STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb. 7, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Board of Directors of Adera AB (publ) has today decided to take a final and crucial step in the streamlining of operations by implementing a complete focus on the IT-driven Business and Operations Development Business Area. These operations currently comprise some 100 employees who work on advanced process and operations analysis, as well as advanced systems development. The company is operated from two offices in Stockholm and Gothenburg.
This decision means that the business-to-business agency, Adera Kommunikation AB, will be divested. Discussions regarding an MBO by senior executives have been initiated. The intention is that the transaction will be completed during the first quarter of 2002.
In order to highlight the changed focus, Adera AB intends to change its name in conjunction with the divestment of communications operations. When the name issue is resolved, the name of the listed share will also be changed.
New management
In conjunction with the change of focus, Torbjorn Lindh, who is currently responsible for Adera IT, will take over Rolf Jansson's position as President and CEO. Rolf Jansson will remain a member of the Board.
In connection with Torbjorn Lindh's appointment as president, Hans Wirfelt (formerly acting president at Enea Business Solutions) will be appointed to vice president. Hans Wirfelt will assist Torbjorn Lindh in the development of new business and customers.
In addition, the company's CFO and Executive Vice President Nils-Ove Andersson will leave his position, but will remain with the company until a new CFO is appointed. Nils-Ove Andersson will also be proposed as a member of the Board at the Annual General Meeting on May 7, 2002.
Comments
"In the recovery of the IT industry that is currently under way, we see an increased interest in specialist expertise in operational development, process analysis and advanced systems development that is increasingly in demand," said Torbjorn Lindh. "In our relations with customers, we will profile ourselves as consultants/mentors in efforts to develop operational support solutions. In this niche area, I believe that we have considerable growth potential and organic growth and acquisitions are included in the company's scenario for the next 12-14 months."
"For me, this is a logical step in the restructuring process that has aimed at streamlining the company," said Rolf Jansson, founder and departing CEO of Adera AB. "I have great confidence in the new management under Torbjorn Lindh and envisage major opportunities for our IT operations to develop into a highly successful consulting company. At the same time, I am pleased that the advertising agency Adera Kommunikation AB now can concentrate on becoming a sharp business-to-business agency, which adds substantial business value to our customers' communications process."
The Adera shares are quoted on the O-List of the Stockholm Stock Exchange, www.aderagroup.com.
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