Telia Mobile Finland chooses Nokia to provide multimedia messaging solutions
(30.12.02) Nokia and Telia Mobile Finland have agreed on the supply of a complete Nokia multimedia messaging service (MMS) solution, as well as the Nokia Charging Center (NCC) for charging for services. The MMS system is already in use with Telia Mobile Finland's commercial MMS service.
The MMS solution provided by Nokia includes the Nokia Multimedia Messaging Service Center (MMSC), the Nokia Multimedia Terminal Gateway for support of non-MMS phones, as well as the Nokia WAP Gateway and the Nokia Profiler Server.

In addition Nokia will provide system implementation, integration and care services to maintain the competitiveness of the MMS solution.

The Nokia MMS solution allows Telia Mobile Finland customers with MMS-capable phones to exchange rich multimedia messages containing text, images, graphics, voice, and audio clips. Thanks to the Nokia Multimedia Terminal Gateway multimedia messages can also be sent to legacy phones that are not MMS-capable.

"We happy to be closely involved in Telia Mobile Finland's launch of MMS," says Timo Koistinen, Account Director, Nokia Networks. "The MMS solution we have provided is bringing Telia's Finnish customers the best possible multimedia messaging, while our charging solution is helping Telia to make the most of their messaging offering with flexible and efficient service charging."



Stockholm Chef competes in World Ice Carving Championships
(27.12.02) While everyone else is having Christmas dinner this year, Peter Sorwing, Chef de Patisserie at Hilton Stockholm Slussen will be flying to Belgium to compete against the Worlds best carvers of ice sculptures.
Peter has been carving ice sculptures for 7 years and became interested after working with glass as a child. This creative streak continued in his choice of career as a pastry chef. He says that it was a natural progression from his job creating patisserie and chocolate work to something a bit larger, colder and more challenging. Peter studied the art in Japan, whose teachers are generally accepted as the best in the world, and has quickly established a reputation as one of Sweden's finest ice sculpturs. He is today able to name the President of the United States, Nobel Prize Winners and the heads of the European Union in his long list of clients.

"I am delighted to be invited to the World Championships," said Peter, "to have the honour to compete with some of the best is a real privilege and although I may not start as favourite, I have a few ideas which might win over the judges."

Craig Gardner, General Manager of Hilton Stockholm Slussen commented: "Everyone at the hotel is delighted for Peter and wish him every success. He is a huge asset to the hotel and our guests always remark on his fantastic creations, his art really makes a memorable impression as part of a banquet or conference."



Scania makes biggest deal ever in The Netherlands
(27.12.02) Scania's Dutch distributor Beers Bedrijfsauto b.v. has signed a contract for delivery of a total of 560 tractor units during 2003 to Vos Logistics, which is one of Europe's largest haulage companies.
The agreement with Vos Logistics is Beers' ever biggest single order. The majority of the trucks are two-axle tractor units with big sleeper cab fitted with Scania's 420 hp 12-litre engine (Scania R124 Topline).

Repair and maintenance contracts have also been signed for all of the trucks.



Metso sells its foundry operations in Karlstad, Sweden
(20.12.02) Metso is to sell its foundry operations in Karlstad, Sweden to a newly established company, which will be owned by Åkers AB and Metso Paper Karlstad AB. Åkers AB will initially hold 51 percent of the shares in the new company, and it will have an option to acquire the rest of the shares in the future.
The Metso foundry in Karlstad specializes in large, hand-moulded cast pieces such as Yankee cylinders for tissue paper machine, components for wind turbines, and diesel engine blocks. The total capacity of the foundry is 9,000 tons per year. The foundry's 104 employees will transfer to the new company.

The new company will focus on serving new product and market areas, such as the wind turbine and the diesel engine industry. Today, approximately only 20 percent of the foundry's capacity is utilized by Metso Paper. The new company will continue to supply Metso Paper with cast key components.

The Swedish-owned Åkers Group is the world's leading producer of rolls for the iron and steel industry. Its annual production capacity of cast rolls is 75,000 tons per year and 15,000 tons of forged rolls. The net sales of Åkers Group are about EUR 250 million and it has about 1,600 employees.



Stockholmsbörsen rejects demand for VAT repayment
(20.12.02) On June 20, Stockholmsbörsen (SAX) received a writ from banks and brokerages concerning a demand for the refund of value added tax paid during the years 1993-2000..
Yesterday an arbitration court ruled that Helsinki Exchanges (HEX) is liable to reimburse brokers for the value added tax that HEX has been refunded for the years 1995-2000.

Stockholmsbörsen underlines that the facts of the Finnish arbitration differs totally from the ongoing Swedish proceeding between Stockholmsbörsen and the banks and brokerages. Stockholmsbörsen maintain that the claims made by the banks and brokerages lack foundation because, among other considerations, the banks and brokerages in question had through reduced prices already received compensation for the increased cost represented by the payment of VAT. Accordingly, Stockholmsbörsen rejects all of the claims.ve agreed to a market standard non-compete agreement.



Skandia Sells American Skandia
(20.12.02) Skandia announces that an agreement has been reached with Prudential Financial, Inc. (US) under which Prudential Financial will acquire American Skandia.
Following the transaction Skandia will be able going forward to:
·Improve profit margins and shareholder returns
·Increase strategic flexibility by substantially reducing debt and cash consumption
·Focus on further developing its strong European core franchises
·Deploy resources and continue to support successful expansion in new growth markets with attractive return characteristics

Skandia expects lower future growth and profitability in the US market, given the change in market conditions and its impact on American Skandia's rating environment. This has decreased the probability that American Skandia will reach Skandia's return targets. This transaction will therefore enable American Skandia to improve its future development within a US financial institution that has diversified US product lines and complementary distribution channels.

The transaction values American Skandia at USD 1,150 million (SEK 10.7 billion) as of 30 September 2002, including intra-group debt and USD 277 million of external securitizations. The proceeds of the transaction will be used to repay external debt. The agreement between Skandia and Prudential Financial contains standard representation and warranty provisions. In addition, both parties have agreed to a market standard non-compete agreement.



Munters contributes to cleaner water in the UK
(20.12.02) Swedish Munters has been awarded a contract to supply its BIOdek® media for wastewater treatment to United Utilities in the UK.
Between 2000 and 2005 United Utilities is investing more than GBP 3 billion in water and wastewater quality improvements in the North West UK - the largest program of its kind in the country.

Munters' BIOdek® media is a key component in the biological treatment of wastewater. Nature's own way of purifying oceans, lakes and streams is through interaction between water, air and microorganisms. Munters' wastewater treatment technology functions in the same way. The process converts soluble components of wastewater to insoluble components which can be removed, allowing the final treated water to be discharged into rivers or into the sea. Since many years Munters supplies technology and components for this process to wastewater treatment plants in Europe.

Munters BIOdek® media will be installed in more than 20 of United Utilities water treatment plants during 2003 and 2004 with a total contract value for Munters is GBP 3.4 million.



Electrolux authorizes major cuts within major appliances and compressors
(17.12.02) Electrolux today authorized a number of restructuring measures to improve productivity and adjust the cost structure within major appliances, mainly outside Europe, as well as within compressors.
The actions proposed will involve a total cost of SEK 1,367m, which will be charged as items affecting comparability against operating income in the fourth quarter of 2002. Approximately half of the amount relates to cash items, mainly personnel cutbacks involving 5,091 employees. Savings are estimated at SEK 253m in 2003, additional SEK 119m in 2004 and a total of SEK 415m annually from year-end 2005.

The proposed actions would include closure of the Group's plant for room air-conditioners in Edison, NJ, USA, as well as rationalization of refrigerator production and sales and marketing in China. In India, measures comprise further consolidation of Group operations, write-downs of assets and personnel cutbacks. In addition, actions include divestment of the Australian component plant in Botany, NSW.

Within major appliances in Europe, rationalization would be implemented in relation to the previously announced consolidation of product platforms and change in production structure to a few master plants and a number of smaller, leaner manufacturing units. This includes transfer of part of cooker production in Motala, Sweden, Forli, Italy and Rothenburg, Germany to the cooker plant in Romania. Actions also include outsourcing of cooker hoods production in Motala to external suppliers, as well as transfer of part of refrigerator production in Fuenmayor, Spain to the refrigerator plant in Hungary.

Within compressors, actions would include restructuring of operations in Spain and India.

Hans Stråberg, President and CEO of Electrolux, comments on the proposed measures: "Our operations in India and China, including the compressor operations, have been generating losses in recent years. We must make every effort to improve operations that are under- performing or not creating sufficient value. This is fundamental for enabling increased activities in product development and marketing to achieve growth, and for strengthening our leading positions within our highly competitive industries."



Finnish Elcoteq doubles presence in China by acquiring IBM's share of GKI
(17.12.02) The Finnish electronics manufacturing company Elcoteq today announced it will acquire IBM's 70% ownership in the Chinese joint-venture electronics manufacturing services companies Shenzhen GKI Electronics Company Limited and Beijing GKI Electronics Co, Ltd. Closure of the agreement is pending final approvals from relevant Chinese agencies, which are expected later this month.
The transaction price for the acquisitions and certain licensing arrangements, which will take effect on December 31, 2002, is $37.3 million U.S. (about MEUR 36.5). The price will be paid in cash. China Great Wall Computer Shenzhen Company Limited will remain as the joint venture partner in both companies. No impact to the joint ventures' operations, employees or customers is anticipated.

The combined revenue of the two GKI companies in 2003 is estimated by Elcoteq to exceed 600 million euros. The two plants have a total of approximately 1,600 employees and some 15,000 square meters of space. The transaction will further strengthen Elcoteq's relationship with Nokia in China due to GKI's substantial supply relationship with Nokia.

