BPAs interim report for the six months ending June 30, 1998

BPA's interim report for the six months ending June 30, 1998 Income after financial items increased to SEK 52 M (46) After a seasonally weak start to the year, earnings for the full six-month period are at a level 13% higher than for the corresponding period of 1997. Order bookings up 12% and sales up 10% Demand for installation services increased during the second quarter of 1998. Order bookings in the Swedish installation segment were significantly better, compared with the same period of 1997. Continued acquisitions strengthened market position in Norway BPA's position in the strong Oslo region was further strengthened at the beginning of the year when the Group acquired four installation companies. The acquisitions contributed to the favorable profitability trend in the Group's Norwegian installation operations. New structure for property management and industrial maintenance The Group's property management and industrial maintenance units were merged during the reporting period with the corresponding units of the construction company PEAB. Operations are conducted in two jointly owned associated companies. BPA's service and maintenance operations continue to be conducted in a separate product area within the regular organization. The previous forecast of a slight improvement in full-year earnings after financial items, compared with 1997, remains firm. The full report is now aviable at http://www.bit.se/