COPENHAGEN, Denmark, March 22, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Prompted by the offer from Davis Service Group Plc. ("Davis") to the shareholders of Sophus Berendsen A/S ("Berendsen"), ISS A/S ("ISS") hereby announces that ISS, as matters now stand, does not intend to make an offer to the shareholders of Berendsen, which matches or exceeds Davis' offer of DKK 247 per Berendsen share.
As an important shareholder of Berendsen, ISS obviously seeks to maximize the value of the investment. In relation to the condition of 90% acceptance stated in the offer from Davis, ISS has a deciding shareholding.
Consequently, ISS will evaluate alternatives to the offer from Davis. This includes an assessment of the extent to which ISS will take an active part in connection with such solutions. Therefore, ISS cannot, at present, express whether ISS wishes to dispose of the shareholding in connection with the offer from Davis.
Forward-looking Statements
This Stock Exchange Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995 and similar laws in other countries regarding expectations to the future development, in particular future sales, operating efficiencies and business expansion. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties as various factors, many of which are beyond ISS' control, may cause the actual development and results to differ materially from the expectations contained in the Stock Exchange Release. Factors that might affect such expectations include, among others, overall economic and business conditions, fluctuations in currencies, the demand for ISS' services, competitive factors in the service industry and uncertainties concerning possible acquisitions and divestments. See also the description of risk factors set out on page 37-41 of the Annual Report 2001.