordic region, and the offering will be extended to several other European countries.

"Our international services are a result of the collaboration within the Vodafone Group and we plan to launch even more international services later this year, both for pre-paid customers and subscription customers," concludes Jon Risfelt.



Orion acquiring majority stake in Sweden's second largest pharmaceutical distributor
(12.04.02) Orion Corporation will acquire the majority holding in Kronans Droghandel AB (KD), Sweden's second largest pharmaceutical distributor, from Ratos AB, a Swedish private equity company, and 3i of England. The deal was concluded on Thursday evening, 11 April 2002. The closing of the transaction is subject to the approval by the competition authorities and to the fulfilment of certain other terms in the agreement. The price of the transaction is approximately EUR 61 million and will be adjusted before the final conclusion of the deal.
The acquired shares represent 58.3% of the total share capital of KD. As Orion Corporation already owns 10.6% of KD, its ownership in KD will rise to about 69 percent. Before the transaction, KD divested its unprofitable Norwegian subsidiary, Holtung as, to the British healthcare distributor Alliance UnicChem Plc, in early April.

The majority ownership in Kronans Droghandel makes a reasonable way for the Orion Group to expand its pharmaceutical distribution business to Sweden. Orion's business division Oriola Oy, Finland's second largest pharmaceutical wholesaler, is already present in Sweden as a marketer of dental care products and has been making preparations during the past year to start also pharmaceutical distribution there. - With both KD and Oriola in the Group, Orion will have improved capabilities to meet the distribution needs of pharmaceutical companies in Finland, Sweden and the Baltic countries and to offer increasingly qualified product supply services to pharmacies and hospitals, says Seppo Morri, President of Oriola Oy.

"We have acquired the majority in KD in order to establish a strong wholesaling group for pharmaceuticals and other healthcare products for the Nordic region and in order to strengthen Orion's strategic position as a supplier for the healthcare sector" says Jukka Viinanen, President and CEO of the Orion Group when motivating the transaction. He underlines, however, that this does not mean a change in the Group's overall strategy.



Partek acquires majority in Swedish forest machine company Swelog
(12.04.02) Partek Forest has agreed to acquire 60 percent of the Swedish company Swelog Skogsmaskiner HB from Svenska Lantmännen. This will strategically bring the Valmet forest machines sales network in Sweden closer to the Partek Forest development and production operations in Umeå, Sweden.
Swelog has been the Valmet forest machine dealer of Partek since 1999. In 2001 the net sales of Swelog were EUR 62 million and the number of employees was 150.



Finland Post Corporation to outsource its credit management unit
(11.04.02) Finland Post Corporation will outsource its collection and credit management activities to Intrum Justitia Finland. Finland Post Corporation and Intrum Justitia are also expanding their co-operation; in addition to the collection of receivables past due, Intrum Justitia will now prepare credit decisions on customers for the Post and assume responsibility for sending out reminders on payments in arrears.
"This agreement is the first significant business transfer agreement for Intrum Justitia and as such, yet another step forward in our development as providers of Receivables Management Services (RMS)," says Thomas Feodoroff, Managing Director for Intrum Justitia Finland.

The Post has been a client of Intrum Justitia for over a decade. In accordance with its strategy, the Post will now concentrate more fully on its core business areas while simultaneously intensifying its existing partnerships.

"This agreement ensures that the Post will continue to obtain high- quality services and added value through the contributions of experts familiar with the particulars of the Post's credit management and the resources of a leading company in this field," says Finland Post Corporation group services director Risto Paananen .



ISS acquires CSFM (Holdings) Plc. in the UK
(11.04.02) ISS has acquired CSFM in the UK. CSFM is a Facility Services company with a solid presence throughout England.
CSFM provides Facility Services such as cleaning, mechanical & electrical maintenance (M&E maintenance) and other complementary services.

CSFM was established in 1997 as a holding company for a group of com-panies trading under the name "WE ARE CLEANING". CSFM has mainly developed through organic growth. The company has 5,118 employees and annual turnover of approximately DKK 426 million.

The acquisition enhances ISS' presence in the UK. In addition, the acquisi-tion strengthens the service offering under the Facility Services concept in the UK by expanding the range of services. .



Sony Ericsson and MPI signed an agreement to promote PC Card in Europe
(09.04.02) Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications today announced that it has signed an agreement with Mobile Partners International Ltd (MPI), to promote PC card business on a Pan-European basis. With Sony Ericsson's cutting-edge products such as the GPRS PC Card modem 'GC75' and MPI's long-standing leadership in the mobile computing solution business, this initiative is set to enhance mobile computing experience for users always on the go.
Sony Ericsson announced on March 5th that it will introduce the GC75 GPRS PC card modem to the European and US markets during the second quarter this year. As a triple band GSM (900/1800/1900) product, the GC75 can be used in over 160 countries. Using either GPRS, HSCSD or standard circuit switch data, it enables business and private users to earn a cost effective solution to be always on-line, when out of office. In addition, the GC75 is a non-extended card that fits perfectly into a PC card slot, and can remain in the laptop PC when not in use.

'The collaboration with MPI enables Sony Ericsson to respond to market demand timely and launch the products more efficiently and quickly. This agreement caters for various mobile computing integration needs that are emerging, as GPRS services spreads throughout Europe,' says Gunilla Nordstrom, Corporate Vice President of Sony Ericsson.



Marianne Nivert steps down. Anders Igel, Esselte, announced as new Telia CEO
(08.04.02) Anders Igel has been appointed to the position of President and CEO of Telia. He is to succeed Marianne Nivert who is retiring from the company.
Anders Igel joins Telia from his current role of President and CEO of Esselte, is presently stationed in the UK. Esselte is world leader in the supply of office materials, with a turnover of SEK 11 bn. Anders Igel is an ex-Ericsson Executive Vice President. During his time with Ericsson he was responsible for business activities in Spain, the UK and in Australia and in addition Head of Business Area Infocom Systems within the Public Networks Business Area.

"Anders Igel has the best pre-requisites for the job of leading Telia. His present role gives him the experience of being the head of an international and listed company in the consumer goods business. In addition, 20 years at Ericsson gave him a wealth of knowledge and a broad contact network within the world of telecoms. He has a well documented combination of far-sightedness, sensitivity and the ability to act with the vigour that this job demands. As a member of the Telia Board of Directors, he comes well armed with a clear understanding of the development opportunities that are available " comments Lars-Eric Petersson

Anders Igel, 51, holds a Masters degree in Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology and a B.Sc in Economics from the Stockholm School of Economics.



Metso to supply Eur 57 million diamond mining equipment to Siberia
(08.04.02) Metso Minerals, Metso Corporation's rock and mineral processing business area, is to supply diamond recovery processing equipment worth EUR 57 million for a new concentrator to be built in Siberia for the AK Alrosa Nurba diamond deposit in Yakutia, Russia. The order is the largest individual order in mining equipment that Metso has received. Most of the equipment will be delivered to the site in summer 2002 and start-up of the concentrator is scheduled for the fall of 2003.
The order includes the whole concentrator as well as various comminution, screening and separation equipment, such as three grinding mills. Metso Automation will supply all project automation solutions for the concentrator. The new concentrator order is a continuation to the pilot plant that Svedala Industri AB - acquired by Metso in September 2001 - supplied to Nurba two years ago. In the pilot plant, a new type of diamond sorting system was specially adapted.

The Nyurbinskaya diamond deposit is situated some 600 km northwest of Yakutsk, the main city in Yakutia. Metso is responsible for the project planning of the concentrator, including electrical and automation planning, as well as all equipment supplies.


Carlsberg beer goes Russian
(04.04.02) The Russian Baltika Brewery and company Carlsberg Breweries A/S have signed a mutually beneficial agreement which gives Baltika license to brew "Carlsberg" beer at Baltika-Don Brewery in Rostov-on-Don. This summer "Carlsberg" will thus be launched in Russia in 30 litres kegs and 0.5 litre glass bottles.
"Carlsberg" will be the international premium beer brand produced by Baltika Brewery. Production of the local premium brand "Parnassus" started in 2001.

"Carlsberg" is one of the worlds leading brands. The licensed beer segment in Russia is now developing and is estimated to take up 2 per cent of the total Rus-sian beer market in 2002.

Last year, Baltika's sales volume reached 14 million hl. Its market share of the domestic beer market is 22.5 per cent.


ASSA ABLOY aquires French INITIAL
(03.04.02) ASSA ABLOY has acquired INITIAL - the local distributor of ABLOY in France. INITIAL is specialized in electromechanical locking solutions and is ABLOY's distributor since many years. The company has sales of EUR 3.3 M and shows good growth and profitability
The company will be re-named ABLOY France and will continue to serve their customers and develop their business based on the ABLOY product program.

The four dual-fuel engined generating sets will meet all the ship's propulsion and shipboard electrical requirements. The Wärtsilä 6L50DF engines each develop 5700 kW at 514 rev/min.This membrane-type vessel (GTT-CS1) will be employed transporting LNG from Skikda in Algeria to Fos near Marseilles. This round voyage will take about one week at a service speed of 16 knots, which can be achieved with three of the four generating sets.

The ship is also designed for spot market trading, such as voyages to the USA. For such times, the service speed can be 18.5 knots using all four generating sets.



LNG carrier breakthrough for Wärtsilä
(03.04.02) Wärtsilä Corporation has received an order to supply four Wärtsilä 6L50DF dual-fuel engines to power a 75,000 m3 LNG carrier contracted by the French gas holding company Gaz de France at the French shipyard Chantiers de l'Atlantique.
Due for delivery in 2004, this newbuilding is breaking away from traditional practices in the propulsion of LNG (liquefied natural gas) carriers. It will be the first LNG carrier to be powered by electric propulsion, and one of few to have internal-combustion engines instead of the more usual steam turbine plant.

Autoliv Launches Smart Seat Belts
(03.04.02) Autoliv has started to introduce a seat belt system which can adapt its restraining force - and hence the load on the occupant - to the severity of the crash and to the restraining force of the airbag. In future vehicles this technological breakthrough will also enable the seat belt to adjust its restraining force to each occupant..
This new smart seat belt will be particularly beneficial for the elderly and for small women. The new improvement is currently being introduced globally on the new BMW 7-series and the new Mercedes E-Class.

High chest loads and rib fractures is a growing concern, since the population of elderly car occupants is increasing and the rib cage of a 60-year occupant can only take half as much load as the body of an individual in his twenties. Already in 1995, Autoliv helped address this issue by introducing seat belts with static load limiters. This mechanism allows the seat belt retractor to release a little webbing in a controlled manner before the load on the occupant becomes dangerously high. The airbag with its larger surface area is used instead to absorb a greater part of the crash energy. Six years after the initial launch, almost all of Autoliv's customers use this improvement in their front belt systems

Together with BMW and Mercedes, Autoliv is now introducing load limiters that can apply two different restraining levels. Depending on which sensor or sensors that are used, the load on the occupant can therefore be adjusted to the circumstances of each crash, such as the size and position of the occupant and the crash severity.

"We have equipped the retractor in our smart seat belt with a gear box" explained Autoliv's project leader Günter Clute, and continued: "In a crash, our smart seat belt starts - as in most modern seat belt systems - by tightening the belt up to 15 cm, using a pyrotechnic pretensioner. This eliminates slack and makes it possible to release some webbing at a later stage, if the load on the occupant becomes too high"

"In a traditional system, the loads to the occupant from the seat belt and the airbag are added to each other when the bag also starts to restrain the occupant. But in our smart seat belt, the system just shifts into the second, lighter gear to maintain the restraining force at a relatively constant level", said Autoliv's Günter Clute.

"And if the car has an occupant classification system, the smart seat belt can also adjust itself to each individual. Since many women are more susceptible to high belt loads than the average person, and these individuals do not need the same restraining force as a larger occupant, our latest seat belt enhancement could be especially important for female occupants", concluded Autoliv's project leader.


Metro distributed free from disruption in Paris, France
(02.04.02) Metro International, the Swedish owned newspaper group, today announced that its Paris edition is now being printed and distributed without disruption in France's capital city, following union approval of its agreement with Presse Alliance last week. The Metro newspaper is being printed at the Presse Alliance print works in Aubervilliers, and distributed in the Greater Paris area, free from the protests that have disrupted the circulation of the paper since its launch on 18th February.
Metro's agreement with the CGT Union on 7th March, which allowed for the peaceful printing and distribution of the Metro newspaper in Marseille and Lyon, has now been extended to include Paris.

Pelle Törnberg, President & CEO of Metro International, commented: "We are delighted to have been able to resolve the dispute in Paris. Now we can get on with the business of delivering the Metro daily newspaper into the hands of the readers. "



Telia's CEO was kept in the dark prior to Mega Merger
(31.03.02) (SNow) According to Ny Teknik, published by The Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers, Telia's CEO Marianne Nivert was not informed of the pending mega merger with Finnish Sonera until the very last moment. This request was demanded by Sonera.
Instead it was Telia's CFO Bo Jacobsson who played the cards for the Swedish Telecom giant, and the task of informing the Government and Prime Minister Göran Persson was bestowed upon former Volvo CEO Pehr G Gyllenhammar, with one exception. Sources say that Minister of Commerce Björn Rosengren was also unaware of what was in progress.

Rumours in Finnish press that chairmen of the boards of the two companies Tapio Hintikka and Lars-Eric Petersson had discussed, and met with approval for the merger by EU officials have been denied. The two companies have however been in preliminary contact with the European Commission and have said they will notify the transaction in due course.



No new efficiency program, says Ericsson
(28.03.02) There are no grounds for the information circulating in Swedish press today, that speculates about a new efficiency program leading to 25000 redundancies at Ericsson, according to a news release from the company today.
"In a long-term perspective, I have strong optimism for Ericsson and for the 3G market," said President and CEO Kurt Hellström in his speech to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting yesterday.

"The change process and the pursuit of savings will never come to an end. They will be part of our daily operations for as long as we are active in a competitive market", Mr. Hellström said. "We cannot yet foresee a turnaround. For Ericsson, the arduous task of adapting to the situation continues. At the same time, we are safeguarding our leading position and achieving new market successes."



ReadSoft wins Best of AIIM
(27.03.02) For the fifth time, ReadSoft has received "Best of AIIM" from the American magazine Transform. The award recognizes the most innovative products at the annual, world-leading document management exhibition AIIM. This time, ReadSoft's INVOICES technology is praised for its forward-thinking, SAP integration, and eMail and web functionality.
The AIIM show, this year held in San Francisco, is recognized as the most important event in Document handling and imaging.

Jan Andersson, CEO at ReadSoft, comments: "Invoices is a really strong product line with outstanding market possibilities and we continually develop the concept. The latest additions with functionality for email and web invoices is ground- breaking and the Integration Option Pack for SAP opens up an enormous marketplace. At AIIM we where able to show the advancements our technology has made and the award confirms our strong position as the market leader, driving innovation in this area."



Telia merges with Finnish Telecom Sonera
(26.03.02) (SNow) Yesterdays rumors of a merger between the two Nordic Telecom giants, Swedish Telia and Finnish Sonera, became official today but the Stockholm and Helsinki Stock Exchange were slow in reacting.
The week before Easter is traditionally a slow week in the Stock Trading world but there were hopes that the Telia/Sonera merger talks would spice things up a little. This afternoon, when the plans became official, the trading showed little signs of the Mega Merger.

The nordic telecoms have been under careful scrutiny from traders over the last few months, and Telias step to incorporate Sonera's progressive 3G portfolio into it's current mixture of traditional telecom business and broadband, seems to be an attempt to shake off the schackles of yesterday, and prove to the plentiful shareholders that Telia holds the key to the future. Telia shares are currently being traded at 45 percent of it's introductory price.

Telia will hold 64 percent of the new corporation and Sonera 36 percent. Telia will sell off it Mobile telecom business.

Sonera shareholders will be offered 1.5 Telia share for each Sonera share.

Read more



Axis network cameras increase security in Italian retail stores
(26.03.02) Axis Communications has signed an agreement with Italian partner Excelsa Srl. for the delivery of AXIS network cameras will be installed in retail shops all across Italy as part of an initiative by an Italian trade association to increase store security. The initial order is valued at more than 120 000 Euros.
Excelsa Srl. is well established and a pioneer for network video solutions in the Italian security and surveillance market. Through its subsidiary Real Time Security Srl, Excelsa offers cost effective and easy-to-use surveillance solutions especially designed to fit the needs of small businesses and stores. The solution that now will be installed in a large number of stores across Italy is as easy to install, as it is effective to use. The solution consists of an AXIS 2100 Network Camera, a broad phone line (ADSL) and allows remote access of high quality images as well as recording of live images on a centralized server managed by Real Time Security.

"To be able to serve the needs of our customers in this project we needed a device that could send video signals over an IP network without overloading it", said Mr. Gianluca Longo, Managing Director of Excelsa. "Axis' products and technology make it possible for us to deliver first class solutions with a minimum of hardware investments."




Saab receives order worth SEK 300 million from India
(25.03.02) The Saab-owned company FFV Ordnance AB has signed a contract with the Indian armed forces to upgrade their Carl-Gustaf anti-tank system. The contract is worth approximately SEK 300 million and covers both weapons and ammunition.
"We are extremely pleased with this order, which shows that there is still confidence in the Carl-Gustaf system which was introduced into the Indian army back in 1974," says Sören Gindahl, MD of FFV Ordnance AB.

Production will be carried out by Saab Bofors Dynamics in Karlskoga and Eskilstuna. The first deliveries will take place within eight months, and will then continue for roughly two years.



Telia in discussions with Sonera
(25.03.02) Telia confirms that it is in discussions with Sonera regarding a merger between Swedish Telia and Finnish Sonera. It is too early to estimate any potential outcome of these discussions.
Telia will make no further comment until the circumstances necessitate further announcement.



