This information is disclosed in accordance with the Securities
Markets Act, the Financial Instruments Trading Act or demands made in
the exchange rules.
Ratos has carried out a refinancing of its wholly owned subsidiary
GS-Hydro, which provides Ratos with a cash payment of approximately
SEK 473m. The refinancing was made possible by the company's
favourable performance in recent years.
GS-Hydro is a leading supplier of non-welded piping systems. Products
are mainly used in the marine and offshore industries as well as in
the pulp and paper, mining and metals, automotive and aerospace, and
defence industries. The head office is located in Finland.
Ratos CEO Arne Karlsson: "This refinancing was made possible by
GS-Hydro's strong performance in recent years. The company has a
strong balance sheet, good cash flows and its future prospects remain
positive."
Ratos acquired GS-Hydro in 2001 in conjunction with the buyout of
Atle. The company has seen strong development since then. Sales have
risen from SEK 534m to SEK 1,311m and operating profit (EBITA) from
SEK 52m to SEK 184m.
Ratos will receive SEK 473m as a result of the refinancing. Ratos's
consolidated book value for GS-Hydro will be adjusted by a
corresponding amount.
Ratos's holding in GS-Hydro amounts to 100%.
For further information, please contact:
Arne Karlsson, CEO Ratos, +46 8 700 17 00
Clara Bolinder-Lundberg, Head of Corporate Communications Ratos, +46
8 700 17 63
Financial calendar from Ratos:
Interim Report January - September 2008 7 November 2008
Year-End Report 2008 19 February 2009
Annual General Meeting 2009 2 April 2009
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 11 billion and a market capitalisation of
approximately SEK 28 billion. Ratos's holdings include AH Industries,
Anticimex, Arcus Gruppen, Bisnode, Camfil, Contex, DIAB, EuroMaint,
GS-Hydro, Haglöfs, HL Display, HÅG/RH/RBM, Hägglunds Drives, Inwido,
Jøtul, Lindab, MCC, Medisize, Superfos and Other holdings.
