Ratos: Arcus: EU approves acquisition of three out of four brands
The EU Competition Authority has now given its approval for Ratos's subsidiary Arcus to acquire the three brands Star Gin, Red Port and Dry Anis from Pernod Ricard. The European Commission did not approve the acquisition of the brand Grönstedts Cognac. In December 2008 the Norwegian company Arcus Gruppen concluded an agreement with Pernod Ricard to acquire the brands Grönstedts Cognac, Star Gin, Red Port and Dry Anis. The deal was subject to approval from the relevant competition authorities. The European Commission's competition authority has now approved acquisition of three of the brands but decided to not approve the acquisition of Grönstedts Cognac. The motivation is that Arcus as owner of both Grönstedts Cognac and Braastad Cognac would acquire too high a market share in Sweden. Arcus Gruppen is Norway's leading wine and spirits supplier. The company was formed in 1996 on the initiative of the Norwegian government and privatised in 2001. The group's best-known brands include Linie Aquavit, Braastad Cognac, Vikingfjord Vodka, Hammer Gin and Upper Ten Whisky. Sales in 2008 totalled SEK 1,532m and operating profit (EBITA) reached SEK 168m. Ratos's holding in Arcus Gruppen amounts to 83%. For further information, please contact: Arne Karlsson, CEO Ratos, +46 8 700 17 00 Jan Tore Føsund, CEO Arcus Gruppen +47 22 97 55 00 Clara Bolinder-Lundberg, Head of Corporate Communications Ratos, +46 8 700 17 63 Financial calendar from Ratos: Annual General Meeting 2009 2 April 2009 Interim Report January - March 2009 7 May 2009 Interim Report January - June 2009 20 August 2009 Interim Report January - September 2009 5 November 2009 Ratos is a listed private equity company. The business concept is to maximise shareholder value over time by investing in, developing and divesting primarily unlisted companies. Ratos offers investors a unique investment opportunity. Ratos's equity is approximately SEK 16 billion and has a market capitalisation of approximately SEK 20 billion. Ratos's holdings include AH Industries, Anticimex, Arcus Gruppen, Bisnode, Camfil, Contex, DIAB, EuroMaint, GS-Hydro, Haglöfs, HL Display, Inwido, Jøtul, Lindab, MCC, Medisize, Scandinavian Business Seating, Superfos and Other holdings.