ForeningsSparbanken Reduces Its Ownership in Aktia Sparbank


STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Dec. 21, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- ForeningsSparbanken (Swedbank) has signed an agreement with Livranteanstalten Hereditas to sell 1.6 million shares in Aktia Sparbank. The total sales price is approximately SEK 100 M.

As a result, ForeningsSparbanken's ownership in Aktia Sparbank will be reduced from 24.4 % to 19.85 %. ForeningsSparbanken will therefore cease to report its holding in Aktia Sparbank according to the equity accounting method.

The transaction has a limited financial effect for ForeningsSparbanken. Aside from a capital gain of approximately SEK 15 M, the Group's primary capital ratio will increase by approximately 0.02 percentage points and its capital adequacy will decrease by approximately 0.07 percentage points.

The cooperation agreement with Aktia Sparbank is not affected by the sale.



 For further information, please contact:
 Anders Ek, Head of International Banking, phone: +46 8-585 926 66
 Henrik Kolga, Head of Group Communications, phone +46 708-11 13 15

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