The Finnish Competition Authority has accepted the purchase of shares in Spar Finland Plc by SOK Corporation

SOK Corporation (SOK) and the parent company of Spar Finland Plc (Spar Finland), Axfood AB (publ.) (Axfood) entered into an agreement on 7 September 2005 based on which SOK will acquire all shares in Spar Finland held by Axfood. The transaction was conditional upon approval from the Finnish Competition Authority. The Finnish Competition Authority has on 4 January 2006 accepted the share purchase between SOK and Axfood. In accordance with the agreement between Axfood and SOK the closing shall take place five working days after the approval from the Finnish Competition Authority.