Ericsson rebuts rumors reported by Dow Jones Newswires: No new guidance given
(22.03.02) Ericsson strongly denies the statements attributed to Ericsson reported by Dow Jones Newswires quoting an unconfirmed broker's memo claiming that Ericsson had given new or changed guidance for 2002 during a meeting with UBS Warburg on March 12, 2002 in Hanover, Germany.
"We explicitly stated during the meeting that there is no change in our guidance or outlook for this year. The same information was also publicly expressed in our press conference at Cebit earlier in the day. It is absurd to think that we would revise our guidance during a private meeting with UBS Warburg a few hours later," said Mats Dahlin, Executive Vice President and Head of Market Area Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Gary Pinkham, Vice President Investor Relations, both present at the meeting.


Ratos divests its Hilton shareholding
(22.03.02) Ratos today announces that it has sold its total shareholding in Hilton Group plc - a shareholding which was received as a part of the payment for Scandic Hotels in April 2001. Hilton has agreed with Ratos AB on an early release from the lock-up on the shares.
This lock up was due to expire on 22 April 2002. The 17,627,886 shares, representing 1.1 % of the issued share capital of Hilton, have been purchased by Deutsche Bank AG London who are placing them with institutional investors. As a result of this sale Ratos has no remaining holding in Hilton.

The sale of shares totals more than SEK 600m and gives Ratos an exit gain of approximately SEK 50m. The annual Internal Rate of Return (IRR) on Ratos investment in Hilton Group is somewhat less than 15 %. Ratos will receive a dividend for year 2001 of SEK 14m in June.


EC approves SCA's acquisition of CartoInvest
(21.03.02) The European Commission has approved SCA's acquisition of the Italian tissue producer CartoInvest. SCA will, which has been communicated in a press release from SCA dated 19 February 2002, pay EUR 301 M for the shares in CartoInvest, and assume debt of EUR 171 M.
The preliminary acquisition analysis indicates that goodwill, after provision for restructuring costs, will amount to about EUR 220 M. The restructuring costs, which are estimated at EUR 25 M, pertain to nonrecurring expenses for integrating CartoInvest's operations with SCA's. Measures comprise combining sales organizations, integration of production and distribution, coordination of administrative functions and similar actions. SCA will consolidate CartoInvest's operations as of 1 April 2002.

With sales of approximately EUR 440 M, CartoInvest is today the fourth largest consumer tissue producer in Europe. As a result of the acquisition, SCA confirms its position as the leading European producer of tissue. SCA increases its European value share of the retailers' brands market (private label) from 24 percent to about 32 percent and in the total consumer tissue market from 20 percent to about 25 percent.

In Italy, SCA attains as a result of the acquisition a number three position, with a 10 percent market share for consumer tissue.


Trendier service and only one travel class onboard SAS with Scandinavian Direct
(20.03.02) In conjunction with its launch of Scandinavian Direct, SAS is changing its onboard service. There will be only one travel class and all passengers will enjoy the same level of service.
The change in the onboard service concept, like other changes, is mainly based on customer surveys carried out by SAS. "Our customer surveys clearly show that customers want a change especially in short-haul flights. They want a simplified product for a lower price," says Ulf Ingnäs, Director Product Management Inflight at SAS Airline. "Frequent flyers who travel shorter distances want their travel to be as convenient as possible. They have indicated that they want a smarter, more efficient product.

"Taking customer preferences and SAS's own cost-cutting requirements as our guidelines, we developed a new concept for onboard service that is geared toward shorter flights. The concept will initially be launched on intra-Scandinavian flights as well as on all domestic fights."

Breakfast important
The Scandinavian Direct service concept varies with the duration of the flight. A key element of the concept is breakfast, which is served on all flights until 9:30 a.m. "Flight length determines what we can serve onboard. On a flight that is 50 minutes or shorter, we have a 12-15-minute window in which to serve a meal. We want passengers on such flights to be able to have their breakfast without feeling rushed," says Ulf Ingnäs.

Simplicity and variation
The new concept is divided into two periods - breakfast, and all other times during the day and night. The current service concept is divided into five periods. SAS is now focusing instead on two concepts that offer greater inherent variation. "Our frequent flyers often fly regularly at the same time and would prefer us to vary our range rather than offer different concepts throughout the day and night," Ulf Ingnäs explains. "Our menus are inspired by fast-food trends throughout the world. We will have five different themes - Asian, Scandinavian, Mediterranean, 'fusion,' and vegetarian. Based on these themes, we will create snacks, sandwiches and wraps.

Friday special
On Friday afternoons after 4:00 p.m., Scandinavian Direct will provide a feature offering called the "Friday Night Special."
"This might be, for example, 'American Friday,' with hamburgers; 'Italian Friday,' with pizza slices, or 'Danish Friday,' with 'pølse' sausages, bread and beer," Ulf Ingnäs explains.



U.S. operator VoiceStream selects Nokia to expand its GSM network
(19.03.02) Nokia and VoiceStream Wireless Corporation, a T-Mobile subsidiary and the largest GSM operator in the United States, have completed an agreement for the expansion of VoiceStream's GSM network in certain major cities across the United States. The three-year supply agreement is estimated to be worth 300 million USD and highlights the longstanding relationship between the two companies.
Under the agreement, Nokia will provide both its core and radio-access network for the expansion of VoiceStream's nationwide GSM network, including network deployment in new market areas, such as Ohio and Arkansas. Deliveries will begin immediately.

Nokia will provide its EDGE-capable UltraSite base station solution, which addresses the growing demand for higher voice and data traffic in today's mobile networks. An industry-leading product, Nokia UltraSite can support GSM, High Speed Data, GPRS, and Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution technologies. By optimizing the use of available spectrum, operators can employ EDGE to achieve transmission speeds of up to 473 kbps, allowing them to build higher-capacity data and voice networks.

"We are extremely pleased to be working with VoiceStream to expand its GSM network, already the largest in the U.S.," says Bosco Novák, Vice President, Customer Operations at Nokia Networks. "VoiceStream's successful expansion shows true market leadership, making GSM the dominant wireless technology platform in the United States, consistent with the rest of the world. The selection of Nokia, furthermore, reinforces our cooperation with VoiceStream."



Djuice and The Walt Disney enter into a wireless content agreement
(19.03.02) Djuice, Telenor Mobile's mobile Internet service provider, and Walt Disney Internet Group have signed a distribution agreement that will bring Disney-branded content to Scandinavian mobile users for the first time. Disney Mobile content, including logos, ringtones, wallpaper screens, electronic greeting cards and games, based on Disney's line-up of popular characters, will be available to djuice mobile users in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Djuice will launch the Disney offering this spring.
"We are thrilled to work with one of the world's leading content brands," said Jon Erik Haug, djuice Managing Director. "We firmly believe that entertainment as well as quality content will drive mass market uptake of mobile Internet services. The wireless experience in Norway has revealed that consumers are willing to pay for quality content, and Disney is a prime creator of quality content.

"Disney's SMS, WAP and future MMS (Multi Media Messaging) services will be essential in djuice's portfolio of services, including sound, picture and text for the Scandinavian market. With the implementation of 3G and mobile devices with colour screens, the Disney Mobile services will be optimised. Walt Disney is the largest content provider of high quality family entertainment in the World and we look forward to working with the company in Scandinavia," said Jon Erik Haug, djuice managing director..



Saab Bofors Dynamics receives MSEK 200 order
(19.03.02) Dutch and Belgian navies choose Remotely-Operated Vehicle (ROV) from Saab Bofors Dynamics for mine-hunting. The order, which is valued at approximately MSEK 200, includes further development of the existing Double Eagle MkII system for increased performance. The order also includes the integration of an advanced MCM sonar from Thales Underwater Systems.
"We are very happy about this order," says Mikael Grodzinsky, president of Saab Bofors Underwater Systems in Motala. "These are the sixth and seventh countries that have chosen our Double Eagle system. It shows that we have a competitive product on the market, and one with major potential for additional orders."

Saab Bofors Dynamics Underwater Systems business unit in Motala has received an order for the Double Eagle MkIII ROV system from the French company Thales Underwater Systems. The ROV system is part of an Integrated Mine Countermeasure System for delivery to the Dutch and Belgian navies. IMCMS is a joint French/German project involving two companies, Thales Underwater Systems (main subcontractor) and STN Atlas Elektronik GmbH (prime contractor). The systems, which are also known as Self-Propelled Variable Depth Sonar, will be used on board Dutch MCM vessels of the Alkmaar Class and Belgian vessels of the Flower Class. The systems are to be commissioned into operational service on an ongoing basis from 2004 to 2008.

The SPVDS system is used to detect and classify sea mines. The vehicle is powered and controlled via a cable, and can be deployed several hundred meters ahead of the mine-hunting vessel, thus optimizing the safety of the vessel and its crew.



Volvo Trucks introduces an ECO 4 engine
(19.03.02) Volvo Trucks is introduces a new engine that meets ECO 4, i.e. four points in Austria's ECO-point system.
It 's the D12D, a 420 hp engine that is available on the Volvo FH12. This engine is quite similar to the standard Euro-3 version, but the level of nitrogen oxides is lower.

This engine is required in order to receive four ECO-points. Volvo's standard Euro 3 engines receive five ECO-points. For the haulage company, this means that the truck will receive a permit to drive through Austria a greater number of times.

With the introduction of the D12D 420 hp engine with four ECO-points, the Volvo Truck Corporation marks its continuing efforts to reduce the emission values of exhaust gases.



SAS to complain on decision to ban frequent flyer programme on Norwegian domestic routes
(18.03.02) SAS will lodge a complaint to the Minister of Labour and Government Administration as a result of today being informed that the Competition Authority has resolved to intervene against SAS EuroBonus programme and Braathens Wings programme. The decision states that SAS, Braathens and Widerøe are prohibited from offering its passengers the earning of frequent flyer points on Norwegian domestic flights from 1 May 2002 to 1 May 2007.
SAS will request to be exempt from carrying out the changes whilst the complaint is dealt with by the Ministry. SAS will also request that the Ministry await the decision from the Nordic and European co-operation between the Competition Authorities, which has been implemented or is planned to be implemented in relation to these issues.

SAS is disappointed over the decision and the fact that Norwegian authorities have elected to enforce distinctively Norwegian rules that will unilaterally affect the SAS Group and Norwegian passengers. The decision is, in SAS' view, unfounded as the frequent flyer programme is of no importance for the establishment of competition within Norwegian aviation in terms of the existing market situation. In addition, the decision can be directly detrimental for SAS Group and thus constitute a threat to the maintenance of the present offer in the market on the marginal routes.

"The consequence of such interference in the Norwegian frequent flyer programme is that SAS' position is impaired as against international competitors. International competition within aviation exits and one cannot isolate the Norwegian aviation market. Each and every international player can use its frequent flyer programme within its domestic markets, SAS demands that competition is based on equal terms," says Marketing Director in SAS Airline Norway, Merete Møystad.

- It is essential that Norwegian companies can build upon the loyalty of its customers in its own domestic market as long as their competitors are entitled to do so in their own domestic markets. Norway can no longer exclude itself from this reality without it affecting Norwegian companies as opposed to our foreign competitors, states Commercial Director in Braathens, Freddy Eriksen.



SKF acquires the Bulgarian bearing company VMZ
(18.03.02) SKF has acquired the bearing business of VMZ, from the Bulgarian State. The VMZ bearing operations comprise four factories in Bulgaria, at Sopot, Kalofer, Karnare and Bogdan, with Head Office in Sopot, 120 km. east of Sofia.
VMZ manufactures deep groove ball bearings in the 22mm to 100mm outer diameter range. Factories are equipped with updated technology, and the company has approximately 1600 employees.

VMZ is one of Central Europe's leading bearing brands, and the company's exports are mainly to markets in Central and Eastern Europe. Through this acquisition, SKF substantially strengthens its position in the Central and East European markets, where growth and development are taking place at a rapid rate.

The new company will be named SBB (SKF Bearings Bulgaria EOOD) and will be part of the SKF Electrical Division. Initially, SKF will be focusing on upgrading manufacturing processes and improving productivity.



Schibsted launches 20 Minutes in Paris
(15.03.02) The free commuter newspaper 20 Minutes was launched Friday morning in Paris.
20 Minutes Paris is intended to be distributed in approximately 175 000 copies. The circulation is expected to be increased to 450 000. So far the distribution has been carried out without substantial problems.

The competitor Metro (produced by Swedish MTG) ran into plenty of trouble pending it's release in Paris only a short time ago. The idea of free press is not regarded with the raged trade unions who are not keen to see the idea of freely distributed press spreading.

20 Minutes Paris has been established as a joint venture, whereas Schibsted/20 Min Holding AG and the French companies SPIR and Sofiouest owns 50% each. 20 Minutes is now published in six cities; Zürich, Bern, Basel, Madrid, Barcelona and Paris.



Ericsson and Texas Instruments enter into agreement on GPRS and 3G handset solutions
(15.03.02) Ericsson Mobile Platforms and Texas Instruments have signed an agreement for GPRS and 3G reference design platforms based on TI's advanced silicon technology.
Ericsson will offer third generation mobile phone reference design platforms including TI semiconductor solutions enabling wireless equipment manufacturers to bring their products to market faster and with reduced R&D investment.

Ericsson Mobile Platforms' open solutions will include digital signal processors for baseband, RF components as well as application processors. Under the agreement, Texas Instruments will supply the core components for Ericsson's reference design solutions. These solutions will support a full range of handsets, addressing all market segments, including bandwidth-intensive and multimedia-rich wireless applications enabling services such as multimedia messaging, video and Internet audio downloads, e-mail, real-time Web browsing, advanced security, games and location-based services.

"We are pleased to support Ericsson Mobile Platforms' solutions as a strategic TI-powered UMTS offering to the 3G market," said Gilles Delfassy, TI Senior Vice President and General Manager for TI's Wireless Terminals Business Unit. Working with Ericsson Mobile Platforms on the new reference designs extends our commitment to help wireless equipment manufacturers bring products to market quickly and easily."

Volvo publishes early annual report on the Net!
(14.03.02) On March 22, AB Volvo will publish its Annual Report for 2001, in print, as planned, but it is already available today at Volvo's website, www.volvo.com.
This is the first time that Volvo has chosen to publish its Annual Report on the Internet prior to the release of the printed version. The reason is that Volvo wants to increase the availability and speed of its information. By publishing the Report on the Internet, it becomes accessible immediately it is completed.



Wärtsilä to supply three gas power plants to Hungary
(14.03.02) Wärtsilä has been awarded three gas power plant contracts in Hungary. The contracts are Wärtsilä's first significant power plant projects in Hungary. The plants will generate electricity for the local grid. They are scheduled for delivery in April and for commercial start-up in September this year.
Sinergy Kft, a leading investment company in Hungary, has ordered two power plants, one to be built in Kazincbarcika and the other in Tiszaújváros. These plants will generate electricity for the local grid.

The third contract is from Györhö District Heating Company, which supplies heat to the City of Györ. This gas power plant has a planned output of 10,920 kWth heat and 12,000 kWe electricity. The equipment will be supplied in the summer and the new power plant will be fully operational in October 2002.

Hungarian district heating utilities are expanding their commercial activities into producing electricity, which they sell to the national grid. This new business move has been brought about by new Hungarian legislation which enables a district heating company to sell electricity below 20 MW to the national grid.

All three contracts also include a 10-year maintenance agreement.



Novo supplies flood protection it system to China
(14.03.02) Novo has sealed an agreement with the Chinese Changjiang Water Resource Commission for the provision of a flood management IT system for the Yangtse River in China.
The aim of the Novo and CWRC joint project is to build a system which uses new technologies to minimise flood damage. Special focuses of the project include the use of geographic information, computer-based flood modelling and emergency response during flooding.

The Yangtse (Changjiang) is China's largest river, along which live around 400 million people. 40% of China's national product is generated within the river valley's economic area. When floods arise, the decision must be taken as where the flood dykes are to be reinforced, where the mass of water will be directed and how the evacuation of people will be handled. To support this decision-making process the IT system assembles the necessary information, predicts how the flood will develop on the basis of such data and facilitates the analysis of different scenarios.

At the basis of the system lies the geographic information system (GIS) through which vital information is managed, like maps, elevation models, land-use data, radar and other satellite images, weather information and water level measurements. This modular system incorporates planning and evaluation processes, flood modelling, decision-making support processes, situation monitoring, communications procedures, the visualisation of the outcomes of different courses of action and the distribution of such knowledge within the CWRC organisation.

Under the control of the Chinese Water Ministry, the Yangste Water Resource Commission is responsible for the management of the water system in South East China and co-ordinates the related activities of local organisations within the region.



Allgon awarded UMTS-agreement by Swedish 3G operators 3GIS and Hi3G
(13.03.02) Swedish Allgon, global supplier of radio-based infrastructure solutions, has been appointed base station antenna supplier by Swedish domestic UMTS network operators 3GIS and Hi3G.
According to the 3GIS agreement, Allgon will develop and provide UMTS base station antennas for 3GIS (3G Infrastructure Services AB), a Swedish 3G Infrastructure joint venture between mobile operators Orange, HI3G and Vodafone. The contract is a long time agreement, and the first products have already been delivered.

Allgon has also signed a general agreement directly with Hi3G, where Allgon is appointed primary supplier of 3G base station antennas in Hi3G's separate UMTS-network. The first products included by the HI3G agreement have also been delivered.

"We won the contracts in hard competition, which once again confirms our high competence in 3G technology. Allgon is the natural choice for a 3G operator with high demands for performance and coverage", said Jeff Bork, CEO of Allgon.



