Approximately 98.4 percent acceptance in the offer to the shareholders in D&D

Pressrelease 1 March 2000 * Approximately 98.4 percent acceptance in the offer to the shareholders in D&D * The combination will be implemented * Settlement will be initiated * The subscription period is prolonged until 17 March 2000 * Compulsory acquisition will be initiated The offer from Hemköpskedjan AB (publ) ("Hemköp") to the shareholders in D&D Dagligvaror AB (publ) ("D&D") in relation to the proposed combination between the companies has been accepted by shareholders in D&D representing approximately 98.4 percent of the total number of shares and votes in D&D. The combination has been approved by the Swedish competitive authorities. All conditions for the offer have thereby been fulfilled and the combination can be implemented. In order to enable as many shareholders as possible to accept the offer, Hemköp has decided to prolong the subscription period up to and including 17 March 2000. Those shareholders who accept the offer during the extended subscription period have the right to withdraw their subscription up to and including 17 March 2000. Settlement for shares redeemed during the initial subscription period up to and including 25 February 2000 is expected to be initiated on 10 March 2000. Settlement for shares redeemed during the extended subscription period is expected to be initiated on 31 March 2000. Hemköp will take the necessary measures for initiating a compulsory acquisition of outstanding shares in D&D. The New Food Company's acquisition of the majority holding of Spar Finland will be completed as soon as the Finnish competitive authorities have approved the acquisition. The response is expected in the end of March/beginnning of April 2000. Enskilda Securities is financial adviser to Hemköp. Enquiries to: Håkan Matz, CEO Hemköpskedjan AB Tel: +46-23-589 00 or +46-70-589 22 11 ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/03/01/20000301BIT00710/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/03/01/20000301BIT00710/bit0002.pdf