As a result of the agreement, Elcoteq will also establish a presence in Beijing's Xingwang industrial park, where GKI's new Beijing plant is located. GKI's current Beijing operations will move to this 20,000 square meter plant in early 2003. In addition to Nokia, GKI brings Elcoteq several Japanese and Western customers with technically demanding products.



Digital City project for WuxiCity, China
(17.12.02) China´s Wuxi City has ordered a web-based geographic information system from Novo. The aim of the project is to build a system which provides for example tourist information services through Internet. Tourists and other site visitors will be provided opportunities to have easy and fast access to real-time information of city maps, hotels, air lines, and to make as well payment by Internet.
In China, digital city is a new promising application area for geographic information system and remote sense technology. "Wuxi city is a good example of the development for digital city co operation in China", says Mr. Liu Ning, Managing Director of Beijing Novo.

"Wuxi has a strong background in manufacturing and tourism. With the fast development of information technology, they want to integrate all information resources into an uniform platform. The first step of the digital city project is to build up spatial data infrastructure and the data sharing between different government agencies. Tourists and other site visitors will be provided opportunities to have easy and fast access to real-time information of the city. One significant feature of the service is that visitors could take virtual 3-dimension view of some key sightseeing spots of the city", explains Mr. Liu Ning.

The digital city project includes a tourism information database based on 1:10000 digital map and a website based on WebGIS technology. WebGIS is the convergence of geographic information system (GIS) and Internet technology on spatial data browsing and analysis for Internet users. It provides seamless integration with traditional IT information services, which is platform-free with outstanding scalability.



Scania leading heavy truck in Brazil for fifth year in a row
(13.12.02) At present, awards are raining down on Scania in Brazil. Last month, Scania was voted the truck industry's 'Most Admired Company' by the leading business magazine Carta Capital, and the Brazilian haulage association, NTC, has now voted Scania the winner in its category of 'Best heavy truck manufacturer' for the fifth year in a row.
The Associação Nacional do Transporte de Cargas award has gone to Scania for its proven leadership in the areas of quality, technology, service and pricing. The award was the result of a vote by all of the association's member companies.

Just a few weeks ago, Scania was voted 'Most Admired Company' by the leading Brazilian business magazine Carta Capital. In its verdict, the magazine referred particularly to Scania's strong brand, innovativeness and spirit of corporate citizenship.

Commenting on the awards, Emanuel Queiroz, head of Scania's marketing operations in the Brazilian market said: "These awards are an acknowledgement of the 45 years that Scania has been operating here in Brazil. The Scania name has become synonymous with the best truck on the market, both among people in the industry and among Brazilian corporate leaders in general."



DORO sells its Swiss business
(12.12.02) Swedish telephony contender DORO AB, has signed an agreement with the Wycom group of Wettingen, Switzerland, to transfer its telephony business in Switzerland on 31 December 2002. Wycom sells a range of consumer electronics including telephones. The telephone business with DORO Audioline will be handled by Beletec AG, which is a fully owned subsidiary to Wycom AG.
Wycom has purchased the customer registers, stock and the right to use the brand names Audioline and DORO (for Switzerland). Wycom has also agreed to take over warranty obligations for the customers. DORO and Wycom have signed a service agreement giving Wycom access to DORO's products for the Swiss market.

The sale of the Swiss business is in line with DORO's strategy, from the autumn of 2001, to concentrate on selected markets and products. The agreements will not have any impact on DORO's result for 2002.

"We are very exited to extend our existing telephony business with DORO's products and customer relations" says Martin Stappung, Managing Director of Wycom Switzerland.



Scandiaconsult Natura wins major contract in Zambia
(10.12.02) Scandiaconsult Natura has been contracted by the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency to support Zambia's efforts in combating poverty.
This programme will be accomplished through the so-called Agricultural Support Programme which includes components such as introduction and development of agricultural methods, improvements in local infrastructure and training in business development for farmers, local organisations and authorities. Particular emphasis will be placed on reaching households affected by HIV/AIDS, and food insecure households. The contract sum is estimated at SEK 35m.

"This contract from Sida and the Zambian Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperatives confirms our strong position in rural development, sustainable use of natural resources, institutional development, and promotion of small-scale businesses," says Stina Mossberg, the Managing Director of Scandiaconsult Natura.

About 30 Zambians and two expatriates will be employed through the project. The project will start in 2003 and is estimated to take three years.



A new name and a mandatory redemption offer to holders of shares and warrants in Sonera
(09.12.02) Telia AB today announced that Telia AB changes its name to TeliaSonera AB and the completion of the exchange offer for shares and warrants in Sonera Corporation.
Following the completion of the exchange offer, Telia changes name to TeliaSonera and TeliaSonera's holding of shares in Sonera corresponds to approx 95% of the share capital and votes in Sonera Consequently, TeliaSonera is now under the statutory obligation to offer to purchase all outstanding shares, including shares represented by American Depository Shares, and warrants in Sonera pursuant to Chapter 6, Section 6 of the Finnish Securities Markets Act in a so called mandatory redemption offer.
Mandatory redemption offer In the mandatory redemption offer, TeliaSonera will offer to purchase all outstanding shares, including ADSs, and warrants in Sonera for consideration in the form of TeliaSonera securities, in accordance with the same exchange ratios as applied in the exchange offer, or alternatively, for consideration in cash.



Gunnebo appointed the most successful Swedish company in France
(06.12.02) The Swedish Chamber of Commerce and the Swedish Trade Council in France has appointed Gunnebo the winner of "Prix d'Excellence" for "its exceptional success on the French market".
- "We are very proud of this proof of success on our largest individual market. The French market constitutes today 23 per cent of Gunnebo's total sales and no less than 28 per cent of Gunnebo Security's sales. Our growth has been very rapid in France - in eight years we have grown from 5 million Euro to 180 and from 6 employees to 1,600 through acquisitions and organic growth," says Bjarne Holmqvist, Gunnebo's President and CEO.

Gunnebo started its business in France in 1994 through the acquisition of Troax France SARL - specialising in indoor perimeter protection.

Following a number of subsequent minor acquisitions, Gunnebo took the next important step towards growth in France when it acquired the Fichet- Bauche group in 1999.

With the acquisition of Fichet-Bauche the Gunnebo Group became the leading company in France in physical security and electronic security services for banks. In 2001, Gunnebo also became a leader in mecatronic security systems by acquiring CS Security, and with it the Ritzenthaler and Haffner brand names.



Telia campaign to promote corporate mobile e-mail
(05.12.02) In a joint effort with Microsoft and WM-data, Telia will, at no charge, lend Pocket PCs with integrated GSM/GPRS data phones to 1,000 company executives and other ambassadorial persons at enterprises in different parts of Sweden. These ambassadors will be selected among Telia's customers and co-operation partners. The objective of lending the handheld device is to demonstrate the capabilities of mobile services.
"A Pocket PC that can be used to read and send e-mail just like at work, browse the Internet, access the corporate intranet, work in Word and Excel, and also make phone calls and send data, is a powerful tool for many companies. But it takes time to change the habits of users, and we want to them to quickly realise the potential and benefits of these mobile services," says, Kelly Odell, head of Telia Mobile Sweden.

The integrated Pocket PC/phone will be lent for a four-month period at the beginning of 2003. During this period, Telia will be conducting a continuous dialogue with the users to survey their experiences with the device and document usage patterns. The Pocket PC and datacom traffic fees are free.

The campaign involves lending Qtek terminals (also known as Joey) from Carrier Devices U.K. Since Qtek supports GPRS, users only pay for data that is sent and received. The terminal has a colour display, integrated mobile phone and uses Microsoft's operating system for handheld wireless devices, Pocket PC Phone Edition.


Ericsson and National Semiconductor Sign Bluetooth Licensing Agreement
(02.12.02) Ericsson Technology Licensing today announced that it has signed a licensing agreement to provide its latest Bluetooth radio core, the K-D1, to National Semiconductor, a premier analog company focused on the market for wireless handsets. National plans to introduce products incorporating Ericsson's radio next year.
The Bluetooth radio core K-D1 from Ericsson gives National Semiconductor a Bluetooth design solution that can be completely ported into its manufacturing process. This enables National Semiconductor to differentiate products for different manufacturing processes and different market segments.

"National's broad portfolio of Bluetooth products, from chip sets to modules to accessories, will be enhanced by our licensing agreement with Ericsson," said Jean-Louis Bories, Executive Vice President of National Semiconductor's IA and Wireless Division. "We are strong believers in Bluetooth and the added value Bluetooth solutions provide customers in applications such as mobile handsets and PDAs. "


AvestaPolarit makes an exception
(02.12.02) AvestaPolarit has had a general principle to not publicly comment any rumours or business negotiations in which it is involved. Pending the forthcoming debate in the Riksdag on 3rd December, and the recurrence of inaccurate information concerning the discussions between Mr. Carl Bennet and AvestaPolarit, AvestaPolarit has made the following statement:
"AvestaPolarit was prepared to sell the Degerfors melting shop, including the buildings and equipment, to Mr. Carl Bennet for the price of one Swedish krona, provided that no competitive business operations were established."

"Carl Bennet made the deal conditional upon an undertaking from AvestaPolarit to purchase substantial volumes of stainless steel from his new company. This would have prevented AvestaPolarit from proceeding with its plans to transfer production from Degerfors to Sheffield, resulting in a considerable loss of income for AvestaPolarit. In addition, Mr. Bennet's proposal required AvestaPolarit to contribute to his new business with a substantial proportion of the financing capital. In return for contributing only 13 per cent of the financing capital, Mr. Bennet would receive 85 per cent of the shares in the new company. The conditions set by Mr. Bennet meant that AvestaPolarit would have taken most of the risks involved with the venture, whereas Mr. Bennet's own investment would have been relatively modest."

AvestaPolarit concluded that it had no financial prerequisites to reach an agreement with Mr. Bennet on the basis of such demands. A public company with a stated profit target has a responsibility towards shareholders and other stakeholders to pursue constant profitability.