Metso to concentrate its Brazilian operations
(12.03.02) Metso Corporation will concentrate its Brazilian operations in Sorocaba, in the state of São Paulo. The objective is the joint utilization of resources, processes and methods. Metso Minerals manufactures crushers and compaction equipment in Sorocaba.The plant houses also Metso Minerals' steel foundry, which is the largest in South America. Metso Paper and Metso Automation have sales offices in Sorocaba. The three core business areas of Metso employ a total of 1,215 persons in Brazil.
As a result of this change, Metso Minerals' plant in Vespasiano, in the state of Minas Gerais, which currently employs about 140 people, will be discontinued. The sales offices of Metso Paper and Metso Automation have transferred from Campinas to the shared premises in Sorocaba.

"Brazil's rapidly growing infrastructure offers Metso with an opportunity for stable growth. The country's pulp and paper industry is both modernizing and investing in increased production capacity. As a result, Metso Paper has recently supplied for example a pulping line and a wood handling system, while Metso Automation have supplied several process automation and paper quality management systems. Brazil is an important producer of market pulp and the pulp industry is considering futher investments. The country's extensive copper and steel resources also provide demand for mining products. Although the products Metso Minerals manufactures in Brazil are primarily intended for domestic and South American markets, they are also increasingly exported to the rest of the world.

At the end of February, the Brazilian authorities gave clearance for the merger of Metso Minerals and Svedala Industri AB. This was the last official clearance needed for the acquisition.



Ericsson licenses GPRS and 3G platform to Finnish Benefon
(11.03.02) Ericsson Mobile Platforms and Benefon have agreed on licensing Ericsson's cutting edge handset technology to Benefon's mobile telematics products currently under development. The platform enables GPRS (2.5G) and in its later releases also 3G access.
Benefon provides terminal products and solutions to the global mobile telematics market, by combining three main enabling technologies: mobile access, mobile Internet and service platforms, and mobile precision location.

"Benefon selected Ericsson Mobile Platforms as the provider of mobile access technology, due to Ericsson's leading position in GSM, GPRS and 3G networks and handset technology. The world-class platform is instrumental in Benefon's push to secure a leading global position in the growing mobile telematics market. Beyond mere GPRS, our product range now has a credible roadmap to global multiband GSM and 3G coverage", says Jukka Nieminen, Chief Operating Officer of Benefon.

"The collaboration with Benefon is a further proof of the technical and commercial strength of Ericsson's solution. Based on Benefon's strength in the technology and market for Location Based Services, Ericsson Mobile Platforms believe that Benefon can build a strong business also outside the consumer handset industry", says Tord Wingren, President of Ericsson Mobile Platforms.



Swedish Casinos are no jackpots for their owners
(08.03.02) (SNow) Swedish gaming laws are strict. But when it was decided that Sweden was going to allow Continental style gambling at a few State controlled casinos, offering higher stakes at the tables, everybody predicted the emergence of new Monte Carlos in the North. Not so.
The first State controlled casino to open it's doors was in Sundsvall. Media was very optimistic that the surge of gamblers attracted to the propect of trying their luck the tables, would also be bring added business to the towns hospiality industry. Not quite so. And when the second casino opened in Malmö hopes were high that the Danes would be lured to cross the mighty Öresund Bridge in search of easy money. But even this prediction failed, and now the result of the State's first year as Casino proprietor have been presented. The gamblers lost 32.6 million kronor on their wagers. But the cost of running the Casino business was nearly five time that, or SEK 150 million.

"We're very happy with the outcome of our first year in the Casino business" commented Meg Tiveus, CEO of Svenska Spel, the Swedish State Gambling Authority, who believes that the lack of tradition is the main reason to the fair turnout at the tables.



Nokia Mobile Challenge awards winners for most innovative and useful Java applications
(07.03.02) Nokia today announced the winners of the first Nokia Mobile Challenge contest in Java category for best applications in communications, entertainment and enhanced productivity. The contest judges selected the applications which showed the best combination of mobility, quality and usability.
In the 'company' series, the winning productivity enhancer, titled "QuickShop", was designed by Hartmann-Software (Germany). QuickShop is a practical application for daily use, enabling people to select their favourite dishes from a database in the Internet, and to import the ingredients of the recipe right into their mobile phone's shopping list. It is also possible to enter the shop and locate an ingredient. Once this information has been stored in the phone, it can be used again next time.

For communications category, Clearigo Solutions Inc (Canada) was presented with the 1st award for clearBUGS. It is a time-saving J2ME client application allowing field service personnel to report problems from the actual site and assign them to appropriate colleagues via mobile devices. They can keep a to-do list as well as prioritize, schedule and track dependencies while on the go. There is no need to go to the office or even resort to one's laptop.

In the entertainment category, kiloo (Denmark) won the award with Popstar, which allows the user to manage the career of his/her very own pop star. The application can be compared with the popular virtual pet key rings. To succeed, the user must meet the basic needs of the wanna-be pop star, such as eating. To gain further fame, however, it is also necessary to tour, rehearse and buy new and better gear.

The winning companies were awarded a Nokia 9200 Series Communicator, and they will also be offered the opportunity to demonstrate their applications with Nokia at CeBIT 2002.

In addition, the jury of the Nokia Mobile Challenge recognized three students for creating outstanding Java applications: Lukasz Luzar from Poland for a currency trading application; Ram Kumar, Malaysia for an E-mail client application; and Michael Behrisch from Germany for the "Koloris" game. They will all receive a Nokia 5510 phone.



ASSA Abloy strengthens its market position in Brazil
(07.03.02) ASSA Abloy has signed a letter of intent to acquire IMAB Ltda, one of the leading lock companies in Brazil. The company was founded in 1965 by the Barosas family and has been owned by them since then.
IMAB is a well-respected player on the Brazilian lock market with strong growth in recent years. The company has built a strong distribution network of more than 3000 retail outlets. The main products are mortise locks and cylinders, produced in the factory in São Paulo. IMAB has sales of BRL 15 million (SEK 80 M) and 320 employees.

The Brazilian market is of great interest to ASSA Abloy, being the largest lock market in South America with a growing need for better locking solutions.

ASSA Abloy's existing company on the Brazilian market, La Fonte, has a leading position at the higher end of the commercial market with sales of BRL 35 million. The acquisition of IMAB will strengthen ASSA ABLOY's position and ambitions for leadership. The two brands will complement each other very naturally. There is also considerable scope for synergy in the production area.

Completion is expected by the end of May subject to final due diligence and regulatory approvals.



New IKEA family website built on Polopoly Content Management
(07.03.02) The new version of IKEA's loyalty program, IKEA family, has now been launched throughout Sweden. Sweden is a pilot for other IKEA family markets. The new website for IKEA family, has been built on the Swedish company Polopoly's system for Content Management. More than one million Swedes are IKEA family members.
The new website's goal is to be an inspiration and knowledge-bank for all of those who love interior design. Both IKEA and members of IKEA family will contribute content to the website. The website is meant to compliment activities in the IKEA department stores and in the customer magazine, IKEA family Magazine. On the website members can receive and offer home furnishing advice, vote and discuss, shop/trade/sell furniture, enter contests, and receive special IKEA family offers. Visitors can custom-tailor the website to address their interests. For example, visitors can subscribe to a specialized newsletter on kitchens and storage, as well as subscribe to information about activities at their local IKEA department store.

In addition to Sweden, the IKEA family loyalty program exists in the Danish, French, Swiss, German, and Austrian markets. Sweden is the pilot- market for the new IKEA family concept.

Polopoly develops platform independent systems for digital content management and customer relationship management (eCRM). Clients include some of the main Scandinavian players, such as Dagens Nyheter, Göteborgs- Posten, the Swedish Television, Bonnier Publications, Coop Konsum and Ericsson.



BTC Mobility of Bermuda selects Nokia to deliver full GSM network
(06.03.02) Nokia and BTC Mobility, one of Bermuda's leading mobile operators, have signed an agreement to build Bermuda's most advanced wireless GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) network. The agreement includes core- and radio-access network equipment such as switching equipment, base stations, and base station controllers, as well as radio transmission, network management and GPRS packet-data solutions.
The implementation of the GSM network, which includes GPRS and EDGE-ready capabilities, will position BTC Mobility, which has recently been granted a cellular network license, to offer state-of-the-art voice and data products and services with global reach, and personal and business solutions that are uniquely designed to meet customers' demands.
The Milwaukee brand is not completely new to the European market, as it has been sold there for some years but on a limited scale. At the Cologne Fair, which takes place March 3-6, many new Milwaukee products will be introduced, all aimed at the European markets. The new range encompasses close to 170 products, including 50 new models previously only available in North America.

"We are very pleased to partner with Nokia, knowing that we will have a first-class infrastructure made by the world leader in mobile communications," said Stanley G. Wright, BTC Mobility General Manager. "BTC Mobility plans to develop complete business solutions that encompass application components that enable businesses to take advantage of opportunities to improve efficiency through wireless solutions."



NCC to build residential properties in Oslo for SEK 190 million
(05.03.02) NCC Norway has reached an agreement with Schultzehaugen Eiendom AS (Fabritius Prosjekt) regarding the construction of residential properties at Schultzehaugen, Maridalsveien in Oslo. The agreement applies to a turnkey contract worth approximately SEK 190 million (approx. NOK 170 million).
The project involves the construction of a total 19,000 square meters of floor space, a total of 193 apartments and a certain amount of commercial space. At present, the site consists of several older buildings and an office block, which are to be converted into apartments and commercial premises. In addition, two new buildings with a combined total of 59 apartments and an indoor car park are to be built.

"NCC developed this project in cooperation with the client, Arcasa Arkitekter.



Sony Ericsson unveils several new products to regain lost ground
(05.03.02) Sony Ericsson has been losing ground to number of it's fiercest rivals and today it showed up what it intends to do to regain both promise and initiative.
Today, Sony Ericsson launched two GSM-products, the Symbian-based P800 smartphone and the Z700 gaming phone, as well as the T62u for the American TDMA/GSM market. All three products feature Java technology.

Java enables an open environment which allows third party applications to be downloaded into the mobile device over-the-air. For consumers this means that new applications can be installed throughout the lifetime of the mobile handset, not just during the initial handset purchase. Whilst this opens up possibilities in several applications areas, gaming is viewed as one of the services which will gain the most from Java capability. For example, consumers will be able to update their phones regularly with new games or game content, such as new levels.

Sony Ericsson also unveiled the T206, featuring Global Positioning System (GPS) for emergency and location-based services. For personalization, messaging and entertainment, the T206 features screensavers, games and enhanced messaging services, EMS. The T206 is the first Sony Ericsson branded CDMA phone for the Americas.

Another new release is the T62u, Sony Ericsson's first phone to incorporate both TDMA 800/1900 and GSM 850/1900 frequencies and GPRS, in addition to analog. This enables seamless roaming across multiple wireless technologies for superior coverage. Being a GAIT phone (GSM ANSI Interoperability Team), the T62u will help operators transition their networks from TDMA to GSM technology. For the consumers the benefit is that the phone lives through network upgrades. The T62u is also Sony Ericsson's first Java-enabled mobile phone for the Americas, allowing for download of games.

Sony Ericsson also precented a portable Bluetooth handsfree headset, the HBH-30, and a Bluetooth Car Handsfree, the HCB-30. Bluetooth is a key ingredient in the Sony Ericsson portfolio, as the door is opened for innovative new applications while maintaining a focus on the phone. With the launch of these two new Bluetooth handsfree solutions, Sony Ericsson demonstrates its leadership within Bluetooth, and, at the same time its dedication to bring the benefits of Blutooth to consumers. The Bluetooth Handsfree headset HBH-30 will be on the market in Q2 and the Bluetooth Car Handsfree HCB-30 solution will be on the market in Q3. .



Atlas Copco launches Milwaukee electric tools in Europe
(04.03.02) Atlas Copco will introduce its Milwaukee brand of professional electric tools on a larger scale to the European market, at this year's International Hardware Fair in Cologne, Germany. Through the launch customers in Europe will get access to a top- of-the-line North American product range.
"Milwaukee has an extremely strong position in North America," says Göran Gezelius, Senior Executive Vice President, business area Industrial Technique. "Through this launch, we will be able to fully capitalize both on the investments made in product development and in marketing concepts. Last year we introduced Milwaukee in Australia and quickly achieved both high recognition and revenues."

The Milwaukee brand is not completely new to the European market, as it has been sold there for some years but on a limited scale. At the Cologne Fair, which takes place March 3-6, many new Milwaukee products will be introduced, all aimed at the European markets. The new range encompasses close to 170 products, including 50 new models previously only available in North America.

With the launch of Milwaukee, Atlas Copco will operate under three different brands of professional electric tools in Europe; Milwaukee, Atlas Copco and AEG Power Tools. Milwaukee will keep its high-profile position with its "Nothing But Heavy Duty" image.




Scania to sell Din Bil Sverige AB
(01.03.02) Scania has agreed to sell Din Bil Sverige AB to Volkswagen AG of Germany. The transaction can be completed after examination and approval by the competition authorities concerned.
The divestment of the car importer is part of Scania's strategy of concentrating its operations on commercial vehicles. The task of dividing Scania's formerly common sales and service network for cars and commercial vehicles has now been completed. Earlier this year, Scania made a similar agreement to sell its 50 percent shareholding in the Swedish importer Svenska Volkswagen AB to Volkswagen AG.

Din Bil Sverige AB includes Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda as well as Porsche dealerships in the major metropolitan regions of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö-Helsingborg. Its operations employ about 1,200 people and the company accounts for about one third of the sales of these car makes in the Swedish market.

The approval of the sale by Scania's Board of Directors was preceded by a financial fairness opinion provided by ABN-Amro Bank.

The purchase price is about SEK 450 million. Scania's capital gain amounts to about SEK 300 m. .




Statement of Objections from the EU Commission
(01.03.02) Carlsberg A/S has today received a Statement of Objections from the EU Commission. The Commission is of the initial opinion that Carlsberg and Heineken during the period 1993-1996 had an agreement to limit competition in their respective home markets. Carlsberg does not concur with the opinion of the Commission. The Com-mission's statement will now be studied in detail and Carlsberg will then reply to the statement.
In its announcement to the Copenhagen Stock Exchange of 4 May 2000, Carlsberg A/S stated that the EU Commission had initiated a dawn raid investigation at Carlsberg. Today, Carlsberg has received a Statement of Objections from the EU Commission, from which it appears that the Commission has now concluded its investigations and so far finds that during the period 1993-1996 an agreement/concerted practice existed between Carlsberg and Heineken to limit competition in their respective home markets. The Commission bases the case on a few contacts between Carlsberg's and Heineken's former chief executive officers in connection with which internal memos were prepared. In Carlsberg's opinion such contacts were courtesy relations and ordinary business discussions. The Commission interprets the internal memos as though an understanding that only limited activities should take place in the other party's home market existed between Carlsberg and Heineken during the mid-90s.

Carlsberg's own investigations Carlsberg's Board of Directors, which was not aware of the contacts between Heineken and Carlsberg, has since 4 May 2000 launched internal investigations in order to determine whether such agreement/concerted practice existed. The investigations - which have been complicated by the fact that the case relates to a period prior to the appointment of the present Executive Board - has included thorough examinations of all archives and minutes of board meetings as well as interviews with the board members, executives and managers at the time in question. External lawyers and economists have also assessed the material. Thereafter, a report has been prepared and sent to the EU Commission in September 2001. Based on the results of these investigations, Carlsberg does not concur with the opinion of the Commission.


Anoto widens the scope of its venture in the Japanese market and establishes Anoto Communications Ltd.
(28.02.02) Anoto is starting a new company, Anoto Communications Ltd, to prepare for the launch of the Anoto concept in Japan. The new company aims to establish a consortium consisting of a large group of industrial parties that will act as a platform for the launch in the Japanese market in 2002-2003.
Anoto Communications Ltd. will manage the consortium and thus have a consultative role in connection with planning and production of services with Anoto functionality. Anoto Communications Ltd will also initiate market activities to continue to disseminate the Anoto concept in the Japanese market.

Anoto Nippon K. K. remains a wholly owned subsidiary of Anoto AB and will continue to market the pen, paper and server technology enabling Anoto functionality.

"Establishment of Anoto Communications Ltd. creates stronger opportunities for both Anoto Nippon K. K. and our strategic partners in Japan to be better prepared and coordinated for the future launch. Anoto Communications Ltd. will be fully financed through the membership of our Japanese partners", says Christer Fåhraeus, CEO, Anoto AB.


Elanders signs contract with Thomson Directories worth 140 MSEK
(28.02.02) Today Elanders signed with Thomson Directories Ltd, Farnborough, England a contract for production of local telephone directories for three years ending 2004. Elanders and Thomson have collaborated since 1983 and have together developed an efficient solution for production which is now further improved following new technology in the premedia area. The contract is estimated to be worth 140 MSEK excluding the cost of paper.
Mac Rogers, production manager of Thomson, commented: "We are delighted to continue our relationship with Elanders which has developed over a number of years, into a successful business partnership".

Thomson Directories is Britain's leading independent publisher of local telephone directories.


Haldex commissioned to develop software architecture for next generation AWD vehicles
(26.02.02) Haldex Traction Systems, a division in the Haldex group, has been commissioned by a European car manufacturer to jointly develop the software architecture in next generation's AWD vehicles. The objective for the joint development project is to integrate and expand the communication and cooperation between the vehicle's different electronically controlled systems, with the aim to further enhance performance and safety in future vehicles.
The vehicle industry is in the midst of an electronics revolution with no signs of stagnation. In order to better exploit potential synergies between various electronically controlled systems and to optimize the software structure in the vehicle, Haldex has been chosen as a partner to a European car manufacturer to jointly develop the software strategy for next generation's AWD vehicles. The project is expected to result in improvements in the area of vehicle dynamics and motion control.

