STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Sept. 8, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- This is a joint press release of Versatel Telecom International N.V. (Versatel) , Tele2 (Netherlands) B.V. (Tele2), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tele2 AB, and funds advised by Apax Partners (Apax).
Tele2, Versatel and Apax announce that the European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger Regulation to the acquisition of sole control of Versatel's Benelux business by Tele2 and to the acquisition of sole control of Versatel's German business by Apax.
Tele2 and Versatel confirm that the preparations are well under way for Tele2's intended recommended simultaneous public cash offers for all outstanding Versatel shares and convertible notes. Tele2 and Versatel currently expect that the Offers will be made in mid September 2005.
This announcement and related materials do not constitute an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell Versatel shares and convertible notes.
This announcement is a public announcement as meant within article 9b paragraph 1 of the Bte 1995.
This press release appears in Swedish also. In the event of any inconsistency, the English version will prevail above the Swedish version.
Tele2 is Europe's leading alternative telecom operator. Tele2 always strives to offer the market's best prices. With our unique values, we provide cheap and simple telecom for all Europeans every day. We have 29.4 million customers in 25 countries. We offer products and services in fixed and mobile telephony, Internet access, data networks, cable TV and content services. Our main competitors are the former government monopolies. Tele2 was founded in 1993 by Jan Stenbeck and has been listed on Stockholmsborsen since 1996. In 2004 we had operating revenue of SEK 43 billion and reported a profit (EBITDA) of SEK 6.6 billion.
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