ISS divests the airside Aviation business in the UK
(02.12.02) ISS has sold 51% of the airside Aviation business in the UK to management. This completes the restructuring of the Aviation segment.
An explicit part of ISS' strategy plan, create2005, has been the willingness to exit any given business, if beneficial.

Believing that the outlook for the aviation industry remains bleak, management resolved earlier in the year, as mentioned in the third quarter financial report 2002, to finalise the restructuring of ISS' Aviation business as soon as possible. The Nordic operations of Nordic Aero (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden) were divested in July 2002 (annual turnover of approximately DKK 130 million). Another element in the restructuring of the Aviation business was the decision to terminate the airside activities in the Netherlands (annual turnover of approximately DKK 170 million) before the end of the year.

The sale completes the restructuring of ISS' Aviation segment. As a consequence, the Aviation Business Build will be discontinued at the end of the year. From the beginning of 2003, the remaining aviation activities in the Group, which mainly relate to airport terminal cleaning, will be serviced from the Facility Services organisation. .


Scania buses make strong headway in Britain
(02.12.02)- In the last few weeks, we have sold 145 buses and more orders are in the pipeline," says Geoff Bell, MD of Scania Bus & Coach. "The year 2002 will be a very successful one for Scania bus sales in Britain."
"We are now reaping the benefits of expanding our product range and focusing more intensively on the city bus segment, while our success in the tourist coach market also continues," explains Geoff Bell. "Scania has also gained a foothold with several new customers in Britain, which is now the company's third biggest bus market in Europe," he adds.

The contract to supply 25 low-floor Scania OmniCity buses to London's Heathrow Airport is an important and prestigious one for Scania. Scheduled for delivery to the customer, Menzies Aviation Support Services, early in 2003, these will be used to operate shuttle services at the airport. According to Geoff Bell, this contract also offers excellent prospects of further orders."

Scania has also sold 64 city buses to Trent Buses, which was voted Bus Operator of the Year in Britain in 1999 and 2001. Built on Scania city bus chassis, these will be bodyworked by Wright, a company with which Scania collaborates closely in the British market.

The remaining 56 buses include 33 double-deckers built on Scania's new double-decker chassis, N94 UD4x2, bodied by East Lancs Coachbuilders. These will enter service with Nottingham City Transport and the Brighton & Hove Bus & Coach Company.


AstraZeneca opens East Asia clinical research centre in Shanghai
(26.11.02) AstraZeneca announced today the opening of its Clinical Research Unit-East Asia (ACRU-EA) in Shanghai.
The unit is the first clinical research centre from an international pharmaceutical company spanning East Asia (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Korea). With its establishment, AstraZeneca becomes the first international pharmaceutical company in China to localise not only manufacturing and sales and marketing functions, but also an R&D centre overseeing East Asia clinical research and development.

Mr. Steen Kroyer, President, AstraZeneca China, said, "With the establishment of the Centre, AstraZeneca China is taking an important step in building a strong presence in the Chinese Health Care market."


Ericsson and Brasil Telecom sign outsourcing contract
(25.11.02) Ericsson and Brasil Telecom have signed a three-year contract, under which Brasil Telecom has outsourced its fixed network operations to Ericsson in the region of Rio Grande do Sul (southern Brazil). Ericsson has already taken over a couple of hundred employees and the responsibility for the daily network operations and maintenance of the network.
"We are very pleased with the outcome and performance of the operation so far. This has improved the efficiency and is saving operational costs for Brasil Telecom," says Peter Källberg, President, Ericsson Brazil. "By outsourcing to a telecom specialist like Ericsson, Brasil Telecom can focus more on their core business, that is - offer it's customers the services they want."


Telia signs Nordic agreement on mobile services with Microsoft
(20.11.02) Telia Mobile has signed an agreement for mobile services for the Nordic countries with MSN, Microsoft's Internet portal. The agreement gives Telia´s mobile customers the possibility to easily access e-mail from MSN Hotmail sent via SMS to their mobile phones.
This is one of the first large Nordic agreements for Telia Mobile Partner Services. Partner Services, which handles Telia Mobile's content provider business, has high expectations of the future mobile market. Collaboration with major well-known players such as MSN is decisive in rapidly reaching a large number of users who want access to information while on the move.

"We believe strongly in agreements where we make popular internet services available via the mobile phone. The possibility to access your e-mail through the mobile is an important part of the usage of mobile data services. MSN is a strong partner that will drive the development and usage of mobile services," says Emanuela Pedrocco, Marketing Manager at Mobile Partner Services.

MSN launches the service in Sweden today, and is open to Hotmail users with a Telia mobile phone subscription.


Posten (Sweden's Postal Service) sweeps out CEO
(18.11.02) Posten's President and CEO, Lennart Grabe, cleaned out his desk on Monday, and the short notice sent rumors flying.
- Lennart Grabe has accomplished much during his tenure as President and CEO of Posten. He has guided the company during an important chapter in Posten's history and implemented many important changes. Now Posten stands poised to enter a new phase of development, and the board believes that a new leader is needed. Lennart Grabe shares the board's opinion in this matter, says Posten's chairman, Claes Ånstrand.

Börge Österholm, formerly Executive Vice President of Posten, will serve as interim President and CEO. An executive search is underway to identify his successor. Former President and CEO of Telia, Marianne Nivert, will strengthen Posten's board of directors.



Wärtsilä´s acquisition of Danish service company JMC Marine concluded
(14.11.02) Wärtsilä´s acquisition of the Danish propulsion system service company JMC Marine A/S has been finalised. JMC Marine is specialised on propulsion system maintenance based on laser measuring technology. The turnover of the company is DKK 27 million (EUR 3.6 million) and the number of employees 28.
The acquired company will be named Ciserv Denmark and it will concentrate on service for propulsion systems and engine repair.

The acquisition consists of the laser measuring and alignment business. It also includes vibration measuring, analysis and services of monitoring systems and engine repair. The company will be consolidated in Wärtsilä with immediate effect.



Swedish flooring giant Pergo in discussions to merge with German Witex
(14.11.02) Pergo AB and the main shareholder of Witex AG - HW Industries GmbH & Co. KG - have entered into a decision merge Pergo and Witex. Presently Pergo owns a minority share of 25,1% in Witex, while HW Industries owns all the remaining shares.
The integration of Pergo and Witex will create a very strong, global laminate flooring group with leading market positions. Witex's know-how in manufacturing combined with Pergo's strengths in marketing and innovation forms a platform for profitability and future growth.

The structure of the potential merger is that HW Industries will transfer all of its shares in Witex to Pergo. As payment, Pergo will issue new shares to HW Industries, whereby HW Industries will become a major shareholder in Pergo.

The parties aim to sign a binding agreement before year-end.



Sandvik signs 12-year agreement with mining company in Indonesia
(14.11.02) Sandvik's Mining and Construction business area has signed an agreement with the P.T. Freeport Indonesia mining company covering delivery and service from Driltech Mission of customized equipment for surface mining of copper and gold in Indonesia. The agreement is for a period of 12 years and has a total value of SEK 700 M. The first deliveries of new equipment are scheduled for the spring of 2003.
The principal owner of the mining company, Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold, is one of the world's largest copper and gold producers. Mining operations are conducted at an altitude of above 3,000 meters and this places heavy demands on the functionality and durability of the equipment. Driltech Mission, a sector within Sandvik Mining and Construction, will deliver drilling rigs, tools, spare parts and service to the mine. Deliveries include roller cone bits from Sandvik Smith.

"The agreement is the result of long and successful relations and through this cooperation the customer can increase the mine's productivity and cost-efficiency significantly," says Anders Ilstam, President of the Sandvik Mining and Construction business area. "Our position in the industry as a leading supplier of high-efficiency products and services is further strengthened as a result of the agreement."



NCC to renovate classic brick City Hall in Oslo
(11.11.02) NCC Construction AS Norway has been commissioned by the Municipal Properties Department in Oslo to renovate the interior of the classic brick buildings at Oslo City Hall. The assignment is worth approximately NOK 66 million plus an option on interior-design work worth about NOK 9.6 million.
The two buildings, at Olav V's gata and Fridtjof Nansens plats, were erected before World War II and were originally built in brick and concrete.

Renovation work, which will be performed as a turnkey concrete, will include a comprehensive upgrade of ventilation, water, sewage, heating and electrical installations. The contract pertains to a total of 8,300 square meters of floor space distributed among eight stories in one of the buildings and six stories in the other. Following renovation, the properties will contain modern and efficient office space.

"NCC believes that renovation activities in Oslo offer considerable potential and looks forward to close and mutually beneficial cooperation with the Municipal Properties Department in Oslo," says Tommy Helgerud, Regional Manager, NCC Construction AS Norway.

Work will commence in January 2003 and is scheduled for completion during autumn 2003.



Ericsson/Cable & Wireless Panama announces launch of first GSM/GPRS 850 MHz network in the world
(11.11.02) Cable & Wireless Panama, a leading mobile operators in Panama, announced the commercial launch of the world's first GSM/GPRS 850 MHz network. Ericsson is the sole supplier of equipment and services for the deployment of this network.
By upgrading its network in the 850 MHz frequency, Cable & Wireless Panama will be able to offer its customers the latest, most advanced wireless services, including multimedia messaging services (MMS), location based services, and browsing and software downloading capabilities. Furthermore, the upgrade gives Cable & Wireless Panama a roadmap for providing advanced mobile voice and data services in the future.

"GSM/GPRS is the dominant wireless telecommunications technology available today, and we are proud to bring it to market in Panama," said Bert Nordberg, Vice President and General Manager, Ericsson Systems. "We are pleased to be Cable & Wireless' strategic partner and sole wireless supplier in Panama, and to support them with our experience and leadership in telecommunications."

