Ratos: Interim Report, January-March 2002

Hear CEO Arne Karlsson's Comments on the Report, www.ratos.se


STOCKHOLM, Sweden, May 13, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Ratos:


-        Pre-tax profit SEK 45m (24)
-        Profit before tax and goodwill SEK 126m (71)
-        Total return on Ratos shares +24%
-        Holding in Hilton sold
-        Stable earnings trend in holdings

Important events

The entire holding in Hilton Group was sold during the period. This dealwas made possible following an agreement with Hilton Group to waive thelock-up clause. The sales proceeds amounted to SEK 614m. The dealprovided a capital gain of SEK 49m and the average annual return (IRR)on this investment was nearly 15% including dividends received.

After the end of the period Ratos concluded an agreement on the sale of its holding in Kronans Droghandel to the Finnish company Orion. This deal is subject, among other things, to approval from the competition authorities. The purchase price amounts to approximately SEK 460m for Ratos's 49% holding. The deal is expected to provide a net gain of approximately SEK 60m and an average annual return (IRR) of just over10%.

An agreement has also been reached after the end of the period for the sale of the wholly owned subsidiary Exceed to Wilson Logistics Group. The purchase price amounts to approximately SEK 160m which gives Ratos an exit gain of approximately SEK 90m. Conditions for this deal include approval from the competition authorities.

A SEK 160m follow on investment was made in Arcorus on 22 April 2002. Ratos's holding therefore rose from 49% to 77%.


For further information, please contact: Arne Karlsson, CEO,
+46 8 700 17 00
Clara Bolinder-Lundberg, Corporate Communications and IR,
+46 8 700 17 63

This report has not been reviewed by the auditors of Ratos AB (publ).


Financial calendar
Interim Report Jan-June    26 August 2002
Interim Report Jan-Sept    13 November 2002

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