STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Jan. 16, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- WM-data will on January 27, 2004, commence a mandatory redemption offer for the remaining shares and stock options of Novo Group, in accordance with Finnish regulation. The offer period is expected to run during January, 27 -- February 27, 2004. In the redemption offer, Novo Group shareholders will be offered the same cash consideration as was offered in the preceding tender offer i.e. EUR 4.50 per share (after deduction of the dividend distributed by Novo Group). WM-data will also offer a cash consideration for the stock options amounting to a total of approximately EUR 1.8 million. As of today WM-data owns 91.5% of the total outstanding shares and votes in Novo Group.
This press release may not be released, published or distributed, directly or indirectly, in or into Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, South Africa or the United States. This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation for an offer to sell, and the shares of WM --data may not be subscribed for in any country in which such offer, solicitation or subscription would be unlawful prior to registration, an exemption from registration obligation or other acceptance in accordance with the securities laws of such country.
WM-data was founded in 1969 and is one of the leading IT companies in the Nordic region today. Through a broad offering of design and IT- related services, we create increased efficiency and tangible benefits for our customers. Annual sales amount to approximately SEK 7,000 million, with approx. 6,000 employees. For additional information, visit our website:www.wmdata.com
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