STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Jan. 23, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Percy Barnevik, Chairman of Investor AB since 1997 and a director of the company since 1986, wants to retire from his position and declines re-election at this year's Annual General Meeting. Claes Dahlback, formerly Executive Vice Chairman* of Investor's board, is proposed as new Chairman.
In addition to Dahlback, the following board members are proposed for re-election: Hakan Mogren, Koichi Nishimura, Anders Scharp, Peter D. Sutherland, Bjorn Svedberg, Marcus Wallenberg, and Jacob Wallenberg, formerly Executive Vice Chairman, who is proposed to be Vice Chairman of the board. Michael Treschow, a member of Investor AB's board since 1997, has declined re-election, since he was nominated to Ericsson's board in the fall of 2001.
It is proposed that Sune Carlsson, President and CEO of SKF, be elected as a new member of the board.
During the time Percy Barnevik has served as Chairman, major changes were made to Investor's portfolio, including mergers, new investments and divestments. In line with Investor's role as an active owner, he has also contributed to the internationalization and renewal of the composition of boards.
"After serving 16 years on the board, and five years as Chairman, I have decided to retire as planned, and I am happy there is a very qualified successor. I am also pleased to state that Investor stands well equipped to face the future with a strong and well-coordinated management," said Percy Barnevik.
Shareholders representing more than 50 percent of the votes for all shares in the company have declared that they will support the proposals above.
-- Effective January 1, 2002, Claes Dahlback and Jacob Wallenberg are no longer employed by Investor AB.
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