In connection with the development of the Haldex AWD system, a significant body of know-how has been built up regarding vehicle dynamics and software. The present assignment also confirms that the electronically controlled AWD system has a key role in the complex task of coordinating software and subsystems within the area of vehicle dynamics.

Concept cars will be built during the year to test and calibrate various functions.



TietoEnator provides quality assurance consulting to the European Commission
(26.02.02) A framework contract has been signed between TietoEnator and the European Commission enabling TietoEnator to provide quality assurance services of information systems and IT processes to the Commission for the next 5 years. The total value of the contract is estimated at 15.77 million euros.
The aim of the contract between TietoEnator and the European Commission is to enhance the quality of the Commission's IT processes.

The agreement simplifies the buying of quality assurance services for the different Directorate Generals of the European Commission. The services to be delivered include: - Studies on quality matters regarding information systems and IT processes. - Coaching on quality assurance regarding information systems and IT processes. - Quality audits and quality assessments of IT processes. "The agreement strengthens remarkably TietoEnator´s role as an important partner in IT quality assurance to the European Commission. Our expertise is based on a long-term experience in quality assurance consulting in demanding IT environments", says Ms Anne Ivanoff, Director at TietoEnator N.V. Brussels.



Volvo Aero Engine Services lands major overhaul order from Aeroflot
(25.02.02) Volvo Aero has signed an agreement with the Russian airline company Aeroflot, whereby Volvo Aero will overhaul Aeroflot's JT9D-59A engines, powering its DC 10-40 aircraft. The initial value of the contract is 60 MUSD, making it the largest overhaul contract signed by Volvo Aero since 1998.
The contract, that was unveiled at the Asian Aerospace in Singapore, has been negotiated over the last couple of months and is the first contract where Volvo Aero gives a total package of services, including e.g. spare engine and LRU support, Engine Condition Monitoring and On Wing support.

"We are honored to deal with Volvo Aero and we believe that the DC 10- 40F project can be very successful for both sides. We also believe this is the first step toward further cooperation between our two companies. The whole transaction will be mutually beneficial, not only because of the favorable conditions of the contract, but also through the well- organized work from the side of Volvo Aero as well as from Aeroflot side", comments Dmitry S. Senatorov, Head of Asset Management Department, Aeroflot-Russian Airlines

No new recruitment is anticipated as a result of the contract.



Ericsson signs ENGINE agreement to modernize Egypt's national telecommunications network
(25.02.02) The agreement between Telecom Egypt and Ericsson is the basis of a long- term strategic partnership, valued to about EUR 200 million over the coming five years. It supports Telecom Egypt in the ongoing work of its plans to expand and modernize the Egyptian telecommunication infrastructure in order to meet growing demand for communication and information services by the community.
In addition to access expansion, an important element of the frame agreement is to accelerate the migration of the core backbone network from a circuit-switched to an open layered packet-based mega network.

Competence development and transfer of knowledge form a vital cornerstone in the agreement in order to support Telecom Egypt in achieving its goals to stay competitive in the dynamic and open telecommunications marketplace in Egypt.

"Ericsson has proven to be a trusted partner and we believe with their leadership in the field of Communication and Information technology they will be a suitable partner supporting us achieving our objectives when facing the highly competitive market place," says Eng. Akil Beshir, Chairman, Telecom Egypt.



Former Trelleborg CEO offers Gislaved Tires new hope
(22.02.02) (SNow) Gislaved, owned by German Tire giant Continental was about to become yet another victim to cloak and dagger, corporate style. But from the shadows stepped former Trelleborg Kjell Nilsson and changed the ending.
In an interview with Radio Sweden in Jönköping, Kjell Nilsson, former Trelleborg CEO and therefore a veteran in the tire trade, confirmed he has expressed interest in saving the tire production plant in Gislaved. A group of financiers support Nilsson in the venture and talks are in progress.

Kjell Nilsson met with Minister of Trade Björn Rosengren in Stockholm on Thursday, together with and at the initiative of representatives for the German owners, to inform of his intentions. Negotiations with German Continental revolve around guarantees against future layoffs and the right to the "Gislaved" brand name.

Nilsson believes Gislaveds nearly century old experience of tire making, and especially winter tires, are a vital asset on which a future for Sweden's oldest tire manufacturer can rely.




SAS reports Västerås Airport to Swedish Competition Authority
(22.02.02) SAS has today reported Västerås Flygplats AB (Västerås Airport) to the Swedish Competition Authority. Västerås Airport has been reported because SAS believes that the Airport is applying discriminatory conditions relating to the charging of airport fees.
Västerås Airport is treating SAS and other players unfairly and improperly by providing more favorable conditions for certain airlines.

In a letter to Västerås Flygplats AB, dated February 14, SAS requested that the Airport report openly on its finances and the amounts the various airlines pay in airport fees. Västerås Airport has not responded to this request and SAS has therefore decided to let the Competition Authority examine the matter.

Discriminatory pricing As a result of information in the media, SAS has reason to suspect that Västerås Airport is offering Ryan Air extremely low fees. The level of the fees is so low that, if the information is correct, they do not cover the cost of airport operations.

"We suspect that SAS, Skyways and/or the taxpayers in Västerås Municipality are subsidizing Ryan Air's operations in Västerås. Our only aim is to be able to compete on an equal basis," says Hans Ollongren, head of SAS Authority Contacts at SAS.

Finland Post Corporation to outsource its credit management unit
(11.04.02) Finland Post Corporation will outsource its collection and credit management activities to Intrum Justitia Finland. Finland Post Corporation and Intrum Justitia are also expanding their co-operation; in addition to the collection of receivables past due, Intrum Justitia will now prepare credit decisions on customers for the Post and assume responsibility for sending out reminders on payments in arrears.
"This agreement is the first significant business transfer agreement for Intrum Justitia and as such, yet another step forward in our development as providers of Receivables Management Services (RMS)," says Thomas Feodoroff, Managing Director for Intrum Justitia Finland.

The Post has been a client of Intrum Justitia for over a decade. In accordance with its strategy, the Post will now concentrate more fully on its core business areas while simultaneously intensifying its existing partnerships.

"This agreement ensures that the Post will continue to obtain high- quality services and added value through the contributions of experts familiar with the particulars of the Post's credit management and the resources of a leading company in this field," says Finland Post Corporation group services director Risto Paananen .



ISS acquires CSFM (Holdings) Plc. in the UK
(11.04.02) ISS has acquired CSFM in the UK. CSFM is a Facility Services company with a solid presence throughout England.
CSFM provides Facility Services such as cleaning, mechanical & electrical maintenance (M&E maintenance) and other complementary services.

CSFM was established in 1997 as a holding company for a group of com-panies trading under the name "WE ARE CLEANING". CSFM has mainly developed through organic growth. The company has 5,118 employees and annual turnover of approximately DKK 426 million.

The acquisition enhances ISS' presence in the UK. In addition, the acquisi-tion strengthens the service offering under the Facility Services concept in the UK by expanding the range of services. .



Sony Ericsson and MPI signed an agreement to promote PC Card in Europe
(09.04.02) Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications today announced that it has signed an agreement with Mobile Partners International Ltd (MPI), to promote PC card business on a Pan-European basis. With Sony Ericsson's cutting-edge products such as the GPRS PC Card modem 'GC75' and MPI's long-standing leadership in the mobile computing solution business, this initiative is set to enhance mobile computing experience for users always on the go.
Sony Ericsson announced on March 5th that it will introduce the GC75 GPRS PC card modem to the European and US markets during the second quarter this year. As a triple band GSM (900/1800/1900) product, the GC75 can be used in over 160 countries. Using either GPRS, HSCSD or standard circuit switch data, it enables business and private users to earn a cost effective solution to be always on-line, when out of office. In addition, the GC75 is a non-extended card that fits perfectly into a PC card slot, and can remain in the laptop PC when not in use.

'The collaboration with MPI enables Sony Ericsson to respond to market demand timely and launch the products more efficiently and quickly. This agreement caters for various mobile computing integration needs that are emerging, as GPRS services spreads throughout Europe,' says Gunilla Nordstrom, Corporate Vice President of Sony Ericsson.



Marianne Nivert steps down. Anders Igel, Esselte, announced as new Telia CEO
(08.04.02) Anders Igel has been appointed to the position of President and CEO of Telia. He is to succeed Marianne Nivert who is retiring from the company.
Anders Igel joins Telia from his current role of President and CEO of Esselte, is presently stationed in the UK. Esselte is world leader in the supply of office materials, with a turnover of SEK 11 bn. Anders Igel is an ex-Ericsson Executive Vice President. During his time with Ericsson he was responsible for business activities in Spain, the UK and in Australia and in addition Head of Business Area Infocom Systems within the Public Networks Business Area.

"Anders Igel has the best pre-requisites for the job of leading Telia. His present role gives him the experience of being the head of an international and listed company in the consumer goods business. In addition, 20 years at Ericsson gave him a wealth of knowledge and a broad contact network within the world of telecoms. He has a well documented combination of far-sightedness, sensitivity and the ability to act with the vigour that this job demands. As a member of the Telia Board of Directors, he comes well armed with a clear understanding of the development opportunities that are available " comments Lars-Eric Petersson

Anders Igel, 51, holds a Masters degree in Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology and a B.Sc in Economics from the Stockholm School of Economics.



Metso to supply Eur 57 million diamond mining equipment to Siberia
(08.04.02) Metso Minerals, Metso Corporation's rock and mineral processing business area, is to supply diamond recovery processing equipment worth EUR 57 million for a new concentrator to be built in Siberia for the AK Alrosa Nurba diamond deposit in Yakutia, Russia. The order is the largest individual order in mining equipment that Metso has received. Most of the equipment will be delivered to the site in summer 2002 and start-up of the concentrator is scheduled for the fall of 2003.
The order includes the whole concentrator as well as various comminution, screening and separation equipment, such as three grinding mills. Metso Automation will supply all project automation solutions for the concentrator. The new concentrator order is a continuation to the pilot plant that Svedala Industri AB - acquired by Metso in September 2001 - supplied to Nurba two years ago. In the pilot plant, a new type of diamond sorting system was specially adapted.

The Nyurbinskaya diamond deposit is situated some 600 km northwest of Yakutsk, the main city in Yakutia. Metso is responsible for the project planning of the concentrator, including electrical and automation planning, as well as all equipment supplies.


Carlsberg beer goes Russian
(04.04.02) The Russian Baltika Brewery and company Carlsberg Breweries A/S have signed a mutually beneficial agreement which gives Baltika license to brew "Carlsberg" beer at Baltika-Don Brewery in Rostov-on-Don. This summer "Carlsberg" will thus be launched in Russia in 30 litres kegs and 0.5 litre glass bottles.
"Carlsberg" will be the international premium beer brand produced by Baltika Brewery. Production of the local premium brand "Parnassus" started in 2001.

"Carlsberg" is one of the worlds leading brands. The licensed beer segment in Russia is now developing and is estimated to take up 2 per cent of the total Rus-sian beer market in 2002.

Last year, Baltika's sales volume reached 14 million hl. Its market share of the domestic beer market is 22.5 per cent.


ASSA ABLOY aquires French INITIAL
(03.04.02) ASSA ABLOY has acquired INITIAL - the local distributor of ABLOY in France. INITIAL is specialized in electromechanical locking solutions and is ABLOY's distributor since many years. The company has sales of EUR 3.3 M and shows good growth and profitability
The company will be re-named ABLOY France and will continue to serve their customers and develop their business based on the ABLOY product program.

The four dual-fuel engined generating sets will meet all the ship's propulsion and shipboard electrical requirements. The Wärtsilä 6L50DF engines each develop 5700 kW at 514 rev/min.This membrane-type vessel (GTT-CS1) will be employed transporting LNG from Skikda in Algeria to Fos near Marseilles. This round voyage will take about one week at a service speed of 16 knots, which can be achieved with three of the four generating sets.

The ship is also designed for spot market trading, such as voyages to the USA. For such times, the service speed can be 18.5 knots using all four generating sets.



LNG carrier breakthrough for Wärtsilä
(03.04.02) Wärtsilä Corporation has received an order to supply four Wärtsilä 6L50DF dual-fuel engines to power a 75,000 m3 LNG carrier contracted by the French gas holding company Gaz de France at the French shipyard Chantiers de l'Atlantique.
Due for delivery in 2004, this newbuilding is breaking away from traditional practices in the propulsion of LNG (liquefied natural gas) carriers. It will be the first LNG carrier to be powered by electric propulsion, and one of few to have internal-combustion engines instead of the more usual steam turbine plant.



Autoliv Launches Smart Seat Belts
(03.04.02) Autoliv has started to introduce a seat belt system which can adapt its restraining force - and hence the load on the occupant - to the severity of the crash and to the restraining force of the airbag. In future vehicles this technological breakthrough will also enable the seat belt to adjust its restraining force to each occupant..
This new smart seat belt will be particularly beneficial for the elderly and for small women. The new improvement is currently being introduced globally on the new BMW 7-series and the new Mercedes E-Class.

High chest loads and rib fractures is a growing concern, since the population of elderly car occupants is increasing and the rib cage of a 60-year occupant can only take half as much load as the body of an individual in his twenties. Already in 1995, Autoliv helped address this issue by introducing seat belts with static load limiters. This mechanism allows the seat belt retractor to release a little webbing in a controlled manner before the load on the occupant becomes dangerously high. The airbag with its larger surface area is used instead to absorb a greater part of the crash energy. Six years after the initial launch, almost all of Autoliv's customers use this improvement in their front belt systems

Together with BMW and Mercedes, Autoliv is now introducing load limiters that can apply two different restraining levels. Depending on which sensor or sensors that are used, the load on the occupant can therefore be adjusted to the circumstances of each crash, such as the size and position of the occupant and the crash severity.

"We have equipped the retractor in our smart seat belt with a gear box" explained Autoliv's project leader Günter Clute, and continued: "In a crash, our smart seat belt starts - as in most modern seat belt systems - by tightening the belt up to 15 cm, using a pyrotechnic pretensioner. This eliminates slack and makes it possible to release some webbing at a later stage, if the load on the occupant becomes too high"

"In a traditional system, the loads to the occupant from the seat belt and the airbag are added to each other when the bag also starts to restrain the occupant. But in our smart seat belt, the system just shifts into the second, lighter gear to maintain the restraining force at a relatively constant level", said Autoliv's Günter Clute.

"And if the car has an occupant classification system, the smart seat belt can also adjust itself to each individual. Since many women are more susceptible to high belt loads than the average person, and these individuals do not need the same restraining force as a larger occupant, our latest seat belt enhancement could be especially important for female occupants", concluded Autoliv's project leader.


Metro distributed free from disruption in Paris, France
(02.04.02) Metro International, the Swedish owned newspaper group, today announced that its Paris edition is now being printed and distributed without disruption in France's capital city, following union approval of its agreement with Presse Alliance last week. The Metro newspaper is being printed at the Presse Alliance print works in Aubervilliers, and distributed in the Greater Paris area, free from the protests that have disrupted the circulation of the paper since its launch on 18th February.
Metro's agreement with the CGT Union on 7th March, which allowed for the peaceful printing and distribution of the Metro newspaper in Marseille and Lyon, has now been extended to include Paris.

Pelle Törnberg, President & CEO of Metro International, commented: "We are delighted to have been able to resolve the dispute in Paris. Now we can get on with the business of delivering the Metro daily newspaper into the hands of the readers. "



Telia's CEO was kept in the dark prior to Mega Merger
(31.03.02) (SNow) According to Ny Teknik, published by The Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers, Telia's CEO Marianne Nivert was not informed of the pending mega merger with Finnish Sonera until the very last moment. This request was demanded by Sonera.
Instead it was Telia's CFO Bo Jacobsson who played the cards for the Swedish Telecom giant, and the task of informing the Government and Prime Minister Göran Persson was bestowed upon former Volvo CEO Pehr G Gyllenhammar, with one exception. Sources say that Minister of Commerce Björn Rosengren was also unaware of what was in progress.

Rumours in Finnish press that chairmen of the boards of the two companies Tapio Hintikka and Lars-Eric Petersson had discussed, and met with approval for the merger by EU officials have been denied. The two companies have however been in preliminary contact with the European Commission and have said they will notify the transaction in due course.



No new efficiency program, says Ericsson
(28.03.02) There are no grounds for the information circulating in Swedish press today, that speculates about a new efficiency program leading to 25000 redundancies at Ericsson, according to a news release from the company today.
"In a long-term perspective, I have strong optimism for Ericsson and for the 3G market," said President and CEO Kurt Hellström in his speech to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting yesterday.

"The change process and the pursuit of savings will never come to an end. They will be part of our daily operations for as long as we are active in a competitive market", Mr. Hellström said. "We cannot yet foresee a turnaround. For Ericsson, the arduous task of adapting to the situation continues. At the same time, we are safeguarding our leading position and achieving new market successes."



ReadSoft wins Best of AIIM
(27.03.02) For the fifth time, ReadSoft has received "Best of AIIM" from the American magazine Transform. The award recognizes the most innovative products at the annual, world-leading document management exhibition AIIM. This time, ReadSoft's INVOICES technology is praised for its forward-thinking, SAP integration, and eMail and web functionality.
The AIIM show, this year held in San Francisco, is recognized as the most important event in Document handling and imaging.

