Within BTJI there are three operating areas. Bibliotekstjänst is the dominant supplier of library services, primarily to public and school libraries in Sweden. PrioInfo supplies database and subscription services to companies. The book wholesaler Seelig offers information, wholesale and logistic services relating to books to the book trade and publishers. In 2003 BTJI's sales totalled almost SEK 1.1 billion pro forma and operating profit (EBITA) amounted to just over SEK 40m. The number of employees is approximately 500.

Schlumberger InfoData AB (InfoData) is a leading supplier of database and direct marketing services in Sweden. The company's 2003 sales reached almost SEK 700m and operating profit (EBITA) amounted to approximately SEK 150m. The company has some 450 employees.

After the acquisition of InfoData, BTJI will have annual sales of approximately SEK 1.8 billion.

"Ratos's investment will enable BTJI to make the strategic acquisition of InfoData. By co-ordinating the operations of two companies, one of Scandinavia's largest information suppliers is created," says Ratos CEO, Arne Karlsson, commenting on today's investment.

Ratos is investing SEK 250m as a loan which can be transformed into shares corresponding to 49% of the share capital in BTJI as well as a convertible that on conversion would provide an additional holding of approximately 7%. Other owners of BTJI are Litorina Kapital (36%), the Swedish Library Association (11%) and BTJI's management (4%). The deal is subject to approval from the competition authorities.

For further information, please contact:

Arne Karlsson, CEO Ratos, +46 8 700 17 00

Anna-Karin Celsing, Head of Corporate Communications Ratos, +46 70 399 62 39

Financial calendar from Ratos:

Annual General Meeting                   1 April 2004

Interim Report January-March 2004        12 May 2004

Interim Report January-June 2004         25 August 2004

Interim Report January-September 2004    12 November 2004

The press release can be downloaded from the following link: