S E B and Cancerfonden (Cancer Fund) to start a fund that will benefit cancer research.

S E B and Cancerfonden (Cancer Fund) to start a fund that will benefit cancer research. In a unique form of long-term co-operation, SEB will contribute one per cent of the fund each year. Next spring S E B and Cancerfonden will start a combined fund under the name S E B Cancerfonden. The fund will provide new long-term resources for cancer research. This co-operation will mean that each year S E B will contribute one per cent of the fund to Cancerfonden. Even those that choose to save in this fund will contribute one per cent of the value of their units to cancer research. Over the next three years, the estimated yield from the fund, plus other projects involving co-operation between S E B and Cancerfonden are expected to contribute SEK 25 million to cancer research. "S E B views this long-term co-operation with Cancerfonden as an important part of our operations and we are participating with our own capital in order to strengthen cancer research. We know that our customers, as well as we at S E B, consider the curing of cancer to be a matter of high-priority. Cancerfonden makes an important contribution to society and one to which we willingly lend financial support," says Lars Thunell, President and CEO of S E B. Each year Cancerfonden collects nearly SEK 200 million for cancer research. However, still more is required if more lives are to be saved. At present there is a SEK 12 million deficit in the amount required to carry out satisfactory research. Cancerfonden calculates that this co-operation with S E B could bring in SEK 25 million over three years - but co-operation will mean more than that. "A newly-started equity fund in co-operation with S E B, and their 2 million customers, improves our possibilities to strengthen cancer research long-term. It is a way for us to find fresh research capital. We have chosen S E B as a partner because the bank has previously managed a large portion of our capital in a successful manner," says Johan af Donner, Head of Information at Cancerfonden. "We know that a great number of our customers wants to place part of its savings in this type of fund and I share that opinion. So that is why we are looking forward to starting an equity fund with Cancerfonden," says Lars Lundquist, Executive Vice President, and Head of S E B Asset Management. Every year, 40,000 Swedes are afflicted by some form of cancer. Half of them are cured. It is the vision of Cancerfonden that all cancer be prevented or cured. The administration fee for S E B Cancerfonden, will be 1.4 per cent and there will be neither deposit nor withdrawal fee. One per cent will go to Cancerfonden and the fund will not invest in companies whose main activities involve in the alcohol, tobacco or arms. Johan af Donner Head of Information at Cancerfonden - Telephone +46 8 677 10 64 Lars Lundquist, Head of S E B Asset Management - Telephone +46 8-763 68 50 Boo Ehlin, Press Officer, SEB - Telephone: +46 8-763 85 77, 070-763 85 77 ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1998/11/20/19981120BIT00240/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1998/11/20/19981120BIT00240/bit0002.pdf