Jan Andersson, CEO at ReadSoft, comments: "Invoices is a really strong product line with outstanding market possibilities and we continually develop the concept. The latest additions with functionality for email and web invoices is ground- breaking and the Integration Option Pack for SAP opens up an enormous marketplace. At AIIM we where able to show the advancements our technology has made and the award confirms our strong position as the market leader, driving innovation in this area."



Telia merges with Finnish Telecom Sonera
(26.03.02) (SNow) Yesterdays rumors of a merger between the two Nordic Telecom giants, Swedish Telia and Finnish Sonera, became official today but the Stockholm and Helsinki Stock Exchange were slow in reacting.
The week before Easter is traditionally a slow week in the Stock Trading world but there were hopes that the Telia/Sonera merger talks would spice things up a little. This afternoon, when the plans became official, the trading showed little signs of the Mega Merger.

The nordic telecoms have been under careful scrutiny from traders over the last few months, and Telias step to incorporate Sonera's progressive 3G portfolio into it's current mixture of traditional telecom business and broadband, seems to be an attempt to shake off the schackles of yesterday, and prove to the plentiful shareholders that Telia holds the key to the future. Telia shares are currently being traded at 45 percent of it's introductory price.

Telia will hold 64 percent of the new corporation and Sonera 36 percent. Telia will sell off it Mobile telecom business.

Sonera shareholders will be offered 1.5 Telia share for each Sonera share.

Read more



Axis network cameras increase security in Italian retail stores
(26.03.02) Axis Communications has signed an agreement with Italian partner Excelsa Srl. for the delivery of AXIS network cameras will be installed in retail shops all across Italy as part of an initiative by an Italian trade association to increase store security. The initial order is valued at more than 120 000 Euros.
Excelsa Srl. is well established and a pioneer for network video solutions in the Italian security and surveillance market. Through its subsidiary Real Time Security Srl, Excelsa offers cost effective and easy-to-use surveillance solutions especially designed to fit the needs of small businesses and stores. The solution that now will be installed in a large number of stores across Italy is as easy to install, as it is effective to use. The solution consists of an AXIS 2100 Network Camera, a broad phone line (ADSL) and allows remote access of high quality images as well as recording of live images on a centralized server managed by Real Time Security.

"To be able to serve the needs of our customers in this project we needed a device that could send video signals over an IP network without overloading it", said Mr. Gianluca Longo, Managing Director of Excelsa. "Axis' products and technology make it possible for us to deliver first class solutions with a minimum of hardware investments."




Saab receives order worth SEK 300 million from India
(25.03.02) The Saab-owned company FFV Ordnance AB has signed a contract with the Indian armed forces to upgrade their Carl-Gustaf anti-tank system. The contract is worth approximately SEK 300 million and covers both weapons and ammunition.
"We are extremely pleased with this order, which shows that there is still confidence in the Carl-Gustaf system which was introduced into the Indian army back in 1974," says Sören Gindahl, MD of FFV Ordnance AB.

Production will be carried out by Saab Bofors Dynamics in Karlskoga and Eskilstuna. The first deliveries will take place within eight months, and will then continue for roughly two years.



Telia in discussions with Sonera
(25.03.02) Telia confirms that it is in discussions with Sonera regarding a merger between Swedish Telia and Finnish Sonera. It is too early to estimate any potential outcome of these discussions.
Telia will make no further comment until the circumstances necessitate further announcement.



Ericsson rebuts rumors reported by Dow Jones Newswires: No new guidance given
(22.03.02) Ericsson strongly denies the statements attributed to Ericsson reported by Dow Jones Newswires quoting an unconfirmed broker's memo claiming that Ericsson had given new or changed guidance for 2002 during a meeting with UBS Warburg on March 12, 2002 in Hanover, Germany.
"We explicitly stated during the meeting that there is no change in our guidance or outlook for this year. The same information was also publicly expressed in our press conference at Cebit earlier in the day. It is absurd to think that we would revise our guidance during a private meeting with UBS Warburg a few hours later," said Mats Dahlin, Executive Vice President and Head of Market Area Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Gary Pinkham, Vice President Investor Relations, both present at the meeting.


Ratos divests its Hilton shareholding
(22.03.02) Ratos today announces that it has sold its total shareholding in Hilton Group plc - a shareholding which was received as a part of the payment for Scandic Hotels in April 2001. Hilton has agreed with Ratos AB on an early release from the lock-up on the shares.
This lock up was due to expire on 22 April 2002. The 17,627,886 shares, representing 1.1 % of the issued share capital of Hilton, have been purchased by Deutsche Bank AG London who are placing them with institutional investors. As a result of this sale Ratos has no remaining holding in Hilton.

The sale of shares totals more than SEK 600m and gives Ratos an exit gain of approximately SEK 50m. The annual Internal Rate of Return (IRR) on Ratos investment in Hilton Group is somewhat less than 15 %. Ratos will receive a dividend for year 2001 of SEK 14m in June.


EC approves SCA's acquisition of CartoInvest
(21.03.02) The European Commission has approved SCA's acquisition of the Italian tissue producer CartoInvest. SCA will, which has been communicated in a press release from SCA dated 19 February 2002, pay EUR 301 M for the shares in CartoInvest, and assume debt of EUR 171 M.
The preliminary acquisition analysis indicates that goodwill, after provision for restructuring costs, will amount to about EUR 220 M. The restructuring costs, which are estimated at EUR 25 M, pertain to nonrecurring expenses for integrating CartoInvest's operations with SCA's. Measures comprise combining sales organizations, integration of production and distribution, coordination of administrative functions and similar actions. SCA will consolidate CartoInvest's operations as of 1 April 2002.

With sales of approximately EUR 440 M, CartoInvest is today the fourth largest consumer tissue producer in Europe. As a result of the acquisition, SCA confirms its position as the leading European producer of tissue. SCA increases its European value share of the retailers' brands market (private label) from 24 percent to about 32 percent and in the total consumer tissue market from 20 percent to about 25 percent.

In Italy, SCA attains as a result of the acquisition a number three position, with a 10 percent market share for consumer tissue.


Trendier service and only one travel class onboard SAS with Scandinavian Direct
(20.03.02) In conjunction with its launch of Scandinavian Direct, SAS is changing its onboard service. There will be only one travel class and all passengers will enjoy the same level of service.
The change in the onboard service concept, like other changes, is mainly based on customer surveys carried out by SAS. "Our customer surveys clearly show that customers want a change especially in short-haul flights. They want a simplified product for a lower price," says Ulf Ingnäs, Director Product Management Inflight at SAS Airline. "Frequent flyers who travel shorter distances want their travel to be as convenient as possible. They have indicated that they want a smarter, more efficient product.

"Taking customer preferences and SAS's own cost-cutting requirements as our guidelines, we developed a new concept for onboard service that is geared toward shorter flights. The concept will initially be launched on intra-Scandinavian flights as well as on all domestic fights."

Breakfast important
The Scandinavian Direct service concept varies with the duration of the flight. A key element of the concept is breakfast, which is served on all flights until 9:30 a.m. "Flight length determines what we can serve onboard. On a flight that is 50 minutes or shorter, we have a 12-15-minute window in which to serve a meal. We want passengers on such flights to be able to have their breakfast without feeling rushed," says Ulf Ingnäs.

Simplicity and variation
The new concept is divided into two periods - breakfast, and all other times during the day and night. The current service concept is divided into five periods. SAS is now focusing instead on two concepts that offer greater inherent variation. "Our frequent flyers often fly regularly at the same time and would prefer us to vary our range rather than offer different concepts throughout the day and night," Ulf Ingnäs explains. "Our menus are inspired by fast-food trends throughout the world. We will have five different themes - Asian, Scandinavian, Mediterranean, 'fusion,' and vegetarian. Based on these themes, we will create snacks, sandwiches and wraps.

Friday special
On Friday afternoons after 4:00 p.m., Scandinavian Direct will provide a feature offering called the "Friday Night Special."
"This might be, for example, 'American Friday,' with hamburgers; 'Italian Friday,' with pizza slices, or 'Danish Friday,' with 'pølse' sausages, bread and beer," Ulf Ingnäs explains.



U.S. operator VoiceStream selects Nokia to expand its GSM network
(19.03.02) Nokia and VoiceStream Wireless Corporation, a T-Mobile subsidiary and the largest GSM operator in the United States, have completed an agreement for the expansion of VoiceStream's GSM network in certain major cities across the United States. The three-year supply agreement is estimated to be worth 300 million USD and highlights the longstanding relationship between the two companies.
Under the agreement, Nokia will provide both its core and radio-access network for the expansion of VoiceStream's nationwide GSM network, including network deployment in new market areas, such as Ohio and Arkansas. Deliveries will begin immediately.

Nokia will provide its EDGE-capable UltraSite base station solution, which addresses the growing demand for higher voice and data traffic in today's mobile networks. An industry-leading product, Nokia UltraSite can support GSM, High Speed Data, GPRS, and Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution technologies. By optimizing the use of available spectrum, operators can employ EDGE to achieve transmission speeds of up to 473 kbps, allowing them to build higher-capacity data and voice networks.

"We are extremely pleased to be working with VoiceStream to expand its GSM network, already the largest in the U.S.," says Bosco Novák, Vice President, Customer Operations at Nokia Networks. "VoiceStream's successful expansion shows true market leadership, making GSM the dominant wireless technology platform in the United States, consistent with the rest of the world. The selection of Nokia, furthermore, reinforces our cooperation with VoiceStream."



Djuice and The Walt Disney enter into a wireless content agreement
(19.03.02) Djuice, Telenor Mobile's mobile Internet service provider, and Walt Disney Internet Group have signed a distribution agreement that will bring Disney-branded content to Scandinavian mobile users for the first time. Disney Mobile content, including logos, ringtones, wallpaper screens, electronic greeting cards and games, based on Disney's line-up of popular characters, will be available to djuice mobile users in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Djuice will launch the Disney offering this spring.
"We are thrilled to work with one of the world's leading content brands," said Jon Erik Haug, djuice Managing Director. "We firmly believe that entertainment as well as quality content will drive mass market uptake of mobile Internet services. The wireless experience in Norway has revealed that consumers are willing to pay for quality content, and Disney is a prime creator of quality content.

"Disney's SMS, WAP and future MMS (Multi Media Messaging) services will be essential in djuice's portfolio of services, including sound, picture and text for the Scandinavian market. With the implementation of 3G and mobile devices with colour screens, the Disney Mobile services will be optimised. Walt Disney is the largest content provider of high quality family entertainment in the World and we look forward to working with the company in Scandinavia," said Jon Erik Haug, djuice managing director..



Saab Bofors Dynamics receives MSEK 200 order
(19.03.02) Dutch and Belgian navies choose Remotely-Operated Vehicle (ROV) from Saab Bofors Dynamics for mine-hunting. The order, which is valued at approximately MSEK 200, includes further development of the existing Double Eagle MkII system for increased performance. The order also includes the integration of an advanced MCM sonar from Thales Underwater Systems.
"We are very happy about this order," says Mikael Grodzinsky, president of Saab Bofors Underwater Systems in Motala. "These are the sixth and seventh countries that have chosen our Double Eagle system. It shows that we have a competitive product on the market, and one with major potential for additional orders."

Saab Bofors Dynamics Underwater Systems business unit in Motala has received an order for the Double Eagle MkIII ROV system from the French company Thales Underwater Systems. The ROV system is part of an Integrated Mine Countermeasure System for delivery to the Dutch and Belgian navies. IMCMS is a joint French/German project involving two companies, Thales Underwater Systems (main subcontractor) and STN Atlas Elektronik GmbH (prime contractor). The systems, which are also known as Self-Propelled Variable Depth Sonar, will be used on board Dutch MCM vessels of the Alkmaar Class and Belgian vessels of the Flower Class. The systems are to be commissioned into operational service on an ongoing basis from 2004 to 2008.

The SPVDS system is used to detect and classify sea mines. The vehicle is powered and controlled via a cable, and can be deployed several hundred meters ahead of the mine-hunting vessel, thus optimizing the safety of the vessel and its crew.



Volvo Trucks introduces an ECO 4 engine
(19.03.02) Volvo Trucks is introduces a new engine that meets ECO 4, i.e. four points in Austria's ECO-point system.
It 's the D12D, a 420 hp engine that is available on the Volvo FH12. This engine is quite similar to the standard Euro-3 version, but the level of nitrogen oxides is lower.

This engine is required in order to receive four ECO-points. Volvo's standard Euro 3 engines receive five ECO-points. For the haulage company, this means that the truck will receive a permit to drive through Austria a greater number of times.

With the introduction of the D12D 420 hp engine with four ECO-points, the Volvo Truck Corporation marks its continuing efforts to reduce the emission values of exhaust gases.



SAS to complain on decision to ban frequent flyer programme on Norwegian domestic routes
(18.03.02) SAS will lodge a complaint to the Minister of Labour and Government Administration as a result of today being informed that the Competition Authority has resolved to intervene against SAS EuroBonus programme and Braathens Wings programme. The decision states that SAS, Braathens and Widerøe are prohibited from offering its passengers the earning of frequent flyer points on Norwegian domestic flights from 1 May 2002 to 1 May 2007.
SAS will request to be exempt from carrying out the changes whilst the complaint is dealt with by the Ministry. SAS will also request that the Ministry await the decision from the Nordic and European co-operation between the Competition Authorities, which has been implemented or is planned to be implemented in relation to these issues.

SAS is disappointed over the decision and the fact that Norwegian authorities have elected to enforce distinctively Norwegian rules that will unilaterally affect the SAS Group and Norwegian passengers. The decision is, in SAS' view, unfounded as the frequent flyer programme is of no importance for the establishment of competition within Norwegian aviation in terms of the existing market situation. In addition, the decision can be directly detrimental for SAS Group and thus constitute a threat to the maintenance of the present offer in the market on the marginal routes.

"The consequence of such interference in the Norwegian frequent flyer programme is that SAS' position is impaired as against international competitors. International competition within aviation exits and one cannot isolate the Norwegian aviation market. Each and every international player can use its frequent flyer programme within its domestic markets, SAS demands that competition is based on equal terms," says Marketing Director in SAS Airline Norway, Merete Møystad.

- It is essential that Norwegian companies can build upon the loyalty of its customers in its own domestic market as long as their competitors are entitled to do so in their own domestic markets. Norway can no longer exclude itself from this reality without it affecting Norwegian companies as opposed to our foreign competitors, states Commercial Director in Braathens, Freddy Eriksen.



SKF acquires the Bulgarian bearing company VMZ
(18.03.02) SKF has acquired the bearing business of VMZ, from the Bulgarian State. The VMZ bearing operations comprise four factories in Bulgaria, at Sopot, Kalofer, Karnare and Bogdan, with Head Office in Sopot, 120 km. east of Sofia.
VMZ manufactures deep groove ball bearings in the 22mm to 100mm outer diameter range. Factories are equipped with updated technology, and the company has approximately 1600 employees.

VMZ is one of Central Europe's leading bearing brands, and the company's exports are mainly to markets in Central and Eastern Europe. Through this acquisition, SKF substantially strengthens its position in the Central and East European markets, where growth and development are taking place at a rapid rate.

The new company will be named SBB (SKF Bearings Bulgaria EOOD) and will be part of the SKF Electrical Division. Initially, SKF will be focusing on upgrading manufacturing processes and improving productivity.



Schibsted launches 20 Minutes in Paris
(15.03.02) The free commuter newspaper 20 Minutes was launched Friday morning in Paris.
20 Minutes Paris is intended to be distributed in approximately 175 000 copies. The circulation is expected to be increased to 450 000. So far the distribution has been carried out without substantial problems.

The competitor Metro (produced by Swedish MTG) ran into plenty of trouble pending it's release in Paris only a short time ago. The idea of free press is not regarded with the raged trade unions who are not keen to see the idea of freely distributed press spreading.

20 Minutes Paris has been established as a joint venture, whereas Schibsted/20 Min Holding AG and the French companies SPIR and Sofiouest owns 50% each. 20 Minutes is now published in six cities; Zürich, Bern, Basel, Madrid, Barcelona and Paris.



Ericsson and Texas Instruments enter into agreement on GPRS and 3G handset solutions
(15.03.02) Ericsson Mobile Platforms and Texas Instruments have signed an agreement for GPRS and 3G reference design platforms based on TI's advanced silicon technology.
Ericsson will offer third generation mobile phone reference design platforms including TI semiconductor solutions enabling wireless equipment manufacturers to bring their products to market faster and with reduced R&D investment.

Ericsson Mobile Platforms' open solutions will include digital signal processors for baseband, RF components as well as application processors. Under the agreement, Texas Instruments will supply the core components for Ericsson's reference design solutions. These solutions will support a full range of handsets, addressing all market segments, including bandwidth-intensive and multimedia-rich wireless applications enabling services such as multimedia messaging, video and Internet audio downloads, e-mail, real-time Web browsing, advanced security, games and location-based services.

"We are pleased to support Ericsson Mobile Platforms' solutions as a strategic TI-powered UMTS offering to the 3G market," said Gilles Delfassy, TI Senior Vice President and General Manager for TI's Wireless Terminals Business Unit. Working with Ericsson Mobile Platforms on the new reference designs extends our commitment to help wireless equipment manufacturers bring products to market quickly and easily."

Volvo publishes early annual report on the Net!
(14.03.02) On March 22, AB Volvo will publish its Annual Report for 2001, in print, as planned, but it is already available today at Volvo's website, www.volvo.com.
This is the first time that Volvo has chosen to publish its Annual Report on the Internet prior to the release of the printed version. The reason is that Volvo wants to increase the availability and speed of its information. By publishing the Report on the Internet, it becomes accessible immediately it is completed.



