Sales increased by 14 per cent

GRAPHICS] 19 January 1999 INTERIM REPORT THREE MONTHS 1 September - 30 November 1998 SALES INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT Sales in the first quarter of the financial year increased by 14.1 per cent to SEK 931M (815) and Lindex continued to take market shares on all geographic markets. Same store sales rose by 7.7 per cent (6.6). In the same period, operating profit amounted to SEK 79M (79) and profit after financial items to SEK 79M (78). Profit after financial items in the Nordic countries adjusted for provisions for synthetic options improved by 12 per cent to SEK 104M (93). During the period, profit was charged with start-up costs of SEK 14M (5) for the establishment of Lindex's fourth market, Germany. An additional three stores were opened in Germany during the period, September-November 1998. In total, there are 7 Lindex stores in Germany. In total, 11 (10) new stores were opened during the period. A strong sales trend characterised December 1998 and the gross profit margin was strengthened compared with the previous year. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/01/19/19990119BIT00170/bit0001.pdf The full report http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/01/19/19990119BIT00170/bit0002.doc