Ratos's subsidiary Arcus Gruppen has decided to distribute a total of
approximately SEK 178m (approximately NOK 150m) to its shareholders
of which Ratos's share amounts to approximately SEK 149m. The
distribution was made possible by the sale of the property in Hasle
outside Oslo in 2007 and the favourable development of the company.
Arcus Gruppen is Norway's leading wine and spirits supplier. The
company was formed in 1996 on the initiative of the Norwegian
government and privatised in 2001. The group's best-known brands
include Braastad Cognac, Vikingfjord Vodka, Hammer Gin, Løiten and
Linie Aquavit. The group has some 460 employees.
Arcus Gruppen sold its property in Hasle in central Oslo in June 2007
which generated a capital gain of SEK 750m. As a result of the sale,
in December Arcus Gruppen carried out a redemption of shares
corresponding to SEK 550m (NOK 474m), of which Ratos received SEK
467m.
Ratos CEO Arne Karlsson: "As a result of the property sale and the
favourable development of the company, Arcus Gruppen has a balance
sheet that is far too strong. This dividend marks the completion of
the adjustment of the capital structure that started with the
redemption of shares last year."
For Ratos, the distribution means that the consolidated book value
for Arcus Gruppen will decrease by about SEK 149m to approximately
SEK 619m, based on the book value at 31 December 2007.
For further information, please contract:
Arne Karlsson, CEO Ratos, +46 70 379 79 79
Clara Bolinder-Lundberg, Head of Corporate Communications Ratos, +46
707 19 84 43
Leif Johansson, Investment Director Ratos, +46 70 520 40 25
Financial calendar from Ratos:
Interim Report January - March 2008 8 May 2008
Interim Report January - June 2008 22 August 2008
Interim Report January - September 2008 7 November 2008
Ratos is a listed private equity company. The business concept is to
maximise shareholder value over time by investing in, developing and
divesting primarily unlisted companies. Ratos offers investors a
unique investment opportunity. The equity of Ratos's investments is
approximately SEK 12 billion and a market capitalisation of
approximately SEK 31 billion. Ratos's holdings include AH Industries,
Anticimex, Arcus Gruppen, Bisnode, Camfil, Contex, DIAB, EuroMaint,
GS-Hydro, Haendig, Haglöfs, HL Display, HÅG/RH/RBM, Hägglunds Drives,
Inwido, Jøtul, Lindab, MCC, Medifiq Healthcare, Superfos and Other
holdings.
