Second quarter 2001

Half Year Report 2001

Profit after financial items fell by SEK 122 million to SEK 786 (908) million. The comparison does not include the effect of SPP's surplus funds which were included in last year's result. Earnings per share excluding the SPP effect amounted to 5.40 (5.70) SEK.
An agreement has been reached with Ahlsell regarding the purchase of Tibnor's industrial supplies group. The transaction is conditional on approval by the Swedish Competition Authority and will probably be completed during the third quarter.
Production in the new quenching line in Oxelösund will commence as planned after the summer and enables a continued expansion of production of quenched steel.