OSLO, Norway, Dec. 18, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- The agreement between Telenor (Nasdaq:TELN) and Utfors AB has been given final approval by the Swedish Competition Authority and today's extraordinary General Meeting of Utfors. The transaction sees Telenor becoming the main contender in the Swedish market for business communications. The integrated company will have Norwegian CEO and Norwegian Chairman. Telenor concentrates its business market activities in Sweden in one new company, consisting of the integrated Telenor Business Solutions AB and Utfors AB. The integration planning has been in progress on different levels within the companies, creating the foundation for a swift and smooth integration -- the objective being that all parts of the new organization will be ready shortly.
Bjoern Johan Flakstad is to become new CEO of Telenor's business market activities in Sweden, after heading up Telenorowned Hungarian mobile operator Pannon. "I look forward to be heading Telenor's strong commitment in the Swedish business communications market, and to continue the positive development within Telenor Business Solutions and Utfors over the last years. We will be able to offer prime solutions within both telephony and data communications," said Bjoern Johan Flakstad.
Both current CEO at Telenor Business Solutions AB Lars Persson, and Utfors CEO Jan Werne will step down as of 18th of December.
"Utfors' position as a contender and innovator in the Swedish broadband market, from startup to the listing on the stock exchange, has been built up impressively by Jan Werne over the past years. Utfors' unique infrastructure and competence within data communications, complemented with Telenor's strong position, give us exciting opportunities," said JanEdvard Thygesen, new chairman of the board for Telenor's business market activities in Sweden.