According to a flagging notification by the financial services group Exista hf. (Exista) to Oslo Børs (Oslo Stock Exchange) at close of business yesterday, it was announced that Exista's hf. holding in Storebrand ASA (Storebrand) has exceeded 5.0%. Following the transaction, Exista controls, through its subsidiaries, 13,901,120 shares in Storebrand, or 5.56% of total share capital. Exista purchased the shares in Storebrand at an estimated average price of NOK 76.25. At the close of business at Oslo Børs yesterday, the total value of the shares in Storebrand held by Exista was approximately EUR 152 million. Prior to this transaction, Exista controlled 12,394,770 shares in Storebrand. The Storebrand group is a leading player in the Norwegian markets for pensions, life and health insurance, banking, and asset management. Lýdur Gudmundsson, Executive Chairman of Exista: “Our investment in Storebrand reflects the strong belief we have in the financial services sector.” Enquiries: Exista hf. Sigurdur Nordal Managing Director Group Communications ir@exista.com +354 550 8620 / +354 550 8600 About Exista Exista is a financial services group with operations in the areas of insurance, asset finance and investments. The company is a leading insurance underwriter in Iceland, as well as being the country's largest provider of asset finance products. As an international investor, Exista has strategic holdings in several companies, including Sampo Group, Kaupthing Bank, Bakkavör Group, and Skipti (Iceland Telecom). As of 30 June 2007, Exista's total assets amounted to EUR 7.7 billion and total equity amounted to EUR 2.8 billion. The Group's total market capitalisation was EUR 5 billion at the end of July. Exista's goal is to use its financial strength for the further development of its business in Northern Europe. Exista is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange in Iceland, and its shareholders number over 30 thousand. Information on Exista hf. can be found on the Group's website: www.exista.com