Pro forma 3-month Interim Report, January - March 2000

Pro forma 3-month Interim Report, January - March 2000 Connecta AB (publ) In view of the planned merger between Connecta and Information Highway and the ongoing application period for exchanging shares, Connecta has decided to disclose the following pro forma information regarding the period January - March 2000. Connecta's sales amounted to SEK 132.5 M (74.5) during the period, which is equivalent to an increase of 78% compared with the corresponding period in the preceding year. Operating profit, before amortization of goodwill, increased 66% to SEK 23.3 M (14.0), corresponding to a profit margin (EBITA) of 17.6% during the period. For the period May 1999 - March 2000, Connecta's sales totaled SEK 369.5 M (207.1), which is equivalent to an increase of 78%. Operating profit, before goodwill amortization, rose during the same period by 80% to SEK 50.9 M (28.2). The number of employees as of March 31, 2000, excluding the acquisition of Albatros Network A/S in Denmark, was 536 (319), an increase of 68% compared with the same date a year earlier. The number of employees including the acquisition of Albatros Network A/S is 592. (The operations of Albatros Network A/S have not been consolidated with Connecta during the period.) The market situation during the period January - March 2000 has been positive and strengthened noticeably during February and March. Connecta maintains its previous forecast, which will involve continued strong growth. Sales for the fiscal year, May 1999 - April 2000 are expected to total at least SEK 400 M, which is assessed will yield an operating profit before amortization of goodwill exceeding SEK 55 M. Stockholm April 26, 2000 Connecta AB (publ) Christer Jacobsson, President and CEO For additional information please contact: Anders Swensson, Chief Financial Officer Tel: +46 8 412 30 00 e-mail: anders.swensson@connecta.se or Christer Jacobsson, President and CEO Tel: +46 8 412 30 00 e-mail: christer.jacobsson@connecta.se The merger between Connecta and Information Highway Connecta AB is planning a merger with Information Highway, creating one of Europe's leading consulting practices oriented towards strategic Internet solutions. The new group will have a very secure platform for sustained robust international expansion. At present, the two companies have an aggregate headcount of approximately 1,220 (1,350 including the acquisition in Germany). The objective is to have at least 2,000 employees by the end of the year. About Connecta [www.connecta.se] Connecta AB is an Internet consulting practice active in Internet business development. The company provides services through Strategy, Internet and Human Resource Management practice areas. With its total concepts, Connecta is able to serve as a full-range provider to major corporations and non-profit organisations, offering consulting services that consolidate clients' capacity to do business in the new, digital economy. Connecta was incorporated in 1993, and currently has nearly 600 employees. The Connecta share is quoted on The Stockholm Stock Exchange O-list (symbol: CNTA). Christer Jacobsson is Connecta's President. Connecta provides solutions for clients including SEB, Skandia, Ericsson, Folksam, Scania, Statoil, SAF, Volkswagen and Thomson Travel Group (Fritidsresor). About Information Highway [www.ih.com] Information Highway assists companies in exploiting the business opportunities presented by the new network economy. Information Highway consolidates its clients' competitiveness, making them successful in the digital arena by providing Internet-based solutions characterised by business expertise, creativity and leading-edge technology skills, essentially offering "a safe ride to The New Economy". Information Highway was founded in 1994 and currently employs over 600 people in its Business, Interactive and Technology Consulting practice areas at ten locations in Sweden, and in Norway, Denmark, Finland and the UK. The share is quoted on the Stockholm Stock Exchange O-list (symbol: IHWY). Göran Wågström is Information Highway's President. Information Highway provides solutions for ABB, Ericsson, Telia, SAS, Vattenfall, Lufthansa, Codan, Telenor and Swiss Valore. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/04/26/20000426BIT01310/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/04/26/20000426BIT01310/bit0002.pdf