J.W. Childs implements the offer to the shareholders of Esselte

J.W. Childs implements the offer to the shareholders of Esselte J.W. Childs Acquisition Sweden AB's ("J.W. Childs") public offer to the shareholders of Esselte AB ("Esselte") has been accepted to such extent that J.W. Childs has become owner of shares representing 97 percent of the capital and 97 percent of the votes in Esselte. All conditions for the offer have been met. J.W. Childs has therefore decided to implement the offer. Payment for tendered shares is expected to begin on16 July 2002. In order to offer shareholders, who have not yet accepted the offer, to participate in the offer, J.W. Childs has decided to extend the acceptance period until and including 1 August 2002. Settlement for those who accept the offer during the extended acceptance period is expected to be made on 8 August 2002. J.W. Childs may also acquire shares in the market. J.W. Childs intends to initiate a compulsory acquisition of the outstanding shares in Esselte. Stockholm, 11 July 2002 J.W. Childs Acquisition Sweden AB For further information, please contact: Adam Suttin J.W. Childs Associates L.P. Telephone number: +1 617 753 11 00 or +44 7764 339 792 or Samir Kamal Carnegie Investment Banking Telephone number: +46 8 676 8565 or +46 708 76 8565 ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/07/11/20020711BIT00760/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/07/11/20020711BIT00760/wkr0002.pdf