Ratos's original investment in Martinsson was carried out in 2001 in conjunction with Ratos and 3i's joint acquisition of Atle. Since 2001 Martinsson has continued to strengthen its position as a nationwide supplier of services and products relating to IT infrastructure, among other things through the acquisition of IMS in 2002. Today, Martinsson has approximately 600 employees and in 2004 sales amounted to SEK 1,500m (1,250) and pre-tax profit was SEK 26m (9). 

-  Ratos CEO Arne Karlsson comments: "Martinsson has shown impressive development under extremely unfavourable market conditions. Martinsson and Atea complement each other well and today's deal therefore creates good opportunities to achieve long-term growth and develop competitive alternatives for their customers."

Today's deal, which is subject to approval from the relevant competition authorities, provides an exit result for Ratos of SEK -16m (SEK -4m before IAS/IFRS-adjustments). The average annual return (IRR) on the investment in Martinsson has been negative.

For further information, please contact:

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

Clara Bolinder-Lundberg, Investor Relations Officer Ratos, +46 8 700 17 63

Financial calendar from Ratos:

Annual General Meeting                                   6 April 2005

Interim report January-March 2005                    12 May 2005

Interim report January-June 2005                      24 August 2005

Interim report January-September 2005             11 November 2005