Interim report January -- September 2003 for the Scribona

SOLNA, Sweden, Oct. 30, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Scribona Group:

- Sales for the first nine months reached MSEK 8,168 (9,181) and third quarter sales amounted to MSEK 2,357 (2,617). The decrease is mainly due to lower market prices.

- Operating income for the first nine months amounted to MSEK -38 (1) and the loss after tax to MSEK -50 (-20). Operating income for the third quarter totaled MSEK 1 (-19) and the loss after tax was MSEK -5 (- 20). Strong sales in September generated positive earnings during the quarter.

- Earnings per share for the first nine months amounted to SEK - 0.98 (-0.39). For the third quarter, earnings per share reached SEK -0.10 (-0.39).

- According to IDC, the PC market has continued to grow in units sold. Scribona has defended its market shares.

- Decision to wind up the Toshiba Digital Media division. The wind-up will be completed during the fourth quarter and is expected to boost annual income by SEK 15 million.

- Comments from CEO Tom Ekevall Larsen

- It is satisfying to see that the quarter generated positive operating income despite a very weak start and a drop in sales compared with the previous year. Gross margins improved in all business areas at the same time that our internal efficiency programs yielded cost savings.

- The PC market showed growth in units sold, although the year's severe price pressure reduced market prices by around 19% compared with the previous year. The contributing factors were a weaker U.S. dollar andfierce competition between PC manufacturers. In this turbulent market,we succeeded in maintaining our strong position and defending our marketshares.

- After persistent profitability problems in the agency business for Toshiba's laptop computers, a decision was made in August to wind upthese operations. The wind-up will affect 45 employees and is expectedto be completed during the current year. However, Scribona will continueto function as a distributor of Toshiba computers. Operations in ToshibaDocument Solutions (document management products) will not be affected.

Address: Scribona AB Sundbybergsvagen 1 Box 1374 SE-171 27 SOLNA Telephone +46 (0)8-734 34 00 Fax +46 (0)8-82 85 71 e-mail info@scribona.com The company's registered office is located in Solna, Sweden.

This report is also available at www.scribona.com


For additional information, contact: 
Tom Ekevall Larsen, President & CEO
telephone +46 (0)8-734 36 50

Orjan Rebeling, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
telephone +46 (0)8-734 34 88

Interim report January -- September 2003 for the Scribona Group

Scribona reports positive operating income in a market with heavy price pressure

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