STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Nov. 29, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- AarhusKarlshamn AB, whose shares are now traded on New Market (Nya Marknaden), will aim for the O-list next year. The company, which is a world leader in speciality fats, is the result of a merger between Aarhus United A/S and Karlshamns AB.
Aarhus United A/S used to be listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange, and Karlshamns AB on the O-list of the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Based on offers to the shareholders in Aarhus United A/S and Karlshamns AB, the two competitors were merged into a new strong actor in the market for vegetable fats.
The new company has a turnover of approx. SEK 10 billion and has 2,500 employees in seven countries, in three continents. The aim of the merger is to increase growth and competitiveness through more efficient investments, among other things.
The investment rate in the oils and fats business is high. The market for speciality fats is growing. At the time of the merger, the two companies had limited geographical overlaps, and they had complementing product portfolios. AarhusKarlshamn AB is well equipped to have a strong position in the market, to develop its competences, and to create a rational production and distribution chain. As a result of the merger, synergies are found throughout the value chain.
From products with a low margin to products with a high margin
The strategic direction is clear: from products with a low margin to more sophisticated products with a higher margin. Further, there is a demand for more healthy products within the company's entire product portfolio -- from dairy fat alternatives to technical vegetable oils that are environment friendly.
"Against this backdrop, the future of the company looks good," says Jerker Hartwall, CEO of AarhusKarlshamn AB. "We have managed to get the overall organisation in place. The market is developing well, and in the direction that we have foreseen."
For further information, please contact CEO Jerker Hartwall, + 46-454-82603 or Vice President and CIO Bo Svensson, +46-708-18 21 93.
This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net
The following files are available for download:
http://wpy.waymaker.net/client/waymaker1/WOLReleaseFile.aspx?id=157456&fn=wkr0001.pdf