"Panama is now among the 180 countries around the world with GSM/GPRS, the world's dominant mobile standard," said Jose Miguel Garcia, President of Cable & Wireless Panama. "Ericsson's global experience deploying GSM/GPRS networks, as well as its applications and support, will help us serve the Panamanian market.".



Swedish TV4 to start new TV channel, to be called TV4 plus.
(07.11.02) The launch of TV4 plus is an important step for TV4 in its move to become a multi-channel company. TV4 plus will offer programmes in three segments: leisure, entertainment (ranging from films to quiz shows), sport and gaming.
TV4 plus reflects our closer joint operations with Svenska Spel, ATG and Novamedia - whose programmes for TV4 include Bingolotto. These joint operations will also enable TV4 plus to offer viewers popular games via the new game shop on the Internet, which is being launched alongside the channel.

TV4 plus transmissions, which are set to start in the first quarter of 2003, will be digital as well as analogue. In its first year, the channel will reach about half of swedish households, about two million, and will be distributed by among others com hem, Canal Digital and UPC.

"The new TV channel enhances and broadens the range of programmes we offer", says Jan Scherman, TV4's Managing Director. He adds: "TV4 plus will attract new viewers, advertisers and sponsors. Ultimately, the new channel will generate additional revenues by offering interactive facilities, including gaming services." .



Ericsson in cooperation with the Swedish police stop espionage
(06.11.02) On November 6, the Swedish police have taken three individuals into custody, suspected of espionage or corporate espionage. The three individuals are employed by or have been employed by Ericsson.
The three individuals are suspected to have handed over top secret information to a foreign power. "With regard to the investigation, we cannot disclose what kind of information that has been handed over," says Henry Sténson, Senior Vice President, Communications, at Ericsson. "Our opinion today is that the damages are limited. Thanks to the timely handling, the deliveries were stopped. Besides, the three individuals did not hold any key positions."

Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.



Sweden share its experience on Sustainable Development in Mexico
(05.11.02) A Swedish environmental companies share their experiences on sustainable development with Mexican colleagues in connection with the state visit of His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf and Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden. The Swedish Trade Council through The Swedish Environmental Technology Network organizes the seminar "The Sustainable City - a Swedish Partnership Initiative" .
On November 6, the seminar "The Sustainable City" focusing on sustainable development will be carried out together with an exhibition aiming to create business opportunities and promote stronger cooperation between Swedish and Mexican companies. Mr Ulf Dinkelspiel, ambassador and CEO of the Swedish Trade Council will open the seminar. His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden will participate in the closing ceremony of the seminar and will be presented with a summary and conclusions from the seminar led by Ms. Anna Lindh, Minister for Foreign Affairs.

"The Sustainable City" is a concept based on a holistic view and close cooperation between the private and public sector in creating sustainable technical solutions. Swedish companies offer their experience and competence to the Mexican market and hope for close cooperation with its Mexican counterparts, says Rutger Engsäll, Senior Vice President at the Swedish Trade Council and head of the Swedish Environmental Technology Network.



Statoil acquires access to US gas market
(31.10.02) Statoil and El Paso Corporation have signed an agreement whereby El Paso releases the capacity rights for 20 years which amounts to one-third of the capacity at the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Cove Point, Maryland, USA.
This secures Statoil direct access to the US gas market through the Cove Point terminal from 2003. The terminal is well located in this heavily populated area, with a concentration of large gas customers. Gas delivered into this region receives attractive prices in the market. Availability of LNG receiving capacity is scarce.

In addition, Statoil and El Paso have signed an agreement for Statoil to take over the purchase contract for an annual volume of 2.4 billion cubic metres of LNG from the Snøhvit field for the period 2006-2023. The anticipated customer groups will be power utilities and local distribution companies in the USA. The cash payment to El Paso is USD 210 million.

"Both of these transactions are in line with our LNG strategy," says Statoil's chief executive Olav Fjell. "Access to the high-value gas markets on the US east coast represents an attractive opportunity for Statoil. We have improved our position for future expansion of our LNG activities in Norway and internationally."



The Atrium at Kastrup receives prestigious award
(31.10.02) At the recent Tax Free World Exhibition, The Nuance Group received the "Airport Retailer Of The Year" award. The award was given for the new shopping area - The Atrium - operated by The Nuance Group at Copenhagen Airport. It is the first time in five years a European airport receives this award.
The Frontier Awards are awarded to airports and airlines which have made outstanding achievements in retailing and marketing. The motivation for the award included the following: "The Nuance Group has created a very exciting and different shopping area at The Atrium. The spacious design, easy access and typical Scandinavian design make it a very unique and exciting experience to shop at The Atrium. The integration of Harrods and the very stylish wine bar, where passengers can sit down in peaceful surroundings in a busy airport, is unique and never seen before in a tax free airport retail area. Generally, The Atrium represents a unique and excitingly different approach to airport retailing."

The Atrium is designed according to the shop-in-shop principle - i.e. a shopping area with 18 shops within the area. The area is 2700 sq.m., corresponding to two-thirds of a football field. The Atrium opened on 3 June 2002.

Richard Jones, Sales and Marketing Director, The Nuance Group, comments: "As the world's best airport, Copenhagen Airport would expect and deserve to have an extraordinary store. We realised that already before we developed The Atrium. We all knew that, together, we had developed something completely fantastic and quite special for the passengers at Copenhagen Airport. And it is a great satisfaction to receive this official recognition from our colleagues in the industry, especially in view of the very keen competition."



Ericsson confirms 3G lead with 10 000 base stations shipped worldwide
(31.10.02) Ericsson´s leadership in supplying 3G networks to the market is confirmed as the milestone of 10 000 commercial UMTS/WCDMA macro base stations is passed.
This milestone also signifies that the deployment of third generation mobile technology is progressing in accordance to the operators roll out plans.

In March 2001, Ericsson became the first vendor to deliver commercial WCDMA systems and has to date shipped to more than 35 customers in 24 countries. Ericsson holds a leading 40 percent world market share of the estimated order values for WCDMA.

"The milestone shipment is really exiting since it is yet another factor that highlights Ericsson's leading market position in 3G," says Torbjörn Possne, Vice President WCDMA at Ericsson. "We have all the elements in place for successful network launches. Several operators have announced 3G soft launches during this autumn and will be followed by many more during first half of next year, when a variety of 3G handsets will be introduced."



Orange Switzerland selects Nokia to supply its MMS
(30.10.02) Nokia and Orange Communications SA Switzerland have signed a three-year contract for the delivery and implementation of Nokia's multimedia messaging service (MMS) solution. Orange Switzerland launched its commercial service on October 24, 2002.
In addition to the MMS platform, Nokia is providing services for implementation, systems integration, support and maintenance to ensure and maintain the competitiveness of the MMS solution.

"Nokia is delighted to have this opportunity to extend our business relationship with Orange Switzerland", says Denis O'Shea, Account Director, Nokia Networks. "We see multimedia messaging as a major driver for growing operator revenues, and we want to ensure that Orange Switzerland is in the lead. The emotional appeal of sending photos and sound in a message, combined with faster connections enabled by GPRS should make multmedia messaging a mass-market service with broad appeal."

Nokia already supplies GSM and GPRS to Orange Switzerland, and was chosen as a supplier of Orange Switzerland's 3G network in 2001.



Danish Nycomed sold to investor group led by CSFB Private Equity
(30.10.02) Nordic Capital has agreed to sell the Danish pharmaceutical company, Nycomed, to a business group owned by CSFB Private Equity, Blackstone Capital Partners and NIB Private Equity NV.
Bure's President, Peter Sandberg said: "We have previously announced that some of our indirect holdings via Nordic Capital have been well prepared for an exit. One of these is Nycomed which is now being sold. We have been a stakeholder in Nycomed since 1999".

Nycomed develops, manufactures and markets specialist products, prescription medicines and consumer products in Europe. Nycomed has 36 sales offices in 15 European markets, including the OSS, and production plants in Norway, Denmark, Austria, Belgium and Estonia. The company's head office is located in Roskilde, Denmark. In 2001, total revenues were EUR 508.3M and EBITDA (operating profit before interest, taxes and depreciation) amounted to EUR 105.4M. More than half of the approximately 2,600 employees are involved in sales and marketing.



Carlsberg Breweries pick Framfab to create global brand site
(30.10.02) After a global agency review Carlsberg Breweries have chosen Framfab Denmark to develop the next generation of their global brand site, part of Carlsberg.com.
Alex Myers, Group Vice President, Carlsberg Breweries: "We chose Framfab because of their holistic approach to digital communication: They're strong on both strategy and execution, and they've shown a good understanding of the very complex task of handling an international brand, with different market situations, online. And the challenge only increases because the Carlsberg brand is currently undergoing a global repositioning. Finally, it's a challenge for a brand like Carlsberg to become a relevant online destination - a challenge faced by all fast moving consumer goods, and one that Framfab has some very exciting ideas about how to meet!"

Of course, Framfab are very pleased and very proud to partner with Carlsberg Breweries on the brand part of Carlsberg.com.

Jesper Andersen, CEO Framfab Denmark, says: "Carlsberg is a strong, international brand, and we're looking forward to use our experience in digital branding to enhance their online marketing. We will assist Carlsberg Breweries in every step of the process, from strategy to implementation, like we do with all our clients. I truly believe that Carlsberg Breweries' wishes and our competences are a perfect match."



Akzo Nobel acquires German metalorganics start-up company
(29.10.02) Akzo Nobel's Polymer Chemicals High Purity Metalorganics (HPMO) unit has acquired German metalorganics company Mochem GmbH. Mochem is a technology-driven start-up company in the same field with complementary products and know-how.
"This small acquisition is in line with Akzo Nobel's strategy to focus on chosen segments of the chemical industry based upon superior technology and grow them through selected acquisitions," said Dag Strömqvist, Member of Akzo Nobel's Board of Management responsible for Chemicals.

