STOCKHOLM, Sweden, June 18, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- The extended acceptance period for Welkin's offer to shareholders in Realia (Other OTC:RLIAF) (formerly Columna Fastigheter) expired on June 13, 2003. A total of more than 22,000 shareholders in Realia, representing about 7.4 million shares, corresponding to 31 percent of the shares in Realia, accepted Welkin's offer.
Accordingly, combined with Weland Fastigheter and Thomas Hopkins, directly or indirectly (principal owner of Realia), Welkins would control 77 percent of the shares and votes in Realia.
Welkins has decided to increase the offer to SEK 40 per share contingent upon Welkins Intressenter reaching an ownership interest exceeding 90 percent of the shares in Realia. At a lower level of acceptance, the offer of SEK 38 per share in Realia applies.
The offer is being extended through July 4, 2003. Accounting and settlement for payment is expected to be on July 10, 2003. As previously, those who accept Welkin's offer can tender the shares in the offer without paying a commission fee. The offer continues to be conditional upon 90-percent acceptance, but Welkins reserves the right to implement the offer at a lower level.
Prospectus and acceptance forms are available at Handelsbanken's offices and at www.handelsbanken.se/aktuellaerbjudanden
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http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/06/18/20030618BIT00680/wkr0001.doc
http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/06/18/20030618BIT00680/wkr0002.pdf