STOCKHOLM, Sweden, March 21, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- The arbitral tribunal appointed in the redemption proceeding concerning the shares in Sonera Corporation (Other OTC:SNRAY) (Other OTC:SNEAF) (Other OTC:SNRAF), initiated by TeliaSonera AB (LSE:TLSNq) (Other OTC:TLSNF) has on March 20, 2003 determined the guarantee to be placed as the guarantee for the payment of the redemption price and accrued interest to the shareholders of Sonera pursuant to Chapter 14 Section 21 of the Finnish Companies Act.
TeliaSonera AB has on March 21, 2003 placed the guarantee approved by the arbitral tribunal. Pursuant to Chapter 14 Section 21 of the Finnish Companies Act, TeliaSonera AB has obtained the ownership of all shares in Sonera Corporation as from the placing of the guarantee.
The listing committee of the Helsinki Exchanges has on February 21, 2003 approved Sonera Corporation's application for removal of its share from the main list immediately when TeliaSonera AB has obtained the ownership of the minority shareholders' shares.
Sonera Corporation's share will be removed from the main list of the Helsinki Exchanges in accordance with a separate notification by the Helsinki Exchanges.
For further information journalists can contact: TeliaSonera's Press service, +46-(0)8-713 58 30
TeliaSonera, formed through a merger of Telia and Sonera in December 2002, is the leading telecommunications group in the Nordic and Baltic regions. TeliaSonera's overall focus is on best serving its customers in its core business and creating value for shareholders through stronger profits and cash flows. TeliaSonera is listed on the Stockholm Exchange, the Helsinki Exchanges and Nasdaq Stock Market in the USA. Pro forma Net sales 2002 amounted to 81 billion SEK (EUR 8.8 billion). The number of employees was 29,000.
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http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/03/21/20030321BIT00580/wkr0001.doc
http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/03/21/20030321BIT00580/wkr0002.pdf