Gunnebo acquires Germany's Kubon and strengthens its position in automated cash handling


STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Nov. 4, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Gunnebo security group has today acquired Kubon AG, a German company with an annual turnover of some 6.5 MEU (MSEK 60) and 55 employees.

Kubon's main area of activity comprises the development, manufacture and marketing of automatic coin-roll dispensers for self-service. The product range also includes automatic change machines and cash cabinets with timelocks.

Kubon's security products fit in with Gunnebo Physical Security's product range, mainly for the banking sector. Extensive synergies will be generated when Kubon's coin-roll dispensers and other security products are integrated into Gunnebo Physical Security's worldwide sales organisation.

"Over the years, Kubon has earned a reputation for its ability to come up with creative, customer-oriented and inexpensive technical solutions," explains Bjarne Holmqvist, Gunnebo's President and CEO, who adds: "Our business in automated cash handling for banks and retailers is currently expanding very rapidly, and Kubon will be a valuable complement to the rest of our product range."

The acquisition will add MSEK 35 to Gunnebo's goodwill and is expected to have a positive effect on earnings per share during the coming financial year.

GUNNEBO AB (publ) Information

For more information please contact: Bjarne Holmqvist, President and CEO, Gunnebo AB: +46 31 83 68 00, +46 708 40 03 70 (mobile), or +46 705 83 64 45, Torbjorn Browall, Divisional President, Gunnebo Physical Security: +46 31 749 90 50, +46 705 92 56 04 (mobile), or Janerik Dimming, Director of Information, Gunnebo AB: +46 (0)31 83 68 03, +46 (0)705 83 68 03 (mobile), or at janerik.dimming@gunnebo.se.

Gunnebo is today an international fast growing security group with 110 companies located in 32 countries. The Group has sales to a further hundred markets via agents and distributors. Turnover amounts to some MEUR 760. Gunnebo's security products mainly include fire and burglar resistant safes, security products for banks and cash handling, electronic security systems, fire protection, entrance control and access control, alarm centres and indoor and outdoor perimeter protection. Gunnebo has at its disposal some of the world's leading brand names in security: Chubb Safes, Fichet-Bauche, Rosengrens, Ritzenthaler, Garny and Leicher.

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