STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Jan. 22, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Teleca:
-- On December 10, 2001, Teleca and AU-System announced a merger of
the two companies
-- Today, funds advised by Permira, and Ericsson and IBM have
informed Teleca that they have accepted the merger and will tender
their shares
-- In addition institutional investors, including the 4th AP Fund,
funds under management by Nordea and Didner & Gerge aktiefond, are
in favour of the merger and intend to accept the offer
-- In total these shareholders in AU-System control slightly more
than 60 percent of the capital and votes outstanding
-- As previously announced, the Board of Directors of AU-System has
unanimously recommended the shareholders of AU-System to accept
the offer
-- Final day for acceptance of the offer is January 24, 2002
Background
On December 10, 2001, Teleca and AU-System announced a merger of the two companies creating one of Europe's leading high-end consulting companies focused on new technology and R&D. The company will have a strong presence in the Nordic region, UK and France.
The merger is implemented through an exchange of shares, allowing shareholders in both companies to benefit from the future potential of the Group. Teleca offers 0.2093 series B share for each share in AU- System.
Acceptance and Recommendation
Today, funds advised by Permira (formerly Schroder Ventures), and Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson and IBM have informed the company that they have accepted the merger and will tender their shares under Teleca's offer. In addition institutional investors, including the 4th AP Fund, funds under management by Nordea and Didner & Gerge aktiefond have declared that they are in favour of the merger and that they intend to accept the offer. In total these shareholders control slightly more than 60 percent of the shares and votes outstanding in AU-System before dilution.
The Board of Directors of AU-System has recommended the shareholders of AU-System to accept the offer.
Timetable
The final day of the acceptance period is January 24, 2002. The result of the offer is expected to be announced on or about January 28.
About Teleca
Teleca is a world-class supplier of software engineering services for advanced systems, electronic equipment and applications. Our business concept is to strengthen our customer's market position and time-to- market. This is achieved by providing professional teams with specialist technical expertise, working in partnership with development-intensive companies worldwide. Teleca is listed on the O-list of the Stockholm Exchange. We have more than 1,200 employees and development offices throughout Europe (www.teleca.com).
About AU-System
AU-System is a leading mobile Internet consultancy. The company also provides integrated marketing communications services through its subsidiary SandbergTrygg. Large customers include Ericsson, Comneon, Telia, Volvo, Nordea and Motorola. AU-System was founded in 1974 and employs about 1,000 people located in Sweden, United Kingdom, Italy, United States, Thailand and Singapore. AU-System is quoted on the Attract40 list of Stockholmsborsen under the symbol AUS. For more information please visit www.ausystem.com.
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