Atlas Copco divests part of ABIRD in Netherlands

Stockholm, Sweden, December 17, 2007: Atlas Copco Internationaal B.V. has divested ABIRD Holding B.V., a part of Atlas Copco Compressor Technique’s rental business in the Netherlands. The sale is in line with the Specialty Rental division’s strategy to focus on compressed oil-free air applications.

The divested business, which includes the ABIRD brand name, has annual revenues of about MSEK 94 (MEUR 10) and relates to rental of equipment including welding tools and lighting. The buyer is Wichard Oorschot, General Manager of ABIRD, through the investment company DRIBA Holding B.V.

“This divestment will help us focus on our core business and better serve our rental customers in the Netherlands. We also believe that the divested part is in the right hands to grow,” says Ronnie Leten, President of Atlas Copco’s business area Compressor Technique.

Atlas Copco’s specialty rental business in the Netherlands will operate under the name Atlas Copco ABIRD for the next 18 months.