2006-09-11

Handelsbanken Capital Markets takes over operations of Svenska Metallbörsen

Handelsbanken Capital Markets is taking over operations of Sweden's leading commodities brokerage, Svenska Metallbörsen. The takeover of operations will be carried out through the acquisition by Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ) of Svenska Metallbörsen from Tricorona AB (publ). Svenska Metallbörsen operates as a broker of futures and option contracts for all types of commodities, such as metals and energy, on the international commodity exchanges.

One of the goals of Handelsbanken Capital Markets is to become the leading commodities broker in the Nordic region. In recent years, a strong position has been built in the investor segment and commodity investments have been arranged for more than SEK 3 billion. With the purchase of Svenska Metallbörsen, customers will be able to manage their commodity risks with Handelsbanken Capital Markets as a strong counterparty with a high rating. In addition, the expanded customer base, which includes investors as well as companies with physical raw material needs, will give customers access to the best products and prices on the market.

Mikael Ericsson, Head, Handelsbanken Capital Markets states, "Svenska Metallbörsen is a perfect complement to our previous efforts on the investor side and is fully in line with our goal of being the best commodity broker in the Nordic region. The acquisition represents a further step in our efforts to offer customers all financial products under the same roof. Today, customers require product-neutral suppliers of financial services. The focus must be on the customer and their needs and not on selling those products that happen to be available."

The transfer of ownership will be completed on 26 September 2006.

Information about the company: Handelsbanken