Metro launches in Barcelona
METRO LAUNCHES IN BARCELONA Metro International S.A. ("Metro"), the leading international daily newspaper group, today announced the launch of a new edition in Barcelona, Spain, under the 'Metro Directo' title. 200,000 copies of the new edition were distributed free of charge by hand in the City this morning. Metro is now the second largest newspaper in Barcelona by circulation. The Barcelona region, Catalonia, is the industrial heartland of Spain with a high concentration of manufacturing industries. Barcelona and its immediate suburbs have a population of over 5 million and annual advertising sales of over US$ 380 million. Newspaper advertising accounts for over 30% of Spain's total annual media spend, and national advertising sales are forecast to grow by 7% in 2001. The Barcelona edition is the second new edition to be launched in 2001. Last Thursday, 100,000 copies of the first French language edition of the Metro newspaper were distributed to commuters in the subway system in Montreal, Canada. 'Metro' provides fact-based, independent journalism and features local, regional, national and international news. Metro editions attract 6.6 million daily readers worldwide, and achieve a 23% weekly reach of the 60 million population in areas where Metro editions are distributed. Pelle Törnberg, President & CEO of Metro International, commented: "Spain is one of the countries with the greatest economic growth potential in Europe. Over 10% of Spain's population live in Barcelona, which is a dynamic and modern city and represents a significant opportunity for Metro. The launch of Metro Directo opens up another exciting market place and continues the momentum of our expansion." Metro International was spun off from Modern Times Group MTG AB in August 2000. A and B shares in Metro were distributed to MTG shareholders and are listed on the NASDAQ National Market and the OM Stockholm Exchange O List (symbols: MTROA and MTROB). For further information please visit www.metro.lu, email info@sharedvalue.net or contact: Pelle Tornberg, President & CEO tel: +44 (0)20 7408 0230 Matthew Hooper, Investor enquiries tel: +44 (0)20 7321 5010 Bert Willborg, Media enquiries tel: +46 (0)707 27 70 22 Metro International S.A. publishes and distributes free daily newspapers, comprising 19 editions in 14 countries: Stockholm (Metro and Everyday), Gothenburg (Metro), Malmö (Metro), Helsinki (Metro), Prague (Metro), Budapest (Metro), the Netherlands (Metro), Zurich (Metropol), Santiago (MTG), Rome (Metro), Philadelphia (Metro), Toronto (Metro), Buenos Aires (Publimetro), Milan (Metro), Warsaw (Metropol), Athens (Metrorama), Montreal (Metro) & Barcelona (Metro Directo). Metro International S.A. 75, Route de Longwy LU-8080 Bertrange, Luxembourg ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2001/03/05/20010305BIT00010/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2001/03/05/20010305BIT00010/bit0001.pdf