No tax consequences for those receiving only shares as merger consideration

ALMA MEDIA CORP. STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 8 APRIL 2005 15.00

 

NO TAX CONSEQUENCES FOR THOSE RECEIVING ONLY SHARES AS MERGER CONSIDERATION

 

In March 2005, an Alma Media shareholder applied for an advance ruling from the Central Board of Taxation on the tax treatment of such a Finnish resident shareholder who receives only shares as merger consideration in the merger between Almanova Corporation and Alma Media Corporation, effective in the autumn 2005.

 

According to the advance ruling of the Central Board of Taxation, the merger shall not be deemed to constitute a tax event for the shareholder in such context. Since no appeals against the advance ruling were filed by the end of the appeal period yesterday, the advance ruling has now become legally final.

 

 

ALMA MEDIA CORPORATION

 

 

Ahti Martikainen

Vice President, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations

 

DISTRIBUTION: Helsinki Exchanges, principal media