Ratos: Ratos releases SEK 460 million by distribution in Arcus
Ratos's subsidiary Arcus Gruppen has decided to reduce its share capital by distributing approximately SEK 550m to its shareholders of which Ratos will receive approximately SEK 460m (NOK 395m). The distribution is made possible by the sale of the property in Hasle outside Oslo in June. 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 2000. The group's best-known brands include Braastad Cognac, Vikingfjord Vodka, Hammer Gin, Upper Ten Whiskey, Løiten and Linie Aquavit. The group has 440 employees. In June, Arcus Gruppen sold its property in Hasle in central Oslo which generated a capital gain of SEK 745m. A new and more effective production plant is to be built near Gardermoen and is scheduled for completion in 2011. Arcus Gruppen will remain in the Hasle property during the interim period. - Ratos CEO Arne Karlsson: "As a result of continued favourable development and a well conducted property sale, Arcus Gruppen currently has a balance sheet that is far too strong. The reduction in share capital we are now carrying out will give the company a better and more efficient capital structure". The reduction means that the consolidated book value of Arcus Gruppen in Ratos's balance sheet will decrease by approximately SEK 460m to approximately SEK 730m based on the book value at 30 September 2007. The distribution will have no impact on Ratos's earnings. The distribution in Arcus Gruppen is subject to registration with the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises (Foretaksregisteret). For further information, please contact: Arne Karlsson, CEO Ratos, +46 8 700 17 00 Clara Bolinder-Lundberg, Head of Corporate Communications Ratos, +46 8 700 17 63 Leif Johansson, Investment Director Ratos, +46 8 700 17 77 Financial calendar from Ratos: Year-end report 2007 21 February 2008 AGM 2008 9 April 2008 Interim report January - March 2008 8 May 2008 Interim report January - June 2008 22 August 2008 Interim report January - September 2008 7 November 2008 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 thus offers stock market players a unique investment opportunity. The equity of Ratos's investments is approximately SEK 11 billion and a market capitalisation of approxi¬mately SEK 30 billion. Ratos's holdings include AH Industries, Anticimex, Arcus Gruppen, Bisnode, Camfil, Contex, DIAB, EuroMaint, GS-Hydro, Haendig, Haglöfs, HL Display, HÅG/RH/RBM, Hägglunds Drives, Inwido, Jøtul, Lindab, MCC, Medifiq Healthcare, Superfos and Other holdings.