Interim report 1 January - 30 September 2002

Interim Report, nine months ended September 30, 2002

• Sales rose 30% amounting to SEK 1,215 M (938) • Operating profit before goodwill amortization increased 35% to SEK 123 M (91) • Pre-tax profit advanced 36% to SEK 72 M (53) • Earnings per share amounted to SEK 4.84 (3.78), up 28% • Pre-tax profit for 2002 is expected to approach SEK 100 M (84) • Earnings per share for the full year are anticipated to rise by slightly more than 10% (2001: 5.85) • Market shares strengthened in Sweden and Denmark. For additional information: Contact Ragnar Bringert, President, +46 42 37 02 50, or +46 70 593 62 73