INTERIM REPORT 1 December 1998 – 28 February 1999

• Group turnover amounted to SEK 7,277 M (SEK 5,805 M), an increase of 25 per cent.

• Sales development has been very satisfactory in all markets.

• Profit before taxes was SEK 759 M (SEK 452 M), an improvement of 68 per cent.

• Profit per share after comprehensive tax allocation corresponded to SEK 2.38 (SEK 1.42).