Report on operations for the six months ended June 30, 2002

Report on operations for the six months ended June 30, 2002 Improvement in net income for the second quarter due to lower restructuring costs and reduced financial expenses · Gross margin improved 1.0% to 29.7% compared to the second quarter last year · Operating income excluding items affecting comparability increased by 18% to SEK 60 million (51) despite weak markets · Restructuring costs were SEK 47 million compared to SEK 196 million last year · Financial expenses were reduced by SEK 43 million to SEK 22 million · Net income was SEK -5 million, compared to SEK -126 million last year · J.W. Childs has decided to implement the recommended public offer to the shareholders of Esselte for all shares of Esselte AB (publ) · De-listing from Stockholmsbörsen and London Stock Exchange is planned for 01 August 2002 For further information please contact: Ulrik Svensson, acting CEO +44 (0) 1895 878 770 Thomas Groth, IR +44 (0) 1895 878 983 ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/07/19/20020719BIT00290/wkr0001.doc The full report http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/07/19/20020719BIT00290/wkr0002.pdf The full report