STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Nov. 13, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- On a continuously very weak target market, Atea, the leading supplier of IT-products and connected services in the Nordic region, shows a result slightly below expectations for the third quarter 2002. The turnover was 1132 MSEK. The operating profit (EBITA) was 6 MSEK and earnings after net financial items was 0.4 MSEK. Atea's target group is the largest companys and organizations in each Nordic country. They have, as a consequence of the decline in the economy, generally continued to take a wait-and-see approach towards lager IT-investments.
Accumulated up to and including the third quarter 2002, Ateas turnover is 4611 MSEK, the operating profit (EBITA) is 68 MSEK and earnings after net financial items is 40 MSEK.
"This summer it looked like the worst decline in the economy had passed and that there would be a turn on our market during the third quarter. Unfortunately that did not happen, the market has continued to develop in a negative direction. The third quarter is always the weakest, but this quarter has been tougher than usual," said Thomas Keifer, CEO, Atea Group.
Business area Home-PC sales to large companies and organisations, where Atea is the largest supplier in the Nordic area, has continued to develop strongly in Sweden during the third quarter.
Atea also has a strong position and is growing within advisement and sales in the market segment Licence Management.
"We see a large interest in our way of adding value for our customers with Atea Value Chain. Among other things, we have had a 40% growth in our business area Recycling, i.e. handling and recycling of IT-products in a way that is secure, financially effective and caring for the environment," said Thomas Keifer.
About Atea
Atea is the leading Nordic company in sales, distribution and integration of IT-products. Atea's business concept is to simplify and rationalise our customers' management of IT-products throughout the life cycle.
Atea group (Atea Holding AB) was legally founded October 1, 2001. Atea has 700 employees in the Nordic region. Atea is owned by WM-data (Other OTC:WMDTF) (Stockholm:WMb), the international venture capital company 3i (Other OTC:TIIPF) (LSE:III) and the management in Atea. CEO is Thomas Keifer. Ateas turnover 2001 was 6013 MSEK.
See also www.atea.com
For further information please contact:
Atea Atea
Thomas Keifer, CEO Rolf Eriksson, CFO
Tel: +46 733-98 00 06 Tel: +46 733-98 55 01
E-mail: thomas.keifer@atea.com E-mail: rolf.eriksson@atea.com
Atea
Johan Scherlin, Marketing and
Information
Tel: +46 733-98 43 10
E-mail: johan.scherlin@atea.com
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