"This move is consistent with our strategy to expand and develop products and services for the compound semiconductor industry," added Bob Viehweger, Vice President Research and Business Development within Akzo Nobel's business unit Polymer Chemicals. "High Purity Metalorganics is one of our global businesses with high growth potential. This deal puts together an excellent combination of types of products, manufacturing and engineering know-how with sophisticated semiconductor know-how, global sales and logistics reach."

Operations will continue at both Houston, Texas, United States, and Marburg, Germany.



Reuters rejects Intentia's allegations
(28.10.02) Reuters, the global information, news and technology group, today reiterated its rejection of allegations by the Swedish company Intentia International AB claiming that Reuters used illegal means to obtain information about its third quarter 2002 financial results.
Reuters states there is no substance to the allegations that it made an illegal entry to Intentia's IT systems. Reuters Stockholm News Bureau accessed Intentia's own public website and found information on Intentia's results ahead of its scheduled release time. This information was not accessed from a private or password-protected site, but from the public Internet.

Geert Linnebank, Reuters Editor in Chief, said, "As one of the world's leading news organisations, Reuters is in the business of informing the market with breaking news stories using all the tools at its disposal, but doing so in a legitimate, ethical manner with journalistic integrity."



Hilding Anders acquires unit from Dunlopillo
(25.10.02) Ratos's associated company Hilding Anders has acquired Dunlopillo's bed manufacturing unit in the UK. This deal means that Hilding Anders, one of Europe's largest bed manufacturers, is now strengthening its position in the UK where the company already owns Slumberland Plc.
"Slumberland and Dunlopillo complement each other and target different sectors of the market. Dunlopillo is a well-established luxury brand while Slumberland's strength lies in the middle segment of the market," comments Bengt Adolfsson CEO of Hilding Anders.

Dunlopillo manufactures beds, pillows and mattresses and has annual sales of approximately GBP 14m. The company has 90 employees. Patrick Newstead will be CEO of Hilding Anders UK and will be responsible for both the Dunlopillo and Slumberland units.

In addition to the assets in these operations, the acquisition gives Hilding Anders sole rights to the Dunlopillo brand in the UK and Ireland.



Millicom sells 1.6 Million Tele2 shares to Kinnevik AB
(25.10.02) Millicom International Cellular S.A., thel telecommunications investor, today announces that it has sold 1,630,897 B-shares in Tele2 AB to Industriförvaltnings AB Kinnevik.
Millicom International Cellular S.A. is a global telecommunications investor with cellular operations in Asia, Latin America and Africa. It currently has a total of 18 cellular operations and licenses in 17 countries. The Group's cellular operations have a combined population under license (excluding Tele2) of approximately 444 million people. In addition, MIC operates the world's largest GSM clearing house and has licenses to provide high-speed wireless data services in seven countries. MIC also has an 8.2% interest in Tele2 AB, the leading alternative pan-European telecommunications company offering fixed and mobile telephony, data network and Internet services to over 16 million people in 21 countries. The Company's shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol MICC.



Atlas Copco Craelius receives environmental certification
(25.10.02) Atlas Copco Craelius' manufacturing unit in Märsta, Sweden, has been granted ISO 14001 certification for its operations according to its documented Environmental Policy. With the recent certification, 80% of the Atlas Copco Group's production sites worldwide are ISO 14001 certified.
As of October 2002, all processes within Atlas Copco Craelius AB are certified according to ISO 9001 Quality Management System and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. This includes all steps in the developing, manufacturing and marketing processes as well as all services performed.

These certificates can only be gained by complying with strict international standards. To retain the certifications, the company's performance will be monitored continuously.



TietoEnator acquires Enterprise Systems Copenhagen A/S
(24.10.02) TietoEnator has signed an agreement concerning the acquisition of the Danish consultancy company Enterprise Systems Copenhagen A/S. TietoEnator takes over a solid customer portfolio, especially in the health care sector, and the product KMS (Clinical Measurement System), a framework for registration of clinical quality.
The future work will focus on getting the full synergies from TietoEnator's size and Nordic product portfolio, especially within the field of electronic patient records, and Enterprise Systems Copenhagen position in the Danish market. Further the continued success of KMS in the Danish market shall be secured, and the opportunities for the product leveraged into the other Nordic markets.

"The strengths of Enterprise Systems Copenhagen within development of modern, value-adding IT solutions, the KMS based solutions for H:S (the Copenhagen Hospital Corporation) and the National Indicator Project being examples hereof, are a strong supplement for TietoEnator's existing competences. The two companies form an optimal platform from which the challenge of developing sound and future oriented IT solutions for the Danish healthcare sector can be met", says Marianne Woldbye- Tholin, director for TietoEnator HealthCare in Denmark.

TietoEnator will now have 375 employees in Denmark, of whom 25 work within the area of healthcare IT.



Kockums/HDW sign agreement for naval composite technology vessel program
(22.10.02) Kockums announced today, together with Northrop Grumman Corporation, that it has signed a partnership agreement under which Kockums will join a team assembled by Northrop Grumman's Ship System sector to complete for the U.S. Navy's Focused Mission Vessel Study.
This study is expected to result in the development and construction of a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), one element of the DD(X) family of surface combatants planned for construction by the Navy during the next quarter century.

The cooperative agreement between Northrop Grumman, Kockums and HDW covers business opportunities for design, development, construction and sale of Visby-class ships and/or derivative technology to the U.S. Government for the LCS and other U.S. Programs, and for sales to friendly international governments through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

"Northrop Grumman is pleased and fortunate to bring a partner with Kockums' experience into our preparation for these major competitions and programs," said Dr. Philip A. Dur, Northrop Grumman corporate vp and president of the company's Ship Systems sector. "Their proven experience in design and production of composite hull combatants is a perfect complement to our own surface combatant experience, which includes production of composite ship sections as well."



Stockholm Stock Exchange delists CellPoint
(21.10.02) The Stockholm Stock Exchange (Stockholmsbörsen) Board of Directors has decided to delist Cell Point Inc.'s SDRs. The last day of trading is October 31, 2002.
CellPoint is listed at Stockholmsbörsen's O-list. Due to the company's unstable financial situation and uncertain future the company was placed on the O-list under observation March 15th, 2002. The uncertainty still consists and the observation has lasted for more than seven months. The period of observation should be for a limited period of time and only in exceptional cases for more than six months.

According to the listing agreements between Stockholmsbörsen and the company, the financial report should be released within two months after the report period. CellPoint should according to these agreements publish the financial report no later than August 30th, 2002. The company did not release its report until the same day that the Board of Directors decided to delist the company, one and a half month too late. The Board of Directors of Stockholmsbörsen finds it obvious that CellPoint does not fulfill the requirements for listed companies regarding accounting practices and disclosure of stock market information.

The Board of Directors of Stockholmsbörsen has decided to delist CellPoint with regard to the large uncertainty that still remains about CellPoint's financial situation and lack of market information.



Vodafone Sweden to launch MMS today
(15.10.02) Now you'll be able to use pictures to make your mobile communication easy and entertaining. As of today, Vodafone Sweden will be enabling its customers to send messages that contain colour pictures, sound and text between mobile phones (MMS). All you need is an MMS-enabled mobile phone and a subscription or prepaid card from Vodafone Sweden. The service will be provided free of charge up until 31 January 2003.
Picture messages add a whole new dimension to mobile communication. The Vodafone MMS service allows mobile users to send messages with pictures, sound and text to friends and acquaintances, whatever the occasion or mood. Maybe you want to tell someone about what's happening on your holiday, at a party, or at work. Or perhaps you'd like to use sound and pictures to convey your feelings to your loved ones.

"Pictures are at least as important as speech and text for communication, and MMS will allow people to communicate using all these modes of expression, either simultaneously or separately. Picture messages will open up entirely new opportunities for sharing moments and moods with others, whether everyday or special. The service is as simple to use as the currently popular SMS service," says Jon Risfelt, President and CEO of Vodafone Sweden.



Merger of Icelandic Pharmaco and Delta
(15.10.02) Icelandic pharmaceutical companies Pharmaco hf and Delta hf merged formally 26 September 2002, under the name of Pharmaco hf. The operations of the companies will be in two parts, investments and production, to ensure future growth. Robert Wessman, Director of Delta, will be the Director of Production, and Sindri Sindrason, Director of Pharmaco, will be the Director of Investments.
The estimated market value of the new company on the Icelandic Stock Exchange (Kauphöll Íslands) is about 42 billion ISK, which makes it one of the most valuable companies in the country. The company has a total of 5,300 workers and combined annual turnover for 2002 is estimated at about 24.6 billion ISK.

Among Europe's most progressive generic drug companies The merger of Pharmaco and Delta lays the foundation for one of Europe's most progressive generic drug businesses and one of the most progressive generic drug companies in Europe. There will be great emphasis on continued growth, both internally with increased production and development and externally with acquisitions and take-over of companies abroad. The aim is to register the company on foreign stock exchanges and also enter into new markets in America and Western Europe. Together with this, the operations in Eastern Europe will be increased even further.



Getinge divests ALM's surgical tables business
(15.10.02) Getinge has signed an agreement to sell ALM's surgical tables business. The sale of the surgical tables business follows the injunction that the French competition authority placed on Getinge in connection with the acquisition.
The buyer is Fournitures Hospitalières SA of France, which has sales of around EUR 40 million and whose main activities are orthopaedic implants and distribution of operating room equipment and healthcare products.

The sale is expected to be completed within the next 3 months and includes the net assets associated with the surgical table business, including inventory of components and finished goods, fixtures and tools. In addition to the net assets value, the buyer will pay an amount of goodwill. The sale does not include any parts of the business area Surgical Systems' service or sales organisation.

The sale of the surgical tables business will generate a cash flow of around EUR 11 million, of which around 50% of the payment will be made during 2003. The sale will result in a minor capital gain.



