Vattenfall Europe combines strengths and introduces consistent brand

Intention to change Bewag´s and HEW´s name as of January 1, 2006. Third largest energy company in Germany strengthens competitive position.

As of January 1, 2006, Vattenfall Europe´s Managing Board intends to transfer the local brands of Bewag and HEW in “Vattenfall”. Also, it plans to rename the respective companies: Berlin-based Bewag is to be “Vattenfall Europe Berlin” and the Hamburgische Electricitäts-Werke (HEW) will be “Vattenfall Europe Hamburg”. “We wish to concentrate our potential and thus strengthen Vattenfall Europe´s position on the market”, said Vattenfall Europe´s CEO Klaus Rauscher in Berlin. This includes a German wide consistent appearance for customers as well as competitive products and services. Vattenfall Europe is Germany´s third largest energy company and a significant constituent of the Vattenfall Group – Europe´s No. 5 on the energy sector. By performing under a unified German brand Vattenfall Europe also helps building a European “One Vattenfall” brand. Traditional relations to geographical markets are to be preserved. Vattenfall Europe continues to feel strongly responsible to the cities of Berlin and Hamburg – customer services and social activities are to be further strengthened. From Vattenfall's Press Office, telephone: +46 8 739 50 10. For more information, please contact: Martin May, Head of Group Media Relations Vattenfall AB, Phone +46 (0)70 539 52 70 Geraldine Schroeder, Head of Press Relations Vattenfall Europe AG, Phone +49 30 81 82 23 20