Billerud's fourth-quarter profits better than forecast

BILLERUD'S FOURTH-QUARTER PROFITS BETTER THAN FORECAST In Billerud's interim report January-September 2001 and in the Listing Memorandum, earnings for the fourth quarter were expected to be slightly lower than for the third quarter. Preliminary figures now show that the operating profit for the fourth quarter will exceed the third-quarter level by approximately 6%. The operating profit for the third quarter amounted to SEK 246 million. The main reason for this deviation is higher deliveries than expected during the quarter. Further information will be provided in the year-end report on 7 February 2002. Solna, 17 January 2002 Billerud AB (publ) For further information, please contact: Bert Östlund, President and CEO, Billerud AB, +46-8-553 335 01 Nils Lindholm, CFO, Billerud AB, +46-8-553 335 07 Billerud manufactures and sells packaging paper in the form of kraft paper and containerboard as well as market pulp. Production is carried out at the Group's integrated pulp and paper mills in Gruvön, Karlsborg and Skärblacka. Billerud has a world-leading position within several well defined product segments. The main customer base is Europe but also includes the rest of the world. Billerud has annual sales of approximately SEK 7 billion and 2,400 employees. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/01/17/20020117BIT00660/bit0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/01/17/20020117BIT00660/bit0001.pdf