Swedish Match Report on Operatios 1998

Report on Operations 1998 * Group sales increased to SEK 8,194 M (7,465) * Operating income declined to SEK 1,381 M (1,586), including items affecting comparability of SEK -108 M * Costs for restructuring and new Group organization are included in items affecting comparability - costs-savings of SEK 200 M annually * Continuing strong growth for snuff * Favorable trend of sales of cigarettes in second half following reduction of tax * The Board of Directors proposes unchanged dividend of SEK 1:10 per share ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/02/12/19990212BIT00770/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/02/12/19990212BIT00770/bit0002.pdf