Wärtsilä to supply three gas power plants to Hungary
(14.03.02) Wärtsilä has been awarded three gas power plant contracts in Hungary. The contracts are Wärtsilä's first significant power plant projects in Hungary. The plants will generate electricity for the local grid. They are scheduled for delivery in April and for commercial start-up in September this year.
Sinergy Kft, a leading investment company in Hungary, has ordered two power plants, one to be built in Kazincbarcika and the other in Tiszaújváros. These plants will generate electricity for the local grid.

The third contract is from Györhö District Heating Company, which supplies heat to the City of Györ. This gas power plant has a planned output of 10,920 kWth heat and 12,000 kWe electricity. The equipment will be supplied in the summer and the new power plant will be fully operational in October 2002.

Hungarian district heating utilities are expanding their commercial activities into producing electricity, which they sell to the national grid. This new business move has been brought about by new Hungarian legislation which enables a district heating company to sell electricity below 20 MW to the national grid.

All three contracts also include a 10-year maintenance agreement.



Novo supplies flood protection it system to China
(14.03.02) Novo has sealed an agreement with the Chinese Changjiang Water Resource Commission for the provision of a flood management IT system for the Yangtse River in China.
The aim of the Novo and CWRC joint project is to build a system which uses new technologies to minimise flood damage. Special focuses of the project include the use of geographic information, computer-based flood modelling and emergency response during flooding.

The Yangtse (Changjiang) is China's largest river, along which live around 400 million people. 40% of China's national product is generated within the river valley's economic area. When floods arise, the decision must be taken as where the flood dykes are to be reinforced, where the mass of water will be directed and how the evacuation of people will be handled. To support this decision-making process the IT system assembles the necessary information, predicts how the flood will develop on the basis of such data and facilitates the analysis of different scenarios.

At the basis of the system lies the geographic information system (GIS) through which vital information is managed, like maps, elevation models, land-use data, radar and other satellite images, weather information and water level measurements. This modular system incorporates planning and evaluation processes, flood modelling, decision-making support processes, situation monitoring, communications procedures, the visualisation of the outcomes of different courses of action and the distribution of such knowledge within the CWRC organisation.

Under the control of the Chinese Water Ministry, the Yangste Water Resource Commission is responsible for the management of the water system in South East China and co-ordinates the related activities of local organisations within the region.



Allgon awarded UMTS-agreement by Swedish 3G operators 3GIS and Hi3G
(13.03.02) Swedish Allgon, global supplier of radio-based infrastructure solutions, has been appointed base station antenna supplier by Swedish domestic UMTS network operators 3GIS and Hi3G.
According to the 3GIS agreement, Allgon will develop and provide UMTS base station antennas for 3GIS (3G Infrastructure Services AB), a Swedish 3G Infrastructure joint venture between mobile operators Orange, HI3G and Vodafone. The contract is a long time agreement, and the first products have already been delivered.

Allgon has also signed a general agreement directly with Hi3G, where Allgon is appointed primary supplier of 3G base station antennas in Hi3G's separate UMTS-network. The first products included by the HI3G agreement have also been delivered.

"We won the contracts in hard competition, which once again confirms our high competence in 3G technology. Allgon is the natural choice for a 3G operator with high demands for performance and coverage", said Jeff Bork, CEO of Allgon.



Metso to concentrate its Brazilian operations
(12.03.02) Metso Corporation will concentrate its Brazilian operations in Sorocaba, in the state of São Paulo. The objective is the joint utilization of resources, processes and methods. Metso Minerals manufactures crushers and compaction equipment in Sorocaba.The plant houses also Metso Minerals' steel foundry, which is the largest in South America. Metso Paper and Metso Automation have sales offices in Sorocaba. The three core business areas of Metso employ a total of 1,215 persons in Brazil.
As a result of this change, Metso Minerals' plant in Vespasiano, in the state of Minas Gerais, which currently employs about 140 people, will be discontinued. The sales offices of Metso Paper and Metso Automation have transferred from Campinas to the shared premises in Sorocaba.

"Brazil's rapidly growing infrastructure offers Metso with an opportunity for stable growth. The country's pulp and paper industry is both modernizing and investing in increased production capacity. As a result, Metso Paper has recently supplied for example a pulping line and a wood handling system, while Metso Automation have supplied several process automation and paper quality management systems. Brazil is an important producer of market pulp and the pulp industry is considering futher investments. The country's extensive copper and steel resources also provide demand for mining products. Although the products Metso Minerals manufactures in Brazil are primarily intended for domestic and South American markets, they are also increasingly exported to the rest of the world.

At the end of February, the Brazilian authorities gave clearance for the merger of Metso Minerals and Svedala Industri AB. This was the last official clearance needed for the acquisition.



Ericsson licenses GPRS and 3G platform to Finnish Benefon
(11.03.02) Ericsson Mobile Platforms and Benefon have agreed on licensing Ericsson's cutting edge handset technology to Benefon's mobile telematics products currently under development. The platform enables GPRS (2.5G) and in its later releases also 3G access.
Benefon provides terminal products and solutions to the global mobile telematics market, by combining three main enabling technologies: mobile access, mobile Internet and service platforms, and mobile precision location.

"Benefon selected Ericsson Mobile Platforms as the provider of mobile access technology, due to Ericsson's leading position in GSM, GPRS and 3G networks and handset technology. The world-class platform is instrumental in Benefon's push to secure a leading global position in the growing mobile telematics market. Beyond mere GPRS, our product range now has a credible roadmap to global multiband GSM and 3G coverage", says Jukka Nieminen, Chief Operating Officer of Benefon.

"The collaboration with Benefon is a further proof of the technical and commercial strength of Ericsson's solution. Based on Benefon's strength in the technology and market for Location Based Services, Ericsson Mobile Platforms believe that Benefon can build a strong business also outside the consumer handset industry", says Tord Wingren, President of Ericsson Mobile Platforms.



Swedish Casinos are no jackpots for their owners
(08.03.02) (SNow) Swedish gaming laws are strict. But when it was decided that Sweden was going to allow Continental style gambling at a few State controlled casinos, offering higher stakes at the tables, everybody predicted the emergence of new Monte Carlos in the North. Not so.
The first State controlled casino to open it's doors was in Sundsvall. Media was very optimistic that the surge of gamblers attracted to the propect of trying their luck the tables, would also be bring added business to the towns hospiality industry. Not quite so. And when the second casino opened in Malmö hopes were high that the Danes would be lured to cross the mighty Öresund Bridge in search of easy money. But even this prediction failed, and now the result of the State's first year as Casino proprietor have been presented. The gamblers lost 32.6 million kronor on their wagers. But the cost of running the Casino business was nearly five time that, or SEK 150 million.

"We're very happy with the outcome of our first year in the Casino business" commented Meg Tiveus, CEO of Svenska Spel, the Swedish State Gambling Authority, who believes that the lack of tradition is the main reason to the fair turnout at the tables.



Nokia Mobile Challenge awards winners for most innovative and useful Java applications
(07.03.02) Nokia today announced the winners of the first Nokia Mobile Challenge contest in Java category for best applications in communications, entertainment and enhanced productivity. The contest judges selected the applications which showed the best combination of mobility, quality and usability.
In the 'company' series, the winning productivity enhancer, titled "QuickShop", was designed by Hartmann-Software (Germany). QuickShop is a practical application for daily use, enabling people to select their favourite dishes from a database in the Internet, and to import the ingredients of the recipe right into their mobile phone's shopping list. It is also possible to enter the shop and locate an ingredient. Once this information has been stored in the phone, it can be used again next time.

For communications category, Clearigo Solutions Inc (Canada) was presented with the 1st award for clearBUGS. It is a time-saving J2ME client application allowing field service personnel to report problems from the actual site and assign them to appropriate colleagues via mobile devices. They can keep a to-do list as well as prioritize, schedule and track dependencies while on the go. There is no need to go to the office or even resort to one's laptop.

In the entertainment category, kiloo (Denmark) won the award with Popstar, which allows the user to manage the career of his/her very own pop star. The application can be compared with the popular virtual pet key rings. To succeed, the user must meet the basic needs of the wanna-be pop star, such as eating. To gain further fame, however, it is also necessary to tour, rehearse and buy new and better gear.

The winning companies were awarded a Nokia 9200 Series Communicator, and they will also be offered the opportunity to demonstrate their applications with Nokia at CeBIT 2002.

In addition, the jury of the Nokia Mobile Challenge recognized three students for creating outstanding Java applications: Lukasz Luzar from Poland for a currency trading application; Ram Kumar, Malaysia for an E-mail client application; and Michael Behrisch from Germany for the "Koloris" game. They will all receive a Nokia 5510 phone.



ASSA Abloy strengthens its market position in Brazil
(07.03.02) ASSA Abloy has signed a letter of intent to acquire IMAB Ltda, one of the leading lock companies in Brazil. The company was founded in 1965 by the Barosas family and has been owned by them since then.
IMAB is a well-respected player on the Brazilian lock market with strong growth in recent years. The company has built a strong distribution network of more than 3000 retail outlets. The main products are mortise locks and cylinders, produced in the factory in São Paulo. IMAB has sales of BRL 15 million (SEK 80 M) and 320 employees.

The Brazilian market is of great interest to ASSA Abloy, being the largest lock market in South America with a growing need for better locking solutions.

ASSA Abloy's existing company on the Brazilian market, La Fonte, has a leading position at the higher end of the commercial market with sales of BRL 35 million. The acquisition of IMAB will strengthen ASSA ABLOY's position and ambitions for leadership. The two brands will complement each other very naturally. There is also considerable scope for synergy in the production area.

Completion is expected by the end of May subject to final due diligence and regulatory approvals.



New IKEA family website built on Polopoly Content Management
(07.03.02) The new version of IKEA's loyalty program, IKEA family, has now been launched throughout Sweden. Sweden is a pilot for other IKEA family markets. The new website for IKEA family, has been built on the Swedish company Polopoly's system for Content Management. More than one million Swedes are IKEA family members.
The new website's goal is to be an inspiration and knowledge-bank for all of those who love interior design. Both IKEA and members of IKEA family will contribute content to the website. The website is meant to compliment activities in the IKEA department stores and in the customer magazine, IKEA family Magazine. On the website members can receive and offer home furnishing advice, vote and discuss, shop/trade/sell furniture, enter contests, and receive special IKEA family offers. Visitors can custom-tailor the website to address their interests. For example, visitors can subscribe to a specialized newsletter on kitchens and storage, as well as subscribe to information about activities at their local IKEA department store.

In addition to Sweden, the IKEA family loyalty program exists in the Danish, French, Swiss, German, and Austrian markets. Sweden is the pilot- market for the new IKEA family concept.

Polopoly develops platform independent systems for digital content management and customer relationship management (eCRM). Clients include some of the main Scandinavian players, such as Dagens Nyheter, Göteborgs- Posten, the Swedish Television, Bonnier Publications, Coop Konsum and Ericsson.



BTC Mobility of Bermuda selects Nokia to deliver full GSM network
(06.03.02) Nokia and BTC Mobility, one of Bermuda's leading mobile operators, have signed an agreement to build Bermuda's most advanced wireless GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) network. The agreement includes core- and radio-access network equipment such as switching equipment, base stations, and base station controllers, as well as radio transmission, network management and GPRS packet-data solutions.
The implementation of the GSM network, which includes GPRS and EDGE-ready capabilities, will position BTC Mobility, which has recently been granted a cellular network license, to offer state-of-the-art voice and data products and services with global reach, and personal and business solutions that are uniquely designed to meet customers' demands.
The Milwaukee brand is not completely new to the European market, as it has been sold there for some years but on a limited scale. At the Cologne Fair, which takes place March 3-6, many new Milwaukee products will be introduced, all aimed at the European markets. The new range encompasses close to 170 products, including 50 new models previously only available in North America.

"We are very pleased to partner with Nokia, knowing that we will have a first-class infrastructure made by the world leader in mobile communications," said Stanley G. Wright, BTC Mobility General Manager. "BTC Mobility plans to develop complete business solutions that encompass application components that enable businesses to take advantage of opportunities to improve efficiency through wireless solutions."



NCC to build residential properties in Oslo for SEK 190 million
(05.03.02) NCC Norway has reached an agreement with Schultzehaugen Eiendom AS (Fabritius Prosjekt) regarding the construction of residential properties at Schultzehaugen, Maridalsveien in Oslo. The agreement applies to a turnkey contract worth approximately SEK 190 million (approx. NOK 170 million).
The project involves the construction of a total 19,000 square meters of floor space, a total of 193 apartments and a certain amount of commercial space. At present, the site consists of several older buildings and an office block, which are to be converted into apartments and commercial premises. In addition, two new buildings with a combined total of 59 apartments and an indoor car park are to be built.

"NCC developed this project in cooperation with the client, Arcasa Arkitekter.



Sony Ericsson unveils several new products to regain lost ground
(05.03.02) Sony Ericsson has been losing ground to number of it's fiercest rivals and today it showed up what it intends to do to regain both promise and initiative.
Today, Sony Ericsson launched two GSM-products, the Symbian-based P800 smartphone and the Z700 gaming phone, as well as the T62u for the American TDMA/GSM market. All three products feature Java technology.

Java enables an open environment which allows third party applications to be downloaded into the mobile device over-the-air. For consumers this means that new applications can be installed throughout the lifetime of the mobile handset, not just during the initial handset purchase. Whilst this opens up possibilities in several applications areas, gaming is viewed as one of the services which will gain the most from Java capability. For example, consumers will be able to update their phones regularly with new games or game content, such as new levels.

Sony Ericsson also unveiled the T206, featuring Global Positioning System (GPS) for emergency and location-based services. For personalization, messaging and entertainment, the T206 features screensavers, games and enhanced messaging services, EMS. The T206 is the first Sony Ericsson branded CDMA phone for the Americas.

Another new release is the T62u, Sony Ericsson's first phone to incorporate both TDMA 800/1900 and GSM 850/1900 frequencies and GPRS, in addition to analog. This enables seamless roaming across multiple wireless technologies for superior coverage. Being a GAIT phone (GSM ANSI Interoperability Team), the T62u will help operators transition their networks from TDMA to GSM technology. For the consumers the benefit is that the phone lives through network upgrades. The T62u is also Sony Ericsson's first Java-enabled mobile phone for the Americas, allowing for download of games.

Sony Ericsson also precented a portable Bluetooth handsfree headset, the HBH-30, and a Bluetooth Car Handsfree, the HCB-30. Bluetooth is a key ingredient in the Sony Ericsson portfolio, as the door is opened for innovative new applications while maintaining a focus on the phone. With the launch of these two new Bluetooth handsfree solutions, Sony Ericsson demonstrates its leadership within Bluetooth, and, at the same time its dedication to bring the benefits of Blutooth to consumers. The Bluetooth Handsfree headset HBH-30 will be on the market in Q2 and the Bluetooth Car Handsfree HCB-30 solution will be on the market in Q3. .



Atlas Copco launches Milwaukee electric tools in Europe
(04.03.02) Atlas Copco will introduce its Milwaukee brand of professional electric tools on a larger scale to the European market, at this year's International Hardware Fair in Cologne, Germany. Through the launch customers in Europe will get access to a top- of-the-line North American product range.
"Milwaukee has an extremely strong position in North America," says Göran Gezelius, Senior Executive Vice President, business area Industrial Technique. "Through this launch, we will be able to fully capitalize both on the investments made in product development and in marketing concepts. Last year we introduced Milwaukee in Australia and quickly achieved both high recognition and revenues."

The Milwaukee brand is not completely new to the European market, as it has been sold there for some years but on a limited scale. At the Cologne Fair, which takes place March 3-6, many new Milwaukee products will be introduced, all aimed at the European markets. The new range encompasses close to 170 products, including 50 new models previously only available in North America.

With the launch of Milwaukee, Atlas Copco will operate under three different brands of professional electric tools in Europe; Milwaukee, Atlas Copco and AEG Power Tools. Milwaukee will keep its high-profile position with its "Nothing But Heavy Duty" image.




Scania to sell Din Bil Sverige AB
(01.03.02) Scania has agreed to sell Din Bil Sverige AB to Volkswagen AG of Germany. The transaction can be completed after examination and approval by the competition authorities concerned.
The divestment of the car importer is part of Scania's strategy of concentrating its operations on commercial vehicles. The task of dividing Scania's formerly common sales and service network for cars and commercial vehicles has now been completed. Earlier this year, Scania made a similar agreement to sell its 50 percent shareholding in the Swedish importer Svenska Volkswagen AB to Volkswagen AG.

Din Bil Sverige AB includes Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda as well as Porsche dealerships in the major metropolitan regions of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö-Helsingborg. Its operations employ about 1,200 people and the company accounts for about one third of the sales of these car makes in the Swedish market.

The approval of the sale by Scania's Board of Directors was preceded by a financial fairness opinion provided by ABN-Amro Bank.

The purchase price is about SEK 450 million. Scania's capital gain amounts to about SEK 300 m. .




Statement of Objections from the EU Commission
(01.03.02) Carlsberg A/S has today received a Statement of Objections from the EU Commission. The Commission is of the initial opinion that Carlsberg and Heineken during the period 1993-1996 had an agreement to limit competition in their respective home markets. Carlsberg does not concur with the opinion of the Commission. The Com-mission's statement will now be studied in detail and Carlsberg will then reply to the statement.
In its announcement to the Copenhagen Stock Exchange of 4 May 2000, Carlsberg A/S stated that the EU Commission had initiated a dawn raid investigation at Carlsberg. Today, Carlsberg has received a Statement of Objections from the EU Commission, from which it appears that the Commission has now concluded its investigations and so far finds that during the period 1993-1996 an agreement/concerted practice existed between Carlsberg and Heineken to limit competition in their respective home markets. The Commission bases the case on a few contacts between Carlsberg's and Heineken's former chief executive officers in connection with which internal memos were prepared. In Carlsberg's opinion such contacts were courtesy relations and ordinary business discussions. The Commission interprets the internal memos as though an understanding that only limited activities should take place in the other party's home market existed between Carlsberg and Heineken during the mid-90s.

