This is the second contract for the New Opera House that Statsbygg has awarded to Veidekke. The first contract, which included ground and foundation work, had a value of approximately NOK 207 million excluding VAT. Work is still in progress on the first contract and until March 2005, the work will run parallel with the construction of the substructures. Construction will start at the beginning of September 2004 and will be completed by 29 August 2005. This is in line with Statsbygg's schedule.

When signing the contract, Veidekke's President and CEO Terje R. Venold emphasized the good collaboration between the parties on the project. He made, however, no attempt to hide the fact that Veidekke considers the project to be a technical challenge.

The new contract includes i.a. approximately 10,000 m3 of in situ poured concrete as well a great deal of work involving steel constructions and hollow core slabs.

For further information, please contact:

Regional Manager Harald Sangnes, Veidekke Entreprenør AS

phone + 47 21 05 74 65, mobile phone + 47 911 28 363

Project Manager Nils Hæstad, Veidekke Entreprenør AS

phone + 47 22 17 04 02, mobile phone + 47 976 89 791