Novestra: continuum partner in winning italian broadband consortium

NOVESTRA: CONTINUUM PARTNER IN WINNING ITALIAN BROADBAND CONSORTIUM Continuum Group Ltd (Novestra ownership 11.9%), which was instrumental in setting up the winning consortium for the Bologna broadband network, has acquired indirectly 5 percent of Casa.web through a consortium including CIR S.p.A., the industrial holding company of the De Benedetti Group, iNTEk S.p.A., a holding company specialising in acquiring high-growth potential companies (both listed on the Milan stock exchange) and B2 Bredband AB. Casa.web was established to build and operate the broadband network in the Bologna region with 2 million inhabitants. In addition to the partners of the consortium, Casa.web is held by the municipalities of Bologna, Imola, Ravenna and Forlì. The consortium was chosen in strong competition with a number of major telecommunications companies based on the strategic value and broadband experience of the partners involved in the consortium Casa.web's business plan, which will be fully funded for at least two years, includes the construction of broadband networks for both businesses and private homes in major municipalities in the Emilia Romagna region. Bologna has one of the highest PC penetration in Italy and is well advanced as regards public service and information via the Internet. As CEO of Casa.web, Mr Luciano Frasca has been recruited, formerly General Manager at Telestet, a Greek, wireless operator owned by Telecom Italia Mobile and Verizon. B2 Bredband AB brings its technical know-how and leading broadband solutions to the project and holds indirectly a 5% ownership stake in Casa.web. "The successful participation and support from B2 Bredband and Continuum shows the forefront position of these two companies as regards broadband networks and services. With a strong industrial, financial and community backing, the Bologna broadband project has a great potential in becoming both an Italian and European leader. Currently, there is only one other major project in Northern Italy, e.Biscom's Metroweb and Fastweb in Milano," says Peter Ekelund, Executive Director of Novestra. "We believe that the know-how and experience gained by both Continuum and B2 Bredband from the broadband projects in Scandinavia, Benelux and Italy will create attractive, interesting opportunities in other markets as well," Ekelund continues. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Mr Jörg Mohaupt, Managing Director, Continuum Group Ltd Phone: +44 207 612 9553 E-mail: jorg@continuumgroup.co.uk Mr Peter Ekelund, Executive Director, AB Novestra. Phone: +46 8 545 017 50 E-mail: ekelund@novestra.com About Continuum Continuum Group Limited is a project developer and private investment firm dedicated to investing in Internet and telecommunications infrastructure assets throughout Europe. Continuum combines its experienced management team, active advisory board comprised of leading European Internet and telecommunications professionals, and complementary portfolio companies to form its "Global Network," which makes Continuum a unique partner to high-growth companies involved in the development of the Internet in Europe. For more information regarding Continuum Group Ltd., please see www.continuumgroup.co.uk About Novestra AB Novestra is one of the leading independent venture capital investment companies in the Nordic region with focus on companies providing enabling services and technologies for the communications industry. Novestra owns 11.9% of Continum Group Ltd and 4.9% in B2 Bredband AB. Novestra's other portfolio of companies includes Comintell Holding AB, Fanglobe Inc, Iquity Systems Inc, Multilet AB, Netsurvey AB, PowerNet AB and Qbranch AB. Novestra's shares are listed on the O-List of the OM Stockholm Exchange. For information regarding AB Novestra, please see www.novestra.com ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2001/01/31/20010131BIT00880/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2001/01/31/20010131BIT00880/bit0002.pdf