HELSINKI, Finland, Aug. 14, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Metso Corporation's application for the clearance of its purchase agreement of Aker Kvaerner's Pulping and Power businesses has been extended into the second phase in the EU review process. The European Commission has indicated in a press release it has issued today that it has identified certain potential competition issues in the markets for pulp mill equipment. Metso and Aker Kvaerner continue to cooperate constructively with the Commission to lift any doubt that might exist and to solve any potential competition concerns.
Both Metso and Aker Kvaerner continue to believe that the acquisition does not pose significant competition issues. Furthermore, the companies believe that it will create synergies and development potential that will benefit customers in the future. The second phase will involve the continuation of the European Commission's review of the acquisition for a period up to 90 working days, with possible extensions.
The acquisition of Aker Kvaerner's Pulping and Power businesses fits well with Metso's strategy of profitable growth. Kvaerner Power's products and services, i.e. chemical recovery systems for the pulping industry and power generation solutions, are not part of Metso's current offering. The pulping equipment and related services delivered by Kvaerner Pulping are mainly complementary to Metso's current fiber technology offering.
Metso is a global engineering and technology corporation with 2005 net sales of approximately EUR 4.2 billion. Its 22,000 employees in more than 50 countries serve customers in the pulp and paper industry, rock and minerals processing, the energy industry and selected other industries.
It should be noted that certain statements herein which are not historical facts, including, without limitation, those regarding expectations for general economic development and the market situation, expectations for customer industry profitability and investment willingness, expectations for company growth, development and profitability and the realization of synergy benefits and cost savings, and statements preceded by "expects," "estimates," "forecasts" or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current decisions and plans and currently known factors. They involve risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results to materially differ from the results currently expected by the company.
Such factors include, but are not limited to:
(1) general economic conditions, including fluctuations in exchange rates
and interest levels which influence the operating environment and
profitability of customers and thereby the orders received by the
company and their margins
(2) the competitive situation, especially significant technological
solutions developed by competitors
(3) the company's own operating conditions, such as the success of
production, product development and project management and their
continuous development and improvement
(4) the success of pending and future acquisitions and restructuring.