Nordic Capital in partnership with CVC Capital Partners acquire Leaf - a European leader in confectionery

Press release, 8 March, 2005 Nordic Capital today announced the entry into a partnership with CVC Capital Partners in the acquisition of Leaf, the Sugar Confectionery division from the international food ingredients and confectionery company CSM N.V. Nordic Capital and CVC Capital Partners will have joint control of the company. Leaf has an annual turnover of EUR 750 million and has approximately 4,300 employees. With its six main operating companies, the company is active in various European countries and Asia and owns strong brands including Läkerol, Malaco, Ahlgrens Bilar, Dietorelle, Jenkki, Sportlife, RedBand, Venco, Sperlari, Mynthon and Lutti.

Leaf is a market leader in the chewing gum, pastilles and candy markets in Netherlands, Finland and Sweden and one of the top players in Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Norway, UK and Poland. Leaf also holds important positions in the chocolate market in Finland with the Tupla brand and in the sweeteners market in Italy with the Dietor brand. The headquarter is located in Amsterdam and the company currently operates 15 manufacturing plants spread across Europe. The company has officially changed its name into Leaf. Nordic Capital and CVC Capital Partners will have joint control and are currently detailing the strategic plan going forward. Both shareholders intend to work closely with the company’s management in an effort to unlock the potential of the business. The management will be invited to co-invest alongside Nordic Capital and CVC Capital Partners. Robert Andreen, CEO and founding Partner, Nordic Capital: “Nordic Capital is pleased to enter into this partnership with CVC in the acquisition of Leaf. We are in the process of reaching agreement on the strategic direction and plans for the business. With the combined support of CVC and Nordic Capital we will be in an excellent position to drive the development of the business going forward.” Robert-Jan van Ogtrop, Industrial Partner of CVC and Chairman of the Leaf Supervisory Board: “We are pleasantly surprised to discover the strength of our local brands. CVC and Nordic Capital are in general agreement on the strategy to emphasize the potential synergies between the various operating companies. We are pleased to have Nordic Capital join forces in this transaction due to their overall experience and in particular their expertise in the Nordic region.” Michael Forsmark, Managing Director, MalacoLeaf, Scandinavia: “We are looking forward to a future together with Nordic Capital and CVC Capital Partners. Both firms have long-term perspectives and a strong focus on brands. We will now together realize our plans for the Nordic market in order to further strengthen our market leading position within sugar confectionary.” The principal transaction has been closed March 7, 2005. Full implementation of the partnership is subject to regulatory approvals. For more information, please contact: Robert Andreen Partner and CEO, Nordic Capital Tel: +46 8 440 50 50 Robert-Jan van Ogtrop Industrial Partner, CVC Capital Partners Tel: +31 20 354 80 57 www.nordiccapital.com www.cvceurope.com Nordic Capital is a leading private equity firm focusing on investments primarily in the Nordic middle-market arena. The firm has a strong investment track record, an extensive network of contacts and firsthand knowledge of local industries and business practices. Since its inception in 1989, Nordic Capital has invested in more than 60 companies operating in a range of segments and sectors. Nordic Capital’s proven investment strategy creates value by actively implementing key value drivers, such as new industrial combinations, strategic repositioning and internationalization. A range of leading Nordic and international institutions are investors in Nordic Capital funds. CVC Capital Partners is a leading independent private equity provider in Continental Europe and the UK, specializing in large scale leveraged buy-outs. Founded in 1981 as Citicorp’s European private equity arm, CVC completed its own management buy-out in 1993 and is independently owned by its management. CVC closed its most recent European fund of US$4.0 billion in 2001 and currently has total funds under management of over US$9.0 billion. CVC has 12 offices in Europe. Since 1981, CVC has acquired over 235 companies for a total consideration of more than EUR 43 billion. CVC’s current European portfolio of 54 companies has a combined transaction size of EUR 32 billion, with a combined turnover of EUR 30 billion, operating in 25 countries and employing over 230,000 people.