HKScan Corporation STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 27 February 2008, at 8am HK RUOKATALO AND SAARIOINEN SIGN PRELIMINARY AGREEMENT ON SOURCING CHICKEN RAW MATERIAL HK Ruokatalo Oy, the company responsible for the HKScan Group's Finnish operations, has been planning to focus on boned chicken products and the processing of boned chicken raw material at its Eura production plant. The company seeks cost savings and improved productivity through this specialisation. HK Ruokatalo intends to continue offering also whole broilers and bone-in chicken products, and has therefore studied the possibilities of sourcing Finnish raw material for the manufacture of these. Ruoka-Saarioinen Oy, a part of the Saarioinen Group, has been planning to specialise in processing bone-in chicken while also continuing the comprehensive processing and sales of all chicken products. HK Ruokatalo and Ruoka-Saarioinen have discussed the possibility of sourcing the meat raw material for chicken products from each other with the goal of both parties ensuring the sufficient supply of Finnish raw materials for their own product manufacture. The two companies have signed a preliminary agreement under which HK Ruokatalo would source the raw materials for bone-in chicken leg and split breast products as well as whole broilers from Saarioinen while Ruoka-Saarioinen would acquire its boned chicken raw material from HK Ruokatalo. When implemented, the arrangement would generate efficiency benefits and increase capacity utilisation rate and productivity at both companies, which will ultimately also benefit consumers. Both HK Ruokatalo and Ruoka-Saarioinen can also be mutually assured of a constant supply of Finnish raw materials. The contractual arrangements will have no impact on the competitive relationship between the two companies or their product offerings. The execution of the final contract now tentatively agreed is conditional on confirmation on issues pertaining to i.a. competition legislation. In 2007, HK Ruokatalo's plant in Eura processed 42.5 million kg of chicken while the annual processing volume at Ruoka-Saarioinen's Sahalahti plant was 10.8 million kg. HKScan Corporation Kai Seikku CEO Further information: Managing director Jari Leija, HK Ruokatalo Oy, tel. +358 (0)10 570 6434. DISTRIBUTION: OMX Nordic Exchange Main media www.hkscan.com
HK RUOKATALO AND SAARIOINEN SIGN PRELIMINARY AGREEMENT ON SOURCING CHICKEN RAW MATERIAL
| Source: HKScan Oyj