STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 29, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Board of Directors of WM-data AB (publ) (Other OTC:WMDTF) ("WM-data"), listed on the Stockholm Exchange, has resolved to make a public tender offer (the "Tender Offer") to acquire all the issued and outstanding shares in Novo Group Oyj ("Novo Group"), a company incorporated in Finland and listed on the Helsinki Exchange.
Industrial rationale -- Leading pan-Nordic IT-services group -- the combination of WM-data and Novo Group creates a leading pan- Nordic IT services group -- the combined group will have revenues of approximately EUR 1.1 billion and 8,300 employees -- total market cap of approximately EUR 700 million
-- Major industrial benefits -- complementary geography and customer segments -- enhanced ability to serve Nordic companies and organisations across the region -- leading Finnish market position with strong local presence and a competitive offering encompassing software solutions, system integration, vertical industry skills and outsourcing services -- revenue synergies through cross selling and cost savings through operational consolidation -- Cost savings and revenue synergies -- annual cost savings of at least EUR 6 million with full effect from 2005 -- substantial revenue synergies are expected Offer in brief -- The consideration offered by WM-data to the Novo Group shareholders in the Tender Offer is alternatively:
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The complete press release is available for download:
http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/10/29/20031029BIT00200/wkr0001.doc
http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/10/29/20031029BIT00200/wkr0002.pdf