SAP integration success factor for ReadSoft in Benelux
(15.10.02) During the past few months, ReadSoft has closed a number of prestigious INVOICES deals in the Benelux countries. For instance, the global provider of agricultural products Monsanto and the petrochemical company Borealis have chosen ReadSoft to process vast quantities of supplier invoices. The total order value is approximately USD350,000 .
A common denominator is that both Borealis and Monsanto run the SAP R/3 business system. ReadSoft's certified SAP integration has played a crucial role in their decisions to invest in the INVOICES software. From now on, the processing of supplier invoices will be carried out in a highly automated fashion.

"The Netherlands and Belgium have over the time become important markets for ReadSoft. We are well positioned on this market through competent partners. It is also rewarding to land prestigious contracts from large SAP users such as these. It shows that our efforts in the SAP segment have been successful, says Jan Andersson, MD of ReadSoft."



OM closes down Jiway
(14.10.02) The Boards of OM AB, Stockholmsbörsen AB and OM London Exchange Ltd. today decided that the Jiway market being run within the OM London Exchange will be closed down. OM London Exchange will ensure an orderly wind down of operations over a period of three months. Jiway was launched in February 2000 as the world's first integrated exchange for cross-border trading, clearing and settlement of over 2 500 European and American shares. Operations commenced in November the same year.
Jiway originally consisted of two parts; the Jiway marketplace and Jiway Broker Services (back-office-for hire). In October 2001 OM took full control of Jiway, restructured the business and lowered the cost base substantially. The Jiway marketplace, which before the restructuring had 45 employees, continued to operate under the name Jiway. The former Jiway Broker Services, then with 132 employees, was integrated within OM's back-office-for-hire operations and has during the last 12 months become profitable. The operations of the former Jiway Broker Services will not be affected. The Jiway market had steadily been building its retail cross-border business, albeit from a low level, and was pursuing the introduction of the service to the professional market. Considering the profitability forecast for Jiway, OM has decided that it is not financially feasible to continue operations.

"When we launched Jiway, we were breaking new ground. I remain convinced that the concept of Jiway, a one-stop-shop for cross-border trading, represents the future. Although Jiway showed some positive signs over the last six months, we have decided that it is not financially favorable to continue operations, "said Per E. Larsson, CEO of OM.



Korn- og Foderstof Kompagniet (KFK) sells Swedish subsidiary
(11.10.02) The Danish company Korn- og Foderstof Kompagniet (KFK), in which Norsk Hydro owns 68.8 percent of the outstanding shares, has signed an agreement relating to the divestment of its subsidiary, Svenska Foder, to a purchasing consortium consisting of Dansk Landbrugs Grovvareselskab and Svenska Lantmännen.
Svenska Foder, has approx 250 employees, and a turnover of SEK 1.8 billion in 2001. The sell off will be completed by transferring all shares to the consortium in return for an agreed cash payment of SEK 260 million. The transaction is dependent on the approval of the Swedish competition authorities. The divestment involves an accounting loss for Norsk Hydro of some NOK 70 million, which is expected to be charged in the third quarter.

Following the previously agreed divestment of KFK's agricultural operations in Denmark, KFK will have approximately 550 employees working mainly within the fish-feed ( Biomar) and bioenergy (Bioenergi) sectors. These activities will continue under the name Treka A/S. The remaining activities had sales in 2001 of DKK 2.5 billion, and EBIT of DKK 90 million. The divestment of further KFK operations is under consideration.



Atlas Copco to strengthen its mining rock excavation business
(10.10.02) Atlas Copco has decided to integrate its drill rig and loader/truck businesses into one dedicated division. By transferring the production of loaders and mining trucks from Atlas Copco Wagner, Portland, USA, to the Rock Excavation Technology Center in Örebro, Sweden, substantial synergies will be achieved in product development, manufacturing, purchasing, logistics, and administration.
The transfer, which affects 215 employees in the Portland plant, will be done during 2003 and involves a restructuring cost of MSEK 150. The main part, approximately MSEK 100, will be charged to the fourth quarter 2002.

This move will give opportunities to strengthen the competitive position significantly, as well as the ability to offer integrated products and service solutions to the global underground mining industry. "We will make substantial investments within the areas of design and engineering. By concentrating all resources to our dynamic product development center in Örebro, we can easier respond to future customer demands related to the entire rock excavation cycle," says Björn Rosengren, Senior Executive Vice President Business Area Construction and Mining Technique.

Atlas Copco Rock Drilling Equipment's manufacturing unit in Örebro, Sweden, currently employs 685 people. As a result of the integration with Atlas Copco Wagner, up to 150 new job opportunities will be created.



Scandiaconsult expands further through acquisition of Unico AS in Norway
(09.10.02) Scandiaconsult is strengthening its operations in Norway through the acquisition of Unico AS. Unico has 60 employees and works within the housing and industrial sectors as well as with in industry, building planning and project development. The turnover for 2001 amounted to about SEK 50 million. The company, established in 1969, is located in Kristiansand and in recent years has participated in several acclaimed Norwegian building projects such as Schibsted's new printing plant in Oslo. The takeover date is 1 January 2003.
"The acquisition will strengthen our position on Sørlandet in Norway. Our ambition is to continue developing and strengthen our multi- disciplinary profile in line with our clients' requirements," says Jan Ove Holmen, Managing Director of Scandiaconsult AS.

"A merger with Scandiaconsult is a natural step in the company's development. The building industry is faced with a series of challenges, where the development of employees, multi-disciplinary work, environmental awareness and profitability are important factors. As part of a strong Nordic company like Scandiaconsult we'll be well equipped to tackle these challenges," says Tom Bredesen, Managing Director of Unico AS.



Sapa inaugurates new vertical powder coating plant
(09.10.02) On Thursday 10 October, the new vertical plant for powder coating at Sapa Lackering in Vetlanda, Sweden, is to be opened. The investment of 45 MSEK is of major strategic importance for Sapa Profiler and is aimed at strengthening Sapa's position as an important profile supplier in Scandinavia.
"Our customers will have access to cutting-edge competence in all areas connected with refinement of aluminium profiles and the production of components based on aluminium profiles solutions, says Arne Rengstedt, Managing Director for Sapa Profiler AB. Our new vertical plant will make us a strong and competitive partner."

The main advantage with the new plant is that seven metres long profiles can now be hung vertically instead of placed horizontally. This multiplies capacity and improves productivity. All operations are integrated in the new plant. The sections are hung, pre-treated, powder coated and heat treated in the same line.

Landshövding Birgit Friggebo inaugurates Sapa Lackering's vertical painting plant at 11.30 a.m. on 10 October.



Pergo grants license for click-joints
(08.10.02) Kaindl, Kronospan and Kronotex, which together are the world's largest laminate flooring producer, have signed license agreements with Pergo. This entitles them to produce and sell world-wide laminate flooring products with some of Pergo's patented click-joints. Pergo will receive license fees starting from the fourth quarter 2002.
"This represents an industry recognition of the strength of our patents", says Pergo's CEO, Mr Raimo Issal.

Mohawk Industries, one of the largest US-flooring companies, will be able to continue to sell laminate flooring with click joints because of its supply agreement with the above companies. Pergo will withdraw its filings for patent infringement against Mohawk Industries, which were made earlier this year.

Pergo will continue to vigorously assert its patent rights in the USA against Shaw Industries Inc., Witex USA Inc., Alloc Inc., Berry Finance N.V. and Armstrong World Industries.



SKF's Delta Consult signed contract for helicopter maintenance
(08.10.02) SKF's Dutch subsidiary Delta Consult BV has signed a long-term agreement with the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) for support of their helicopter maintenance operations. The agreement covers a period of five years.
Eight helicopter maintenance specialists from Delta Consult will provide assistance to helicopter maintenance groups located at different airbases in the Netherlands. In addition to delivering knowledge and experience through providing on-site assistance, their task includes coaching, training and transfer of knowledge to Air Force employees. RNLAF operates with a mixed fleet of helicopters.

Delta Consult will also assist in the improvement of helicopter maintenance processes.



Amer expands into fitness equipment by acquiring Precor
(04.10.02) Amer Group Plc announces that it is expanding its operations by acquiring Precor Inc, an US based supplier of fitness equipment, for a total consideration of approximately EUR 180 million. Precor offers premium fitness equipment for both the home and commercial fitness markets.
Precor is one of the best-known fitness equipment brands in the USA and is the market leader in elliptical fitness equipment. Its product portfolio includes cross trainers, treadmills and cycles, amongst others. Precor invests heavily in R & D and currently holds more than 170 patents.

"Precor is a well-known, respected company and an established brand and its products utilise the most advanced technology in their field - as do our other brands, Wilson, Atomic and Suunto", commented Roger Talermo, president and CEO of Amer Group. "This acquisition complements our existing product portfolio and brings us one step closer to our target of becoming the number one sports equipment company in the world." The agreement with Precor's parent company, Illinois Tool Works Inc, is expected to be completed in November 2002. The transaction requires approval from the relevant competition authorities. Precor is headquartered in Seattle, USA. The company employs nearly 500 people. The president of Precor, Paul Byrne, will continue in his current position. Fitness is the largest sporting goods equipment segment in the USA turning over approx $3.6 billion, in wholesale sales in 2001.


Securitas acquires CGS Customer Ground Services SA in Switzerland
(04.10.02) Protectas SA, the Swiss operations of the Securitas Group, has acquired 85 per cent of CGS Customer Ground Services SA in Zurich with annual sales of MCHF 10 (MSEK 62) and 100 employees. The company is active in security services, mainly document verification in the airports in Zurich, Geneva and Basel. The company has a good growth and good profitability.
The purchase price for 85 per cent of the shares amounts to MCHF 5,1 (MSEK 32) which gives a goodwill of MCHF 4,7 (MSEK 29) to be amortized over ten years. Protectas has an option to buy the remaining 15 per cent of the shares after the end of 2004. The company will be consolidated in the Securitas Group as from October 1st, 2002 and will contribute positively to the results of the Securitas Group in 2002.

