STOCKHOLM, Sweden, April 15, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- In his speech before the Annual General Meeting in Stockholm, President and CEO Staffan Bohman commented on and summarised the development of the full year 2003, and presented the result for the first quarter 2004.
"The recovery in profits that began during 2002 remained strong during the first quarter of the year. We can derive satisfaction from the successful integration of Remi Claeys Aluminium and the contribution this has given to profits. A large part of the 29-per cent growth in volumes was generated by RCA, although organic growth has also been favourable. For comparable units, volumes increased by more than 6 per cent, meaning we have increased our shares in several markets," comments Staffan Bohman, President and CEO of Sapa.
The Annual General Meeting approved the proposed dividend to shareholders of SEK 6.25 per share. The record date was determined as Tuesday, 20 April, 2004. The dividend is scheduled to be paid on Friday, 23 April, 2004.
The Meeting discharged the members of the Board and the Presidents and Chief Executives from responsibility for 2003 operations.
The Meeting authorised the Board to decide on the purchase and transfer of the company's own shares in line with the Board's proposal.
The Meeting decided that the Board shall consist of eight members and no deputies, and elected, upon chairman Per-Olof Eriksson having declined reelection, the following board members, Staffan Bohman, Anders Carlberg, Ole Enger, Lennart Evrell, Leif Gustafsson, Baard Haugen and Mats Qviberg. Karin Aslaksen, Director, Human Resource, Elkem ASA, was elected as new Board member.
At a Board meeting following the General Meeting, Ole Enger was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Stockholm, 15 April, 2004
The Board of Directors Sapa AB
For further information, please contact Gabriella Ekelund, Communications Manager, tel: +46-70-953 08 53.
This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net
The following files are available for download:
http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/04/15/20040415BIT00680/wkr0001.doc
http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/04/15/20040415BIT00680/wkr0002.pdf