Saab has purchased 5.3 percent in Celsius
Saab has purchased 5.3 percent in Celsius Yesterday Saab AB purchased 104,654 B-shares in Celsius AB. Following this purchase Saab owns a total of 1,489,430 B-shares, representing approximately 5.3% of the share capital and approximately 2.7% of the total votes in Celsius. Saab's intention is to purchase all outstanding shares in Celsius as stated in its offer to the shareholders in Celsius that was announced on 16 November 1999. According to the offer Saab is offering SEK 179 in cash for each A- or B-share in Celsius AB. The acceptance period will remain open from 6 December 1999 to 23 February 2000 and the estimated first date of payment is 3 March 2000. Since the announcement of the offer to the shareholders in Celsius on 16 November 1999, Saab has purchased a total of 1,489,430 B-shares representing 5.3 percent of the share capital and 2.7 percent of the total votes in Celsius. Saab owns no A-shares in Celsius. The shares have been purchased at an average price of 174 per share, representing a total of approximately SEK 260 million. Saab neither owned nor controlled any shares in Celsius prior to the announcement of the offer to the shareholders in Celsius on 16 November 1999. The European defense industry is characterized by intensive competition and rising research and development costs. This has resulted in increased consolidation and internationalization of the industry. Together, Saab and Celsius will create the leading Nordic defense company based on existing core activities with focus on defense systems and electronics, military aircraft and guided weapons. The company will also strengthen its position in the growing support services market. For further information, please contact: Agneta Kammeby, Investor relations, Saab AB tel +46 13 18 71 25 ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/12/03/19991203BIT00180/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/12/03/19991203BIT00180/bit0002.pdf