After the acquisition the total annual sales in security services in Switzerland will amount to MCHF 90 (MSEK 558) with 1000 employees.


Telia voted best in Investor Relations for second year in a row
(03.10.02) For the second consecutive year Telia has been named the best listed company in Sweden in the investor relations area.
The survey, conducted by the renowned international publication Investor Relations Magazine, was based on more than 200 interviews with Nordic financial analysts and mutual funds managers.

The investor relations programs of Nordic companies were evaluated for the second year in a row for the "Investor Relations Magazine Nordic Awards". The awards ceremony took place in Oslo.


Wärtsilä supplies 100 MW oil pumping units to Turkey
(01.10.02) Wärtsilä has won the contract to supply 18 pumping units for the Turkish section of the BTC (Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan) pipeline. The units will be installed at 4 pumping stations in the highlands of Turkey. The total power to be generated by the units is approximately 100 MW.
The order consists of Wärtsilä 34SG gas fuelled engines, speed increasing gear-boxes and centrifugal crude oil pumps. The natural gas to the stations will be supplied via a gas pipeline running in parallel to the crude oil pipeline. The entire Turkish section of the pipeline with pumping stations will be constructed and operated by Botas Pipeline Company.

Wärtsilä will deliver the units during 2003, starting late summer and the final delivery being at the beginning of 2004. The operation of BTC pipeline is planned to start during the first quarter of 2005. The pipeline will be of crucial importance in delivering the landlocked oil and gas resources of the Caspian to the European and Western markets by avoiding the environmentally sensitive and congested Bosporus strait.

This pipeline begins in Azerbaijan continuing via Georgia to the Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. The pipeline in Turkey represents some 1070 km of the total 1790 km long pipeline. The pumping stations are located at elevation of 1600 m to 2140 m above sea level.


SEB Kort acquires Eurocard in Norway
(01.10.02) SEB Kort has acquired 100 per cent of the shares of Europay Norge AS at a price of NOK 1 billion. Europay Norge has the rights to the Eurocard brand in Norway. The business includes direct card issuing, merchant acquiring and card support services.
- SEB has grown in the Nordic countries, Germany and in the Baltic States during the past few years. SEB's strategy is to realise the potential of these markets through organic growth but also to make add on acquisitions within existing business areas. Our card business is a stable and profitable business. This acquisition adds value to SEB, says Fleming Carlborg, Executive Vice president of SEB and Head of the Nordic Retail & Private Banking division.

- The charge and credit card industry is increasingly global. Following industry consolidation only brand leaders have been able to remain profitable. International competition is increasing, and customers will be asking for more cross-border solutions. SEB Kort is a truly Nordic operation with activities in all the Nordic countries says Synnöve Trygg, CEO of SEB Kort. Through this transaction, SEB Kort also strengthens its position as the leading credit card company in the Nordic region.


Sale of Nordea's General Insurance business completed
(30.09.02) Nordea has now obtained all required regulatory and competition authority approvals in regard to the previously announced sale of Nordea's General Insurance business (Tryg Vesta Group) to Tryg i Danmark smba. The sale has now been settled and completed.
Tryg i Danmark smba will therefore from today assume full control of Tryg Vesta Group. The economic responsibility for Tryg Vesta Group was transferred to Tryg i Danmark smba as per 1 July 2002. Final adjustments to the transferred net asset value of Tryg Vesta Group will result in an additional loss on the sale of EUR 4 million which will be accounted for in Nordea's third quarter results.


Vodafone Ireland picks Nokia as the sole supplier for its 3G network
(27.09.02) Ireland's leading mobile operator, Vodafone Ireland and Nokia have signed an agreement for the supply of Nokia's WCDMA 3G solution. Deliveries begin in October, and under the agreement, Nokia will provide both 3G core and radio-access network equipment for the smooth roll-out and introduction of Vodafone Ireland's nationwide WCDMA network.
In addition to network equipment, Nokia will provide installation, commissioning, integration and project management services for efficient network ramp-up, and a wide range of care services to maintain the competitiveness of the network.

"3G is a cornerstone of our advanced mobile service strategy," says Fergal Kelly, CTO, Vodafone Ireland "Which is why we are totally committed to rolling out the best possible 3G system. We are confident that Nokia's 3G solution provides technologically superior service and will meet our needs for cost-efficient and effective 3G service roll-out."


Ericsson sells product development operations to TietoEnator
(26.09.02) Ericsson has today signed an agreement with TietoEnator to sell its development operations in Karlstad, Luleå, Umeå, and Skellefteå in Sweden. This is in line with Ericsson's ongoing concentration of development activities.
TietoEnator will take over approximately 860 employees involved in software development for mobile and fixed systems. The value of the sale is approximately SEK 500 million.

"Ericsson sees TietoEnator as an important future supplier and strategic partner to the company," says Per-Arne Sandström, Chief Operating Officer of Ericsson. "The sale is another step in our overall strategy to consolidate and streamline our development activities."

"Telecom is a long term growth market and it is of great strategic importance to us to establish this partnership," says Åke Plyhm, deputy CEO of TietoEnator. "Ericsson is definitely an important partner to us."


Hydro Magnesium's first wholly-owned plant in China opened
(25.09.02) Hydro Magnesium today officially opened its new plant at Xian in China. This is Norsk Hydro's first wholly-owned plant in China and marks a significant milestone in Hydro Magnesium's global production network.
Hydro Magnesium Xian Co. Ltd. includes a magnesium alloy foundry and an anode plant. Design capacity is 6,000 tonnes, but real production capacity will be in excess of 10,000 tonnes of magnesium alloys, combined with 400 tonnes of magnesium anodes per year.

The Xian plant will deliver products with high standards, based on the same rigorous operation, inspection and quality assurance procedures as at other Hydro Magnesium operations globally - in Canada, Germany and Norway. The Hydro brand is a guarantee of the product's quality.

"We are the world's leading producer of magnesium. We have decided to re-strategize our worldwide production network to secure our continued world leadership position, as well as to boost our competitiveness and profitability," Mr Keith Jones, senior vice president of Hydro Magnesium, stated.


ReadSoft receives large order from Latin American Beauty Corporation
(25.09.02) ReadSoft has signed a contract with BELCORP, owner of Ebel International, a leading provider of beauty products in Latin America. ReadSoft's software FORMS will automate the handling of order forms in eleven Latin American countries. This is ReadSoft's largest deal so far during 2002.
BELCORP is an international corporation with more than 30 years' experience of producing and selling beauty products. Through Ebel International they are one of the major players on the Latin American market. Belcorp has a strong sales force and substantial presence in numerous shopping malls in countries such as Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, El Salvador, The Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chile. It is in these countries that BELCORP is to implement ReadSoft's software FORMS.

"This is a really large deal for us as well as an exciting project, says Jan Andersson, MD at ReadSoft. FORMS will be implemented in eleven countries during a two-year period. The agreement strengthens our position as the leading provider of cutting-edge technology in the automatic document capture business. With the introduction of our technology, the customer will move from manual data entry to a fully automatic process, with the subsequent benefits in decreased processing time, drastic drops in costs, and a substantial increase in quality and security," comments Jan Andersson.


Valtra launches large T Series of tractors and F Line for forest thinning
(24.09.02) Valtra, the tractor business within Finnish Partek, is launching its new T Series large tractor range, combining safety, versatility and cutting-edge technology, and offering savings for the customer through efficiency. The T Series consists of seven six-cylinder Valtras, with capacities ranging from 120 to 209 hp. The new T Series will be put into serial production in the autumn of 2002.
In developing the T Series, particular attention was paid to the seamless combination of modern work implements with the tractor. Electronically controlled work hydraulics enables full use of advanced technology for work machines. The T180 and T190 models utilise the latest engine technology; the engine is electronically controlled and fuel consumption is extraordinarily low. The T Series also leads the way in design. The tractor is, despite its large size, stylish and graceful and comes in eleven colours. Thanks to a bonnet that can be lifted up, the new Valtra is easy to maintain.

In addition to its T Series, Valtra has developed a new product line, the F Line, for forest thinning. Expertise from Partek's other business areas has been utilised in the development of the F Line.

When it came to the design work of the new F line, a special emphasis was placed on higher efficiency in thinning operations, especially reflected in a higher utilisation rate enabled by new technical solutions, and driver ergonomics. The F Line is a comprehensive system for thinning operations, combining the high standards set by customers with the designer's artistic view and the engineers' technical know-how.



Sony Ericsson unveils the T100 mobile phone
(24.09.02) Sony Ericsson today unveiled the T100 mobile phone. The T100 will attract modern young people who appreciate attractive design, ease-of-use and, core features at an affordable price. The phone features enhanced messaging capabilities and will start shipping in Q4 2002.
The T100 is small in size and gives a glimpse of the new industrial design that is coming from Sony Ericsson, capturing the simplicity and minimalism of Scandinavian and Japanese design. Preliminary consumer research findings have been very positive, with comments such as "right in fashion" and "looks more expensive than it is". The phone is presented in three contemporary colorings, Icy Blue, Gentle Gold and Fresh White. The T100 is small and light, measuring only 99 x 43.5 x 17.7 mm and weighs a mere 75 grams. It has up to 4.5 hours of talk time and up to 200 hours (more than 8 days) of stand-by time.

Several GSM markets have a strong need for a high-volume, low-priced phone with all the core voice and messaging features. Developed mainly for the low-price segment, the new T100 offers great value and offers consumers EMS-messaging with pictures, sound and animations, and mobile Internet browsing with WAP. It features an extensive gallery with 30 pictures, 15 animations and 10 sounds, which can be sent and there are 10 SMS templates for often used messages. If that's not enough, a new image can be created with a picture editor.



