Birka Energi buys Stora Enso Energy's regional network

Birka Energi buys Stora Enso Energy's regional network Birka Energi AB and Stora Enso Energy AB have entered into an agreement regarding the transfer of Stora's regional network in Dalarna. The purchase sum amounts to SEK 1,650 million. The regional network in Dalarna comprises a network of approximately 1,700 km with 50-130 kilovolt cables. The deal also means that Birka will take over around 20 members of staff from Stora Enso Energy AB. "This acquisition makes it possible for us to link up our regional networks in Värmland and Hälsingland, producing one large and effective unit", says Tomas Bruce, President and CEO of Birka Energi. "At the same time, we are also strengthening our position as the leading network operator in Sweden." Birka Energi is one of Scandinavia's largest energy companies with around 900,000 customers, electricity sales of 27 TWh, heating sales of 8 TWh and a turnover of approximately SEK 13 billion. Birka Energi is owned, 50% each, by Stockholms Stad and Fortum Abp. For further information, please contact: Tomas Bruce, President and CEO, Birka Energi AB, tel +468 671 7960 or +4670 - 771 7960 Bo Englund, Director, Birka Nät AB, tel +4654 - 55 84 10 or +4670 - 654 11 96 Merril Boman, Executive Vice President Communications, Birka Energi AB, tel +468 - 671 79 51 or +4670 - 590 79 75 ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/04/17/20000417BIT00090/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/04/17/20000417BIT00090/bit0002.pdf