Tele2 press statement addressing Svenska Dagbladet article titled “Secret report could damage Tele2” [”Hemlig rapport kan fälla Tele2”]
Stockholm - Tele2 AB (Tele2), (NASDAQ OMX Stockholm Exchange: TEL2 A and TEL2 B) is providing the following press statement as a result of the article published by Svenska Dagbladet on October 17 2014 titled “Hemlig rapport kan fälla Tele2” (link).
The article focuses on Tele2’s operations in Kazakhstan and refers to a “secret report”. The paper says the report suggests that - although there is no proof of any illegal activities pertaining to corruption – there is reason to raise warning flags.
Mats Granryd, CEO and president of Tele2 AB, comments:” The article raises several important issues that we take very seriously. However, it does not present any new information that we have not already investigated. Tele2 is well-familiar with the business environment in Kazakhstan and before entering this market we performed due diligence whereby we checked relevant risks, partners, payments, vendor and the political climate. Based on this process and the ethical principles laid down in our Code of Business Conduct, there was nothing that gave us reason to refrain from entering into the Kazakh market and into an agreement with Asianet. However, as part of our strong risk management procedures, we are constantly reviewing the situation and continuously improving how we operate in the market.”
On Ms. Aigul Nuriyeva, Tele2 is aware of the rumours concerning her ownership of Asianet. Both third parties and Tele2 have assessed the matter and we feel confident that she is the registered owner of that company.
Tele2 is a value-driven company with zero tolerance for corruption and fraud. The company will continue assessing its investments, operations and partnerships in Kazakhstan and provide additional information about its operations in the country on tele2.com. Should Tele2 receive any new information that suggest irregularities these will be addressed.
For further information, contact:
Lars Torstensson, EVP Communication and Strategy, Telephone: +46 702 73 48 79
TELE2 IS ONE OF EUROPE'S FASTEST GROWING TELECOM OPERATORS, ALWAYS PROVIDING CUSTOMERS WITH WHAT THEY NEED FOR LESS. We have 13 million customers in 9 countries. Tele2 offers mobile services, fixed broadband and telephony, data network services and content services. Ever since Jan Stenbeck founded the company in 1993, it has been a tough challenger to the former government monopolies and other established providers. Tele2 has been listed on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm since 1996. In 2013, we had net sales of SEK 30 billion and reported an operating profit (EBITDA) of SEK 6 billion.