Carlsberg's own investigations Carlsberg's Board of Directors, which was not aware of the contacts between Heineken and Carlsberg, has since 4 May 2000 launched internal investigations in order to determine whether such agreement/concerted practice existed. The investigations - which have been complicated by the fact that the case relates to a period prior to the appointment of the present Executive Board - has included thorough examinations of all archives and minutes of board meetings as well as interviews with the board members, executives and managers at the time in question. External lawyers and economists have also assessed the material. Thereafter, a report has been prepared and sent to the EU Commission in September 2001. Based on the results of these investigations, Carlsberg does not concur with the opinion of the Commission.


Anoto widens the scope of its venture in the Japanese market and establishes Anoto Communications Ltd.
(28.02.02) Anoto is starting a new company, Anoto Communications Ltd, to prepare for the launch of the Anoto concept in Japan. The new company aims to establish a consortium consisting of a large group of industrial parties that will act as a platform for the launch in the Japanese market in 2002-2003.
Anoto Communications Ltd. will manage the consortium and thus have a consultative role in connection with planning and production of services with Anoto functionality. Anoto Communications Ltd will also initiate market activities to continue to disseminate the Anoto concept in the Japanese market.

Anoto Nippon K. K. remains a wholly owned subsidiary of Anoto AB and will continue to market the pen, paper and server technology enabling Anoto functionality.

"Establishment of Anoto Communications Ltd. creates stronger opportunities for both Anoto Nippon K. K. and our strategic partners in Japan to be better prepared and coordinated for the future launch. Anoto Communications Ltd. will be fully financed through the membership of our Japanese partners", says Christer Fåhraeus, CEO, Anoto AB.


Elanders signs contract with Thomson Directories worth 140 MSEK
(28.02.02) Today Elanders signed with Thomson Directories Ltd, Farnborough, England a contract for production of local telephone directories for three years ending 2004. Elanders and Thomson have collaborated since 1983 and have together developed an efficient solution for production which is now further improved following new technology in the premedia area. The contract is estimated to be worth 140 MSEK excluding the cost of paper.
Mac Rogers, production manager of Thomson, commented: "We are delighted to continue our relationship with Elanders which has developed over a number of years, into a successful business partnership".

Thomson Directories is Britain's leading independent publisher of local telephone directories.


Haldex commissioned to develop software architecture for next generation AWD vehicles
(26.02.02) Haldex Traction Systems, a division in the Haldex group, has been commissioned by a European car manufacturer to jointly develop the software architecture in next generation's AWD vehicles. The objective for the joint development project is to integrate and expand the communication and cooperation between the vehicle's different electronically controlled systems, with the aim to further enhance performance and safety in future vehicles.
The vehicle industry is in the midst of an electronics revolution with no signs of stagnation. In order to better exploit potential synergies between various electronically controlled systems and to optimize the software structure in the vehicle, Haldex has been chosen as a partner to a European car manufacturer to jointly develop the software strategy for next generation's AWD vehicles. The project is expected to result in improvements in the area of vehicle dynamics and motion control.

In connection with the development of the Haldex AWD system, a significant body of know-how has been built up regarding vehicle dynamics and software. The present assignment also confirms that the electronically controlled AWD system has a key role in the complex task of coordinating software and subsystems within the area of vehicle dynamics.

Concept cars will be built during the year to test and calibrate various functions.



TietoEnator provides quality assurance consulting to the European Commission
(26.02.02) A framework contract has been signed between TietoEnator and the European Commission enabling TietoEnator to provide quality assurance services of information systems and IT processes to the Commission for the next 5 years. The total value of the contract is estimated at 15.77 million euros.
The aim of the contract between TietoEnator and the European Commission is to enhance the quality of the Commission's IT processes.

The agreement simplifies the buying of quality assurance services for the different Directorate Generals of the European Commission. The services to be delivered include: - Studies on quality matters regarding information systems and IT processes. - Coaching on quality assurance regarding information systems and IT processes. - Quality audits and quality assessments of IT processes. "The agreement strengthens remarkably TietoEnator´s role as an important partner in IT quality assurance to the European Commission. Our expertise is based on a long-term experience in quality assurance consulting in demanding IT environments", says Ms Anne Ivanoff, Director at TietoEnator N.V. Brussels.



Volvo Aero Engine Services lands major overhaul order from Aeroflot
(25.02.02) Volvo Aero has signed an agreement with the Russian airline company Aeroflot, whereby Volvo Aero will overhaul Aeroflot's JT9D-59A engines, powering its DC 10-40 aircraft. The initial value of the contract is 60 MUSD, making it the largest overhaul contract signed by Volvo Aero since 1998.
The contract, that was unveiled at the Asian Aerospace in Singapore, has been negotiated over the last couple of months and is the first contract where Volvo Aero gives a total package of services, including e.g. spare engine and LRU support, Engine Condition Monitoring and On Wing support.

"We are honored to deal with Volvo Aero and we believe that the DC 10- 40F project can be very successful for both sides. We also believe this is the first step toward further cooperation between our two companies. The whole transaction will be mutually beneficial, not only because of the favorable conditions of the contract, but also through the well- organized work from the side of Volvo Aero as well as from Aeroflot side", comments Dmitry S. Senatorov, Head of Asset Management Department, Aeroflot-Russian Airlines

No new recruitment is anticipated as a result of the contract.



Ericsson signs ENGINE agreement to modernize Egypt's national telecommunications network
(25.02.02) The agreement between Telecom Egypt and Ericsson is the basis of a long- term strategic partnership, valued to about EUR 200 million over the coming five years. It supports Telecom Egypt in the ongoing work of its plans to expand and modernize the Egyptian telecommunication infrastructure in order to meet growing demand for communication and information services by the community.
In addition to access expansion, an important element of the frame agreement is to accelerate the migration of the core backbone network from a circuit-switched to an open layered packet-based mega network.

Competence development and transfer of knowledge form a vital cornerstone in the agreement in order to support Telecom Egypt in achieving its goals to stay competitive in the dynamic and open telecommunications marketplace in Egypt.

"Ericsson has proven to be a trusted partner and we believe with their leadership in the field of Communication and Information technology they will be a suitable partner supporting us achieving our objectives when facing the highly competitive market place," says Eng. Akil Beshir, Chairman, Telecom Egypt.



Former Trelleborg CEO offers Gislaved Tires new hope
(22.02.02) (SNow) Gislaved, owned by German Tire giant Continental was about to become yet another victim to cloak and dagger, corporate style. But from the shadows stepped former Trelleborg Kjell Nilsson and changed the ending.
In an interview with Radio Sweden in Jönköping, Kjell Nilsson, former Trelleborg CEO and therefore a veteran in the tire trade, confirmed he has expressed interest in saving the tire production plant in Gislaved. A group of financiers support Nilsson in the venture and talks are in progress.

Kjell Nilsson met with Minister of Trade Björn Rosengren in Stockholm on Thursday, together with and at the initiative of representatives for the German owners, to inform of his intentions. Negotiations with German Continental revolve around guarantees against future layoffs and the right to the "Gislaved" brand name.

Nilsson believes Gislaveds nearly century old experience of tire making, and especially winter tires, are a vital asset on which a future for Sweden's oldest tire manufacturer can rely.




SAS reports Västerås Airport to Swedish Competition Authority
(22.02.02) SAS has today reported Västerås Flygplats AB (Västerås Airport) to the Swedish Competition Authority. Västerås Airport has been reported because SAS believes that the Airport is applying discriminatory conditions relating to the charging of airport fees.
Västerås Airport is treating SAS and other players unfairly and improperly by providing more favorable conditions for certain airlines.

In a letter to Västerås Flygplats AB, dated February 14, SAS requested that the Airport report openly on its finances and the amounts the various airlines pay in airport fees. Västerås Airport has not responded to this request and SAS has therefore decided to let the Competition Authority examine the matter.

Discriminatory pricing As a result of information in the media, SAS has reason to suspect that Västerås Airport is offering Ryan Air extremely low fees. The level of the fees is so low that, if the information is correct, they do not cover the cost of airport operations.

"We suspect that SAS, Skyways and/or the taxpayers in Västerås Municipality are subsidizing Ryan Air's operations in Västerås. Our only aim is to be able to compete on an equal basis," says Hans Ollongren, head of SAS Authority Contacts at SAS.

SAS in breach of disclosure obligation - required to pay a fine
(21.02.02) SAS has been found to have contravened the disclosure obligation in the company's listing agreement. Stockholmsbörsen's Disciplinary Committee has imposed a penalty on SAS, after the Committee had concluded that SAS
had been negligent with respect to the information it provided in connection with the European Commission's investigation of SAS regarding suspicions of breaches of the EU's competition rules.
On February 2, 2001 the European Commission submitted documents to the then SAS Sverige AB containing charges that SAS had violated the EU's competition rules by engaging in a certain form of collusion with Maersk Air. In a letter to the Commission dated April 4, 2001, SAS admitted that it had violated the applicable competition rules. The market was not provided with any information about this admission of guilt. Subsequently, SAS focused entirely on a discussion with the Commission regarding the size of forthcoming fines. On July 18, 2001, the European Commission decided to fine SAS a total of slightly more than EUR 39 million for the company's violation of the competition rules.

SAS's legal structure was changed in June 2001, as a result of the shares in SAS Sverige AB being acquired by a newly formed company, SAS AB. Trading in SAS AB shares on Stockholmsbörsen commenced on July 6, 2001, after trading in SAS Sverige AB shares had ceased.

With respect to this matter, the Disciplinary Committee found that SAS's failure to provide information in the prospectus regarding its admission of guilt had contravened the rules applying to the contents of a prospectus. Accordingly, the Disciplinary Committee concluded that this failure constituted a disregard of the listing agreement.



Ericsson corporate citizenship program honored at 3GSM World Congress in Cannes
(20.02.02) Ericsson Response, a global initiative aimed at rapidly and effectively responding to human suffering caused by disasters, was honored by the GSM Association as the industry's "best use of wireless for emergency situations" under the GSM Awards program.
The awards category honors programs that deliver services to areas in crisis due to natural events, humanitarian disasters and other emergency situations. The Ericsson Response program formalizes Ericsson's commitment to the issue based on its experience in various disaster response efforts throughout the world. The program has won praise from, among others, the United Nations for its efforts in several recent crisis situations.

The core parts of the Ericsson Response program are volunteers and equipment - An Ericsson Response Unit consisting of telecommunications equipment and the people to implement and operate it responds to the communications challenges unique to each disaster.


The lastest Nokia mobile epitomises elegant sophistication
(19.02.02) Nokia today unveiled a new mobile phone in its premium category, which is the embodiment of sleek sophistication, exquisite elegance and advanced functionality. Uniquely designed for individuals who appreciate the finer things in life, the Nokia 8910 combines fine mechanics and materials with GPRS and Bluetooth capabilities. The Nokia 8910 is scheduled to start shipping in the 2nd quarter, 2002.
"Sophistication and premium design are brought to a new level with the Nokia 8910. Its uniquely elegant concept, sleek finish and high functionality give it that added touch of sophistication. Making a bold statement with its high quality design, clean lines and premium finish, the Nokia 8910, we believe, will be the new icon mobile phone for those with discerning taste who appreciate quality and style," said Eero Miettinen, Group Design Director, Nokia Mobile Phones.

A key distinctive design element in the Nokia 8910 is its attractive titanium casing. Offering lightweight strength and giving the phone a premium quality finish, the Nokia 8910 is the first Nokia phone to utilize titanium in its outer casing. The Nokia 8910's design also features a new and innovative opening mechanism, which makes the phone slide upwards, revealing stylish chrome-finished keys. White backlight illuminates a high-resolution greyscale display offering enhanced visual clarity.

Equipped with WAP over GPRS and Bluetooth technology, the newest Nokia offers easy connectivity to mobile services. Bluetooth also provides increased flexibility by allowing users to communicate, synchronise and share data easily with other Bluetooth compatible devices.


Saab Aircraft Leasing to deliver seven more SAAB 340Bs to Aerolitoral of Mexico
(19.02.02) Following the success of the Saab 340B in Aerolitoral's fleet, Saab Aircraft Leasing has reached an agreement with the Mexican regional airline to accept delivery of seven more Saab 340Bs during 2002. This will bring Aerolitoral's total Saab 340B fleet to 22 units by the end of this year.
"As part of this transaction Saab Aircraft Leasing will take responsibility to market nine Metro 23 aircraft from Aerolitoral's fleet. The additional Saab 340Bs will allow Aerolitoral to continue its fleet upgrade program and serve increasing traffic markets that now require Saab 340Bs," said Saab Aircraft Leasing President and CEO Michael Magnusson. "We are delighted to assist Aerolitoral in its growth plan as Mexico's largest regional airline."

Aerolitoral with annual revenue of approximately $115 million USD and carries about 850,000 passengers a year serves 34 destinations across Mexico, current US destinations are Los Angeles, Ontario CA, Tucson, El Paso, San Antonio and Houston, operated under code-agreements with Aeromexico and Delta Airlines.


Telia purchases UK assets of 360 networks - 1,500 kilometres of fibre added to Viking Network
(18.02.02) Telia International Carrier has strengthened its position in the UK telecom market by expanding its fully owned Viking Network through the purchase of the assets of 360 networks (UK) Ltd (in administration). The purchase significantly extends Telia´s existing network in the UK and forms the basis of further expansion plans in the region.
Through the deal with 360 networks (UK) Ltd, Telia International Carrier gets access to an extensive, high capacity network and becomes one of the major players on the UK market both in terms of market share and network presence.

The agreement comprises of fibres and co-location sites. With a 216 fibre cable going west from London to Reading and Bristol, north to Birmingham and Manchester, east to Leeds, south towards Peterborough, Cambridge and then back to London. The total length of fibre cables is 1,200 trunk kilometres, plus 300-kilometres of metro routes in Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Leicester, Cambridge, Reading and Birmingham.

"It´s a great advantage for us to expand the Viking Network with a country-ring in one of Europe´s strongest economies. The investment in the UK is a manifestation of our long-term strategy to keep our position as one of the leading carriers in Europe," says Erik Heilborn, CEO of Telia International Carrier.



SKF acquires Maintenance Engineering Company in the US
(15.02.02) SKF has acquired 100% of the shares of Erin Engineering and Research, Inc. This technology and services company provides maintenance engineering and application knowledge for the reliability and performance of client's assets concentrating on the power generation and hydrocarbon processing industries in the USA.
"Erin's portfolio of products and services include software for maintenance, application engineering and reliability. This will enhance the total maintenance service capability that SKF is offering the market, says Phil Knights, President of SKF Service Division.

This acquisition is part of SKF's strategy to further expand into the service market by selling mechanical and engineering services, preventive and predictive maintenance, and condition monitoring solutions, in order to provide total life cycle management of customers' assets.



SAS declares airfare war. Slashes fare between Scandinavia and London to bargain level
(14.02.02) It is now possible to travel from five Scandinavian cities to London for less than SEK 900. On February 20, SAS will begin offering very low fares for passengers who book on the Internet.
This reaction was expected when it was disclosed that Ryanair market share and earnings soared during 2001. The Scandinavia - London route has been one of SAS more profitable, and the pricing has never really been contested on a large scale, until now. Ryanair has proved that business travelers are becoming more price conscience, and the awkwardness of leaving from secondary airports, slightly further from the city, is easily made up for through both shorter, easier check-in procedures and faster flight handling.

Initially, SAS plans to operate 10 daily round trips to London's main airport Heathrow. Tickets will be available for selected departures subject to availability.

The new low fares naturally include food and beverages during the flight, and passengers will also enjoy SAS' service concept for economy class. In addition, passengers will earn EuroBonus points.



Carlsberg Breweries sells Rent A Cooler to Eden Springs
(14.02.02) Carlsberg Breweries A/S sells its Rent A Cooler companies in Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to Eden Springs.
Carlsberg sells its Rent A Cooler companies in Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to Eden Springs, which is European leader within marketing of water bottled in large plastic containers for workplaces. The selling price is approx. DKK 220. The Danish company is not part of the deal, and Carlsberg Breweries continues to operate this company.

Rent A Cooler started its activities in 1988 as part of the Swedish Ramlösa group, in a marketplace that was new to the idea of office coolers. Since then the oncrease has been substantial and Rent A Cooler a brand leader. The company owns two water springs, has around 35,000 customers and 157 employees.



Framfab lands Philippine Airlines
(13.02.02) Last fall Philippine Airlines met with several potential candidates in both the United States and Europe as well as locally in The Philippines in their search for a partner to assist them in preparing their business for the increasing challenges of the Internet.
"We have only just started our cooperation, and already it is clear to us that Philippine Airlines is highly committed and determined to develop its online business," says Project Manager Frank Skou Pedersen, Framfab Denmark.

The initial assignment for Framfab is to redesign Philippine Airlines' corporate website with focus on enhancing usability and ensuring clear and consistent brand recognition, and implement a content management system supporting three language versions. The expected relaunch of the website is scheduled for late spring.

"The relaunch of our website is the first step towards integration of e- Business throughout the organisation. We are confident that we have found the right partner in Framfab, and expect to benefit from their vast experience gained from working with many large international clients", concludes Senior Assistant Vice President Roberto Diaz De Rivera, Corporate e-Business Department, Philippine Airlines.

Philippine Airlines went through a global partner selection process before choosing Framfab. Both parties aim to build a long-term partnership.


