The board of Keskisuomalainen ceases discussions on potential merger of businesses

ALMA MEDIA CORP. STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 22 DEC 2006 AT 9.00       1 (1)

 

THE BOARD OF KESKISUOMALAINEN CEASES DISCUSSIONS ON POTENTIAL MERGER OF BUSINESSES

 

Alma Media has become aware that the board of directors of Keskisuomalainen Oyj has decided not to continue discussions on the merger of Keskisuomalainen and Alma Media.

 

Alma Media believes that the merger of the two media companies would achieve significant benefits for their readers, advertisers, shareholders and employees.

 

– We have negotiated with Keskisuomalainen Oyj’s board of directors in a good spirit of co-operation for a year. We respect their decision and note the discussions are now closed, says Kai Telanne, President and CEO of Alma Media.

 

ALMA MEDIA CORPORATION

 

Terhi Lambert-Karjalainen

Communications Manager

 

Further information:

Kai Telanne, President and CEO, Alma Media Corporation, tel. +358 10 665 3500

 

DISTRIBUTION: Helsinki Exchanges, principal media

 

Alma Media is a profitably growing and internationally expanding company that invests in the future of newspapers and the online media. Its best known products are Aamulehti, Iltalehti, Kauppalehti and Etuovi.com.

 

Net sales in 2005 totalled EUR 286 million and the operating margin was almost 15 %. The company’s share is listed in the Mid Cap segment of the OMX Exchange’s Nordic List, trading code ALN1V. More information at http://www.almamedia.fi/home