Mekonomen goes big in Denmark - launches new store chain

Mekonomen goes big in Denmark - launches new store chain

Mekonomen aims to strengthen its market share and further strengthen its
position in Denmark by establishing the Norwegian store chain BilXtra.
The BilXtra-stores, with a strong focus towards consumers, will be run
collaterally with Mekonomen's stores in Denmark, which means an
increased market share for Mekonomen.

As an initial step ten stores from the Danish store chain BilXperten
will become BilXtra. This means that Mekonomen will increase its number
of stores from 40 to 50. The BilXtra-store chain in Denmark will be run
as franchise and the ambition is to quickly expand with several more
stores.  

BilXtra has its origin in Norway and is operated by Sørensen og Balchen,
which was acquired by Mekonomen in March 2011. In Norway the
BilXtra-store chain with its 75 stores is market dominant in selling car
parts and car accessories to consumers.

- BilXtra has managed to establish a strong brand and a successful
operation in Norway. An expansion of this store chain to Denmark is a
natural next step, which will strengthen our position with the Danish
consumers. The stores, which from now on will operate under the BilXtra
store chain, will already have an established position on the Danish
market thanks to their competent and service minded staff and we give
them our warmest welcome to BilXtra and Mekonomen, says Håkan Lundstedt,
CEO Mekonomen AB.

For further information, please contact:
Håkan Lundstedt, CEO, Mekonomen AB, phone + 46 8-464 00 00
Gunilla Spongh, CFO Mekonomen AB, phone +46 8-464 00 00