Teleca partner Hasselblad in development of new camera system
(23.09.02) Victor Hasselblad AB has contracted Teleca for the development of a new camera system. The assignment involved electronics design and the development of embedded software as well as integration and testing.
The new camera system, called the H-system, uses the picture format 645 and incorporates modern camera technology such as auto focus, automatic exposure and motor operated functions. The new camera addresses professional photographers, within film and digital photography, where the need for fast handheld photography dominates, for example within the fashion industry, wedding photography, sports and news. Hasselblad also expects huge interest from advanced amateur photographers.

For compatibility with future products the H-System is built modularly. The new camera system contains a completely new platform concerning control and communication built on a standard electrical interface, databus communication (I2C) and a programmable user interface similar the one used in mobile telephones.

R&D Manager Lars Pappila at Hasselblad is very pleased that one of Sweden's most complex commercial projects has resulted in the introduction of the H-System. To Hasselblad the launch of the new camera system is the biggest product event since the classic Hasselblad system was introduced in 1948. "Teleca's engineering expertise combined with their passion and commitment have made them an ideal partner for us for the development of our new camera system", says Lars Pappila.



Teleca partner Hasselblad in development of new camera system
(23.09.02) Victor Hasselblad AB has contracted Teleca for the development of a new camera system. The assignment involved electronics design and the development of embedded software as well as integration and testing.
The new camera system, called the H-system, uses the picture format 645 and incorporates modern camera technology such as auto focus, automatic exposure and motor operated functions. The new camera addresses professional photographers, within film and digital photography, where the need for fast handheld photography dominates, for example within the fashion industry, wedding photography, sports and news. Hasselblad also expects huge interest from advanced amateur photographers.

For compatibility with future products the H-System is built modularly. The new camera system contains a completely new platform concerning control and communication built on a standard electrical interface, databus communication (I2C) and a programmable user interface similar the one used in mobile telephones.

R&D Manager Lars Pappila at Hasselblad is very pleased that one of Sweden's most complex commercial projects has resulted in the introduction of the H-System. To Hasselblad the launch of the new camera system is the biggest product event since the classic Hasselblad system was introduced in 1948. "Teleca's engineering expertise combined with their passion and commitment have made them an ideal partner for us for the development of our new camera system", says Lars Pappila.



Elanders in Norway divests to concentrate operations
(23.09.02) Elanders AB has contracted to sell Elanders Norge AS and its subsidiaries.
Elanders Norge AS in Oslo is part of the business area Infoprint and produces magazines and mass advertising in web offset. The company also operates in publishing and premedia through its subsidiaries Elanders Publishing AS and Elanders Ravn AS. In total, the companies have a turnover upwards of MSEK 260 and 145 employees.

Divestiture of these companies is a essential step in the ongoing action plan aimed at making Elanders profitable in 2003. It is also part of the process of developing Elanders into an Infomedia group that offers flexible publishing solutions within the framework of our Master Vendor concept.

For quite some time Elanders Norge AS has been weighed down by the over capacity characterising the Norwegian market and, along with its subsidiaries, has struggled with considerable losses despite major rationalisations. This sale is, among other things, an important first step in the necessary restructuring of the Norwegian web offset market. For both employees and customers it is natural that Norwegian players in the industry lead this restructuring and it is natural for Elanders to leave the Norwegian web offset market to concentrate its efforts on further investments in vital customer segments.



SCA acquires UK tissue producer
(20.09.02) SCA has acquired tissue producer Benedetti Paper Division for SEK 135 M on a debt-free basis. Benedetti is currently the third largest tissue producer in the Away-From-Home (AFH) segment in the UK, with sales of approximately SEK 390 M from its converting operations.
The acquisition of Benedetti Paper will give SCA a more complete product portfolio. After the acquisition this spring of CartoInvest and its new tissue mill in Oakenholt, Wales, the intention is to transfer Benedettis' production capacity to the Oakenholt mill, consolidating SCA's AFH-activities in the UK to one plant.

Benedettis' UK operations comprise two converting companies, Pendigo and KSS, which are supplied with base tissue (mother reels) by external suppliers and together produce some 20,000 tons of converted products. The acquisition will considerably strengthen SCA's position on the UK tissue market and SCA will reach a market share of about 17 percent. The UK tissue market consumes 765,000 tons of tissue paper each year, of which the AFH segment accounts for nearly one third.

The acquisition does not require the approval of the UK competition authorities and is expected to have a positive effect on SCA's earnings per share within the first 12 months.



JM Chairman steps down to become successor to CEO at FöreningsSparbanken
(19.09.02) At the Annual General Meeting in April, 2003, Göran Collert will step down as Chairman of FöreningsSparbanken. At the same time, at the suggestion of the Nominating Committee he will be appointed Honorary Chairman. The Nominating Committee has unanimously chosen Carl Eric Stålberg, First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, as his successor. Stålberg's nomination has the support of all major shareholders.
Carl Eric Stålberg will serve as Executive Chairman. He is therefore leaving his current position as President and CEO of JM AB on January 1, at which time he will join the bank as Executive Vice Chairman of the Bank.

Johan Skoglund will succeed Carl Eric Stålberg as President of JM AB. Johan Skoglund, 40, has a master's degree in engineering and has been employed within the JM Group since 1986. Mr Skoglund has held a number of different positions within JM, and has been head of the JM Residential business unit since 2001.

"JM has performed extremely well under Carl Eric Stålberg's leadership. He has successfully completed the change in strategy which has transformed JM from a traditional building and property company into a project developer of homes and commercial premises. This means that today JM has good profitability and is the leading housing development company in Scandinavia," says JM's Chairman, Per Westlund.

Carl Eric Stålberg held various leading positions with Sweden's savings banks during the years 1975 - 1996, most recently as Chief Financial Officer of Sparbanken Sverige, where he was responsible for its successful initial public offering.



AvestaPolarit to acquire ThyssenKrupp Nirosta stainless steel plate business
(19.09.02) AvestaPolarit Oyj Abp and ThyssenKrupp Nirosta GmbH have today signed a letter of intent for AP to purchase the stainless steel quarto plate business of TKN. This TKN business has its current main manufacturing facilities in Krefeld and Mulheim, with significant hire processing contracts in Duisburg, Siegen and Altena, all in the Federal Republic of Germany. Annual deliveries for this business are almost 40 000 tonnes, which amount to net sales of approximately EUR 95 million.
The intention of AvestaPolarit is to relocate the quarto plate manufacturing activities to the corporations operation at Degerfors, Sweden, although certain hire processing activities will remain sourced from Germany. Thyssen will give full support to AvestaPolarit during the transition period. Closing of the transaction is expected to be by end December 2002, provided that due regulatory approvals will be received.

AvestaPolarit's CEO Ossi Virolainen comments "This transaction will increase AvestaPolarit's cost efficiency and competitiveness as a manufacturer of stainless steel special products in the global quarto plate market. It will enable AvestaPolarit to provide an improved service to its customers, particularly in Europe. This transaction will also strengthen and increase our production of quarto plate in Degerfors. This is a major positive development for the Degerfors site, where the Degerfors Stainless long products operation is due to close in 2003."



Ericsson puls in new business in Sudan and Iran
(19.09.02) Ericsson has signed a turnkey contract for expansion of a GSM network in Sudan with Mobitel, as well as being selected as supplier of equipment and solutions to Shiraz Electronic Industries (SEI) in Iran. Ericsson will provide converged solutions for voice and data to enterprises in Iran worth 18,3 Million USD.
"We are delighted to have Ericsson as our partner in Sudan. With the substantial demand for mobile services in Sudan and the imminent arrival of competition, Mobitel is very keen to work with a supplier who has demonstrated a track record of good service, prices and leading edge equipment," says Dr. Abdel Aziz Osman, Chairman of Mobitel Board.

The scope of the Iran agreement is deliveries of equipment for over 100.000 users of voice and data services over an ATM backbone. Solutions are built on a converged platform consisting of Ericsson products such as the MD110 communications platform and the AXD data networking family.

"We are very pleased to have been chosen by SEI," says Mats Halvorsen, Vice President of Ericsson Enterprise. "It is living proof that Shiraz Electronic Industries (SEI) appreciates and trusts the strength, security and flexibility of our converged solutions for enterprises."

To support SEI in this nationwide, important project, Ericsson Enterprise is working together with its partner Communication Performer Group (CPG) in Turkey, when it comes to training and servicing.



Australian Xone chooses Aptilo Networks wireless hotspot solution
(18.09.02) Aptilo Networks has received an order for public WLAN Internet systems from Australian Internet operator Xone. Today, Xone can offer wireless Internet services at three locations in Sydney's downtown business section. Xone has plans to establish a handful of additional locations during the current year and later to expand throughout Australia and abroad.
Including the Xone order, Aptilo's hotspot solutions for public wireless broadband systems (WLAN) are now established in nine countries outside Sweden. Using Aptilo's system solution, operators and location owners, such as hotels, shopping malls and airports, can easily set up and operate zones with wireless broadband publicly available to anyone with a WLAN card installed on their computer. For the user, Aptilo's solutions are not linked to a specific operator, so no separate subscriptions are needed. Instead, it is an easy matter for anyone to pay for the time they are connected via a credit card, pre-paid card or the mobile phone invoice.

"Our expansion plans are highly aggressive and we have been looking for a solution that we can grow with and which meets our needs in terms of providing simple and problem-free wireless broadband access for business users on the move. With Aptilo and HP, we have found exactly what we were looking for. We are extremely satisfied with the technology solution provided," says Paul Pettersen, CEO of Xone.

The Aptilo solution is already being used by operators in the UK, France, Spain, Scandinavia and Asia for wireless broadband services at airports, hotels and other public areas.