Champion Elevators' customers are in the construction industry and a range of industrial segments, including offshore, refineries and power generation. In 2005 the acquired business generated approximately SEK 150m in sales, with 70 employees.

"The acquisition of Champion strengthens our positions both globally and in the US market in our core business," says Petter Arvidson, President and CEO of Alimak Hek. "Of particular interest for our American customers is the expanded after sales services we will now be able to offer."

The asset deal includes acquisition of the Champion facilities with assets, inventory, product designs and trademarks, as well as the staff related to the manufacturing and after sales businesses. Following the acquisition, Alimak Hek has manufacturing units in the US, Sweden and the Netherlands.

The acquisition of Champion Elevators is expected to make a favourable contribution to the Alimak Hek Group's pretax profit already this year.

Alimak Hek is a global, leading manufacturer of construction hoists, industrial lifts and platforms for temporary and permanent installations. Group revenues reached approximately SEK 1.1bn in 2005. Ratos has a 50% ownership interest in Alimak Hek.

For additional information, please contact

Petter Arvidson, CEO Alimak Hek, +46 07 590 59 31

Leif Johansson, Senior Investment Manager Ratos, +46 70 520 40 25

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

Year-end report 2005                                     23 February 2006

AGM                                                           4 April 2006, at 5:30 p.m.

Interim report January-March 2006                   11 May 2006

Interim report January-June 2006                      24 August 2006

Interim report January-September 2006             10 November 2006