EQT Finland (“EQT”), a newly established private equity fund, has reached an agreement to acquire 70% of the ADR-Haanpää Group from the members of the Haanpää families.

Six family members will retain their top management positions, and will also hold 30% of the Group. Mr. Jouni Haanpää will continue as the CEO.

ADR-Haanpää is the leading liquid chemical haulier in Scandinavia with estimated (proforma) net sales of some FIM 420 million in 1999. The Group was formed earlier this year when the Haanpää Group, the largest chemical haulier in Finland, acquired the leading Swedish haulier, ADR Transport. The Group employs some 600 people.

Mr. Jouni Haanpää, CEO of the Group, says: “We welcome EQT as our new co-owners, and look forward to working with them. EQT’s resources will enable us to take an active, growth-oriented role in the ongoing consolidation process, and we are confident that EQT’s capabilities support us when seeking the public listing of the Group in three to five years’ time”.

"ADR-Haanpää has a clear strategic focus on transportation of liquid chemicals, and the company is a market leader in Finland and Sweden. ADR-Haanpää is also well-positioned to benefit from the strong growth in the Baltic States, and has all credentials to be the leading player around the Baltic Rim,” says Claes Dahlbäck, Chairman of EQT Finland BV. “EQT aims at further strengthen ADR-Haanpää as the best-managed Nordic transportation company”.

EQT Finland is a newly established private equity fund established by Investor AB Group and AEA Investors Inc. EQT Finland has received capital commitments of approximately FIM 830 million from the Sponsors and a number of Finnish, as well as Scandinavian, investors. The Finnish investors’ share is approx. 50% of the total commitments.

For further information please contact:

EQT Finland BV:
Mr. Claes Dahlbäck, Chairman
Tel. +31-20-577 66 57

EQT Partners (investment adviser to EQT Finland BV):
Mr. Andreas Tallberg
Tel. +358-9-696 2470

ADR-Haanpää:
Mr. Jouni Haanpää, CEO, ADR-Haanpää
Tel. +358-8-888 8100