Salt Lake media center boosts security with surveillance from Axis
(13.02.02) Swedish Axis Communications has delivered network surveillance system products to the Salt Palace Convention Center, the main media center during the winter games in Salt Lake City. The new system allows security staff to survey and monitor the media center and helps ensure the safety of the 10.000 international journalists who will cover the games.
The Salt Palace Convention Center has improved its existing closed-circuit television (CCTV) system by deploying Axis video servers and network cameras. The digital video servers from Axis enable the Palace's security staff to view all images from its analog cameras on or off site, and create duplicate copies of the recorded images in case the on-site copy is destroyed. The Palace has also extended the capabilities of the system through software that can illuminate dark pictures via infrared light. For example, the software utilizes infrared light to illuminate the image of a car driving through the parking lot at night so that the license plate is clearly visible.

Network cameras and video servers allow facilities such as convention centers to make better use of security and surveillance equipment by optimizing existing infrastructure and lowering the total cost of ownership. Unlike cameras used in CCTV systems that require special cabling infrastructures, network cameras plug directly into existing data networks and easily make images accessible to appropriate persons, even at remote sites. Video servers digitize images from analog cameras, allowing users to more cost effectively and efficiently record, transfer and manage images.



Merger of Aker Maritime and Kværner approved
(12.02.02) The Norwegian Competition Authority has cleared the merger of Aker Maritime and Kværner's oil and gas activities. The authority has approved the merger without reservations, on the basis that the merged company will not have the opportunity of exercising market power through deliveries of newbuildings and maintenance services to oil companies operating on the Norwegian continental shelf.
The Competition Authority concludes that following the merger there will still be sufficient competition from foreign players, and the oil companies which are active in Norway have significant purchasing power. Except for clearance in the US, which in this case is expected to pose no problems, this is the final approval required from the authorities.

The implementation of the rescue plan between Aker Maritime and Kværner was made conditional on all necessary permissions from the authorities being obtained. The European Commission cleared Aker Maritime's acquisition of control over Kværner's shipyard operations on 23 January last and permission in accordance with Norwegian acquisition law was given on 4 February. Clearance from the US authorities is expected in 10 days. All necessary approvals will then have been obtained and the conditions for implementing the merger fulfilled.

A number of internal working groups made up of personnel from the two companies are now working to ensure that all the practical arrangements for accomplishing the merger are settled as soon as possible. Everything is now in place for the merger to go through by the at the beginning of March.



Northstream looks into the crystal ball for wireless year 2002
(11.02.02) Last year was the annus horribilis for the telecom industry. A rough ride that brought the business back to reality, now facing the challenges of 2002 with a new native hue of resolution. In its 2002 issue of the annual lookout "Wireless Top Trends & Challenges" leading wireless advisor, Northstream, sums up the lessons from last year's turmoil and points out crucial trends and challenges on the road to a brighter wireless future.
"The GSM World Congress in Cannes next week will be a first test of how well the business has absorbed and learned from last year's tough experience," says Bengt Nordstrom, CEO Northstream. The most important step to making 3G happen is to get GPRS to fly - for operators GPRS is the gateway to 3G and the way to create revenues today! Issues regarding GPRS roaming must be solved immediately.

2002 is the year of 3G rollout and testing and 3G network sharing will help to re-establish a sound economy within the industry. For consumers this will be the year of new terminals with colour screens and Java. For operators the time has come to prepare for Mobile Video.

Stop seeing WLAN as a threat to 3G! With a smart strategy, the mobile operators can benefit from the WLAN & 3G co-existence.
And don't forget EDGE - it's alive! Recent events in US have repositioned the EDGE technology as a possible component in a cost-effective introduction to 3G services.




Norwegian SAVO pushes the limits of office seating
(08.02.02) Savo Ikon is inspired by functionalism and simple design. Not that office chairs are usually good head turners, Ikon is an exception with an exciting form and functional content – because Savo has dared think differently.
These new possibilities for variation and movement and the unique ergonomical sitting concept are called Savo Floating Tilt®.
Savo unveiled it's latest contribution to the world of wishful office workers at the Stockholm Furniture Fair on Wednesday, stealing the limelight from competitors, and leaving not only the press gaping at the newcomer.

Savo Ikon is minimalism in practice. There are few, if any, excess parts. Options can be mounted or removed quickly and easily without having to use any tools. It's built from only recycleable materials and few parts also mean a simpler and more environmentally friendly production.

Is it possible to get all worked up about an office chair? We didn't think so, but this new sitting experience leaves very little more to wish for those who spend long hours parked at a desk. With the possible exception of a built in leg rest.

"Our philosophy in the process has been that the mechanical, physical and aesthetic elements should not compete, but rather play on the same team. They should form a totality. We have been without compromise with both visual and functional design", says Ralph Schmidt, Design Manager at Savo.

A number of qualified persons have participated in the process leading to Savo Ikon. The core team has consisted of Svein Gusrud MNIL, Professor in Furniture Design, Designer Fredrik Torsteinsen MNIL and Project Manager Ralph Schmidt, Design Manager at Savo.



Swedish grocery giant ICA redraws the banking map
(08.02.02) Today sees the launch of a new bank - ICA Banken - offering regular banking services for private individuals via 1,650 ICA and RIMI stores nationwide.
ICA Banken's Customer Service Centre in Borås will offer Customer Service Advisors 7 days a week, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Deposits and withdrawals can be made in the 1,650 shops that act as the bank's branches.

"What we are doing here is redrawing the banking map in Sweden. Our customers told us they want additional services, which is why we have founded ICA Banken and are launching new bank cards," says Lennart Käll, President of ICA Banken AB.

ICA Bankkort Plus is not only a Customer Card, it's an ATM card, a debit card and a credit card - all in one. The card gives bonuses on everything you buy, wherever you buy it, even if it's a rival chain across the street.

ICA Banken is challenging the major banks by offering a wide range of services and competitive terms. Customers are offered high interest rates - right from the first krona deposited - pay bills and apply for loans. And they will soon be able to pay bills and transfer money over the Internet, too.



Metso to supply pulping system for Arauco Valdivia in Chile
(07.02.02) Metso Paper has received an order worth over EUR 90 million from Celulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A. in Chile. Metso Paper will supply a pulping system for the new greenfield kraft pulp mill. The mill will be built in the province of Valdivia in Southern Chile and is designed to produce 600,000 tons per year of bleached kraft market pulp. The operation of the mill is scheduled to start up in February 2004.
The delivery consists of a complete pulp mill fiber line and pulp drying system, covering all functions from cooking to pulp baling. The pulping line is designed to produce Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) bleached market pulp from radiata pine and eucalyptus. The chosen technology has been specially designed for production of a high quality end product with minimum environmental impact.

Arauco is one of the world's largest forestry companies in terms of the size of its plantations, and its output of market kraft pulp, sawn timber and panels. Arauco owns and operates four kraft pulp mills: the Arauco, Constitución and Licancel mills in Chile, and the Alto Paraná mill in Argentina.



Pricer receives an order from German retail chain Metro
(06.02.02) Pricer has received an order from the leading German retail chain Metro, Pricer's largest customer. Starting in 1997, Metro has installed Pricer's ESL (Electronic Shelf Label) system in 53 Cash & Carry stores in Germany, and has implemented a totally integrated ESL system.
The new order is meant for a new Metro store concept in Germany. Deliveries will start in May 2002 and will continue until the first quarter of 2003. The order, at a value of at least 1.2 MUSD, follows the Letter of Intent that Pricer and Metro signed in November 2001.

"The Pricer system has been in operation in our stores for several years, which means that we have had time to evaluate the features and functions of the system. We have in many important ways seen the advantages of a reliable ESL system. Based on our experiences and the increasing importance that this tool represents, it is a logical move to continue with Pricer as we now are expanding into our new stores", says Dr. Christian Mielsch, member of the board of Metro GmbH.

"This order means that one of the most important retailers in the World once again confirms its confidence in our system. It is also very rewarding to see how Metro has integrated the system in its operations and taken full advantage of all the benefits our ESL system can offer", says Jan Forssjö, President and CEO of Pricer.



What is it that really characterizes Nordic design?
(06.02.02) What is the difference between design created in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden?
25 different products from the five Nordic countries attempt to present the visitor with an answer in the entrance hall at the Stockholm Furniture Fair, that opens today, in an exhibition entitled “5 X 5”.
The Stockholm Furniture Fair has evolved into the leading furniture show in Scandinavia, an event where the visitor meets the foremost and most complete presentation of Nordic design. Nearly 700 exhibitors present their latest thoughts on furniture, textiles and lighting. One of the themes of this year´s show is focused on Nordic design, presented in a special exhibit in the entrance hall. A selection of five design products from each of the five nordic countries -Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland -will be on deisplay. The exhibit, entitled characteristically enough "5x5", has been put together by Olle Andersson, designer, architect, design professor and president of IFI, International Federation of Architects/Designers.



Instrumentarium Imaging to aid Olympic Athletes
(05.02.02) Instrumentarium Imaging, Helsinki, Finland, has been invited to supply its dental Extraoral and Intraoral X-ray units for the upcoming Winter Olympics.
"We are very excited to offer this kind of support to the world's athletes," Doug Woods, Vice President of Dental Sales for Instrumentarium Imaging, stated. "We are partnering with Eastman Kodak to provide both routine and dental trauma needs to the Olympians. We are supplying and installing the X-ray units and the training of dental personnel free of charge. It's wonderful to be a part of the Olympic experience."

Instrumentarium will be providing an Orthopantomograph OP100 unit which is considered worldwide to be the clinically correct benchmark for dentomaxillofacial imaging. Two Focus Intraoral X-ray units will also be included. Focus is known throughout the dental industry for its innovativeness and ease of use.

Instrumentarium Imaging develops, manufactures, and markets Diagnostic X-ray Imaging Equipment, Systems and Solutions for mammography, dental imaging, and surgical and interventional imaging.



Bankgirocentralen chooses ReadSoft for automatic invoices processing
(05.02.02) The Swedish service provider Bankgirocentralen, (BGC AB) now expands to offer new services within its business area Devise Business Transactions Sweden. ReadSoft has been chosen to deliver systems for the electronic processing of invoices. BGC, a leading provider of payment services, offers to process supplier invoices for client companies and ReadSoft's INVOICES software will be the heart of the handling process.
BGC has used ReadSoft's software to facilitate the handling of invoices internally in the organization for some time. Now BGC presents a new service to their customers by automatically reading, interpreting and verifying supplier invoices. To make this possible, BGC has turned to ReadSoft's acknowledged INVOICES technology. Initially, Bankgirocentralen will buy licenses, hardware and services to read, interpret and verify hundreds of thousands of invoices annually.

"This order from BGC further strengthens our position within the important bank and finance segment. Internationally we have a number of customers within the banking sector and the demand for our INVOICES product increases as more companies develop their business concepts, says Jan Andersson, MD of ReadSoft.

The actual paper invoice will not reach BGC's customers at all. Instead the documents will be received, scanned and interpreted by BGC. When the information is processed it will be electronically transferred together with an electronic image to the client's accounts payable system.

Bankgirocentralen develops and administrates order for payment in the Swedish "Bankgiro" system. Every day Bankgirocentralen carries out more than 1 million payments. With the new service area Devise Business Transactions, BGC combines 40 years of secure payments experience with the latest technology in digital business transactions.



Active Biotech obtains US patent for cancer product
(04.02.02) The US patent office has issued a Notice of Allowance for Active Biotech's patent application regarding the prostate cancer project. The patent includes product and methodological requirements designed to protect this form of prostate and breast cancer treatment. The patent also extends the protection already obtained by the company for its so-called Q-competence platform, which includes SAIK-MS (multiple sclerosis), among others.
Active Biotech collaborates with Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore in the US with the aim of developing a drug for use in
fighting prostate cancer. The collaboration has been successful and a final pharmaceutical candidate for clinical trials is expected to be selected shortly.

Next step in the project will be to prepare the process of large-scale production, followed by a more in-depth safety evaluation. This will be performed ahead of the clinical evaluation which is planned to begin during the first half of 2003.

The aim of the project is to develop a product with an anti-tumour effect based on the substance's ability to prevent blood supply (angiogenesis) to the tumour, thus cutting off the tumour's supply of nutrients and oxygen.

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men and accounts for almost one third of all cancers. The disease mainly affects men over 50 yeras of age. The severity of prostate cancer can vary considerably. Although the prognosis is relatively good, prostate cancer remains the form of cancer that causes most deaths among men in Sweden. The relative 10-year survival rate is around 50%.



NCC confirms cartel rumours
(01.02.02) Contractor NCC has commissioned independent legal experts to investigate the Swedish Competition Authority's suspicions regarding NCC's participation in an illegal cartel within the asphalt industry. NCC has concluded that the suspicions are correct and takes a very serious view of the matter. As a direct consequence, about ten managers have been dismissed. NCC is also initiating a comprehensive action program and invite the Swedish Competition Authority to participate in the educational part.
In April 2001, NCC reported seven managers employed in the Group's paving operations to the police authorities on suspicion of financial irregularities affecting NCC. These managers were subsequently prosecuted on charges of serious fraud. One of the managers involved attempted to persuade NCC to withdraw its charges, threatening to otherwise inform the Swedish Competition Authority that NCC had broken the competition law - a crime that had apparently arisen as a result of this same person's deliberate actions in direct contravention of NCC's internal rules. NCC did not yield to this threat.

On October 24, 2001, when the Competition Authority initiated investigations against NCC, among other parties, NCC's executive management received detailed information about the suspicions through the summons application submitted by the Authority to the district court. NCC then commissioned an independent legal inquiry into the matter.

The independent inquiry showed that the complaints were substantially correct in four of the six cases. In one case, the investigators consider the suspicions to be unfounded. In another case, it is not possible to verify the facts because the persons concerned are no longer employed by NCC. The inquiry also showed that illicit cooperation had occurred in several cases in addition to those brought to light by the Competition Authority.

"There is no excuse for this," says Alf Göransson, President and Chief Executive Officer of NCC. "Laws are made to be followed. My job is to increase NCC's competitiveness. In efforts to achieve this aim, we must compete, not attempt to negate competition. And we shall compete on the basis of fair practice. We are now taking forceful action to ensure that a similar situation will never arise again." .



Saab wins helicopter contract worth SEK 2 billion
(01.02.02) Saab and NHIndustries have today signed a contract regarding the development and production of a tactical mission system (TMS) for the new Swedish multi-role helicopter, the NH90, at a value of around SEK 2 billion. In addition to this initial order, the Swedish helicopter deal will entail further business opportunities for Saab of a similar scope.
"This contract is the result of the broad expertise that exists within the Saab Group. This is creating new business opportunities, and we have also strengthened our position as a qualified supplier and business partner to yet another major international supplier of defence materiel," says Bengt Halse, President and CEO of Saab AB.

In conjunction with the Nordic Standard Helicopter Program (NSHP) deciding in September last year to purchase NH90 helicopters, NHIndustries entered into final negotiations with Saab regarding the development and production of a Tactical mission system for the Swedish multi-role helicopter, Helicopter 14. The contract with NHIndustries is an order worth around SEK 2 billion. In addition, NHIndustries has an extensive offset commitment in relation to Sweden, where Saab can expect to obtain further business of the same volume. This offset commitment lasts until 2009.

Saab will be have systems responsibility for developing the tactical system (TMS), including development, production and integration of systems computers, digital maps, registration equipment, AIS transponders, as well as the acquisition of tactical radar. The undertaking also includes ground-based evaluation and planning equipment from Saab. In addition, a new mission and anti-submarine warfare system will be developed as part of the Tactical System. This will become an important part of the Swedish Armed Forces' future structure and management philosophy in order to meet the demands as regards fitting into the new network-based defence.



Strong growth for ovenable board in the baking industry
(31.01.02) Stora Enso has seen a strong increase in the demand for ovenable board in Europe. The baking sector is taking advantage of ovenable board´s benefits such as its versatile heating options, excellent printing properties and recyclability, the company states.
This growth is the result of long-term investments in product development and innovations within the baking industry. Lightweight ovenable boards have proven to be ideal as packaging for semi-cooked and frozen bakery products. They are suitable for heating up in a microwave or ordinary oven.

"The weight of our ovenable boards have been reduced, machine development has been dynamic and digital printing has made it possible to print smaller batches of personalised trays. This has produced a challenging situation between ovenable board and competing materials," says Yrjö Aho, Marketing Director at Stora Enso Consumer Boards.

One of the pioneers in packaging development in the European bakery industry, JOWA AG of Switzerland, uses ovenable board in its frozen bakery products. The company, a part of the Migros Group, is the largest producer of bakery products and bread in Switzerland. The company has replaced aluminium with ovenable board in all its bakery products. .

"Fibre-based material is simply more readily accepted by Swiss consumers than aluminium. We also wanted to be involved in developing a new generation of ovenable trays," says Horst-Ulrich Bonnhoff, who is responsible for packaging development at JOWA AG.



New Nokia research shows consumers ready for m-marketing via mobile handsets
(30.01.02) A new study undertaken by the HPI Research Group on behalf of Nokia has highlighted the potential for marketing to consumers via their mobile phone handsets, so-called "m-marketing".
The study demonstrated that the core mobile phone market (16-45 year olds) is not only receptive to experiencing m-marketing, but in certain situations would actively welcome this means of learning about goods and services.

HPI interviewed over 3300 people in Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, and USA. All respondents were asked about experiencing m-marketing in the form of a received SMS sales message. When asked about receiving an electronic coupon to be reimbursed at a nearby shop, 88% stated that they would be receptive to this sort of marketing. Nearly a third (31%) expressed more enthusiasm by stating they would actually welcome such marketing.

The