Ratos: Arcus-Gruppen makes strategic acquisition in Finland

This information is disclosed in accordance with the Securities Markets Act, the Financial Instruments Trading Act or demands made in the exchange rules.

Ratos's subsidiary Arcus-Gruppen is expanding its presence in Finland through group company Vingruppen's acquisition of 90% of the shares in Modern Fluids Oy, one of Finland's leading wine importers. This acquisition will significantly increase the group's market share in Finland which will amount to approximately 10%.

Modern Fluids is one of Finland's leading wine importers with several well-known wine producers in its portfolio, such as Fairview, McGuigan, Murviedro, Taittinger, Garcia Carrion and Chateau Tanunda. Modern Fluids has annual sales of approximately EUR 13.5m.

"Our strategy is to grow in the Nordic region through both acquisitions and organically. Arcus's wine operations have strong market positions in Sweden and Norway and through Vingruppen's acquisition of Modern Fluids we will now be one of the strongest wine importers in Finland as well. This creates a platform for continued profitable growth," says Otto Drakenberg, CEO of Arcus-Gruppen.

Arcus-Gruppen was acquired in 2005 and is today a leading supplier of wine and spirits in the Nordic region. The company's best known brands within spirits include Aalborg Akvavit, Lysholm Linie Aquavit, Braastad Cognac, Gammel Dansk and Vikingfjord Vodka. Within wine, Arcus has both its own brands and agency operations. The number of employees totals approximately 450 and in 2014 Arcus-Gruppen's sales amounted to NOK 2,339m and operating profit (EBITA) amounted to NOK 225m.

"It is extremely positive that Arcus-Gruppen continues to grow in the Nordic market through this strategic acquisition in Finland. Since the acquisition in 2005 we as owner have transformed Arcus-Gruppen from a Norwegian spirits producer to one of the leading Nordic suppliers of both wine and spirits. Today, the company has a strong market position and continued significant development potential. The group has now strengthened its position in the growing wine market," says Susanna Campbell, CEO of Ratos.

Arcus-Gruppen's subsidiary, Vingruppen i Norden AB, is acquiring 90% of the shares in the Finnish company Modern Fluids Oy.  Modern Fluids' CEO Katja Angervo, will continue to be an owner with a 10% stake in the company.

For further information, please contact:
Mikael Norlander, Senior Investment Manager, Ratos, +46 8 700 17 00
Susanna Campbell, CEO, Ratos, +46 8 700 17 00
Elin Ljung, Head of Corporate Communications, Ratos, +46 8 700 17 20

Financial calendar from Ratos:

Ratos is a private equity conglomerate. The company's mission is to maximise shareholder value over time through the professional, active and responsible exercise of its ownership role in primarily unlisted medium sized Nordic companies. Ratos's holdings include AH Industries, Aibel, Arcus-Gruppen, Biolin Scientific, Bisnode, DIAB, Euromaint, GS-Hydro, Hafa Bathroom Group, HENT, HL Display, Inwido, Jøtul, KVD, Ledil, Mobile Climate Control, Nebula and Nordic Cinema Group. Ratos is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and market capitalisation amounts to approximately SEK 21 billion.