ASSA ABLOY Strengthens its Card Business in Europe


STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Jan. 14, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- ASSA ABLOY (Other OTC:ASAZF):

- ASSA ABLOY acquires Interlock Holding AG - a custom cardmanufacturer

- Interlock Holding AG has annual sales of CHF 12.6 M

- Interlock Holding AG employs 70 people and is based in Switzerland

ASSA ABLOY has acquired Interlock Holding AG, a custom card manufacturer headquartered in Geroldswil, Switzerland, with regional offices in Pforzheim and Villingen, Germany.

Interlock Holding AG had sales of CHF 12.6 M in 2002, and employs 70 people.

Interlock Holding AG manufactures a wide range of technology-enabled cards, including contactless smart cards, for the access control, time and attendance, and ID industries. Interlock also manufactures card lamination equipment and offers card personalization services such as custom artwork, corporate logos, and the creation of employee ID badges.

The acquisition strengthens ASSA ABLOY's position in electronic identification. Access control customers in Europe will be offered a wide range of solutions and additional support provided by Interlock.


For more information contact: 
ASSA ABLOY AB
Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and CEO
tel: +46 8 506 485 52 or +46 70 510 05 51 

Goran Jansson, Chief Financial Officer
tel: +46 8 506 485 72 or +46 70 698 85 72
www.assaabloy.com

The ASSA ABLOY Group is the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of locking solutions, dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security, safety and convenience. The Group has about 30,000 employees and annual sales of about EUR3 billion.

This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net

The following files are available for download:

http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/01/14/20030114BIT00900/wkr0001.doc

http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/01/14/20030114BIT00900/wkr0002.pdf