Ratos accepts bid for Meto

RATOS ACCEPTS BID FOR METO * Ratos accepts Checkpoint's bid for Meto. * Estimated capital gain for Ratos SEK 217M. On August 11, Checkpoint Systems Inc. made a bid for the shares in Meto equivalent to SEK 65 per share. The bid is conditional on the acceptance of the bid by owners of at least 95 per cent of the shares in Meto, on the necessary permissions being obtained from the competition authorities concerned, and on an acquisition of Meto not being made wholly or partly impossible because of other circumstances outside Checkpoint's control. On September 13, Meto's Aufsichtsrat and its Vorstand announced that they, following an evaluation of the bid, recommended that Meto's shareholders accept the bid. Based on this, Ratos has decided to accept Checkpoint´s bid and sell its approximately 13 per cent stake in Meto. As owner in Esselte, Ratos contributed actively to the Initial Public Offering of Meto and is also represented on Meto's Aufsichtsrat. If all the conditions for Checkpoint's bid are met and the deal completed, a capital gain of approximately SEK 217M is expected in the Ratos Group. For further information, please contact: Bo Jungner Senior Investment Manager Telephone +46 8-700 17 00 Ratos is an owner company whose business concept, over a period of time, is to create the highest possible yield for its shareholders through professional, active and responsible exercising of the ownership role in a number of selected companies and investment situations in which Ratos creates a unique investment opportunity for the players on the stockmarket. Added values will be created in connection with acquisitions, development and sale of companies. The net asset value amounts to more than SEK 8 billion and consists of Active holdings and an Asset management. Active holdings are Dahl, Esselte, Scandic Hotels, ACE, Capona, Meto, Telelogic and Telia Overseas. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/09/15/19990915BIT00170/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/09/15/19990915BIT00170/bit0002.pdf