AKER BIOMARINE - COMPLETED PRIVATE PLACEMENT

Aker`s ownership is valued at approximately NOK 3.9 billion, which constitutes approximately NOK 53 per share in Aker ASA.

- Following the completion of the placement, we can now focus on securing a further successful development of the company, says Helge Midttun, President & CEO of Aker BioMarine.

- We will build an effective and streamlined organization, which develops, produces and markets Omega-3 based products within dietary supplements and functional foods. In addition, the company will sell specialty diets and meal as feed to the aquaculture industry, says Midttun.

Aker has, through subsidiaries, transferred companies and shares to Aker BioMarine in connection with the closing of the private placement. Aker BioMarine is now formally established with direct ownership to operations in Antarctic, Argentina and the Faeroe Islands, as well as shares in Natural ASA (89.1 %) and Krill A/S (100 %). Aker`s ownership in Aker BioMarine is carried out through the fully owned subsidiary Aker Seafoods Holding AS. As part of the agreement with Life Capitol concerning the purchase of shares in Natural, Aker Seafoods Holding will transfer shares in Aker BioMarine to Life Capitol, equal to approximately 2 % of the company.

Aker BioMarine`s operations and strategy have been disclosed through announcements dated November 17 and November 27, 2006.

Shares in Aker BioMarine are expected to commence trading on the OTC list of the Norwegian Securities Dealers Association early next week. The Company intends to seek a listing on the Oslo Stock Exchange during the first half of next year.

Carnegie, Pareto Securities and SEB Enskilda acted as joint lead managers in the private placement.

For further information, please contact:Geir Arne Drangeid, EVP, Aker ASA, tel: +47 24 13 00 65