Nordstjernan increases its ownership in Exel to 33.4 percent

Nordstjernan increases its ownership in Exel to 33.4 percent Nordstjernan AB has increased its ownership from 25.6 percent to 33.4 percent of share capital and voting rights in the Finnish public company Exel Oyj. As of February 9, 2001, Nordstjernan's holding in Exel Oyj amounts to 1,748,253 shares. Nordstjernan is Exel Oyj's largest shareholder. "During year 2000 Exel's sales increased by an impressive 40 percent and operating profit by 35 procent compared with 1999. The management of Exel has been successful in developing the company and we maintain our positive view about Exel's future growth opportunities", says Mr. Tomas Billing, President of Nordstjernan AB. Nordstjernan AB Tomas Billing President Inquiries may be directed to Mr. Tomas Billing, tel. +46 8 788 50 00 or +46 70 666 33 46. Nordstjernan is a Swedish investment company that aims to create value enhancement for all shareholders through an active ownership in Nordic companies. Investments are typically long-term in nature without a specified exit timeframe. Nordstjernan contributes capital, knowledge and a network under the motto 'visible long-term ownership'. Nordstjernan is a fourth-generation family owned business and the largest shareholder is the Axel and Margaret Ax:son Johnson Foundation. Additional information about Nordstjernan is available at www.nordstjernan.se. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2001/02/09/20010209BIT00750/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2001/02/09/20010209BIT00750/bit0002.pdf