NOVESTRA: LAXEY PARTNERS INCREASES ITS HOLDING IN NOVESTRA TO 10.6%

Funds managed by Laxey Partners Ltd now own 2,479,800 shares in AB Novestra corresponding to 10.6% of the total outstanding shares.

“Laxey Partners is a long-term shareholder with a focus on investments in companies that trade at significant discounts to book or net asset value. We believe that Novestra represents a great investment opportunity to participate in a portfolio of investments with positive revenue growth at a significant discount to book value. We are currently discussing a board seat with the company,” says Colin Kingsnorth, partner in Laxey Partners.

During the spring, AB Novestra will call an extraordinary general meeting in order to elect a new board of directors which, i.a., is suggested to include a representative for its now largest shareholder, Laxey Partners Ltd. The date of the extraordinary general meeting will be announced in connection with Novestra’s interim report to be released on April 23, 2002.

For further information please contact Cecilia Janson, AB Novestra, Tel. +46 8 545 017 50.

About Laxey Partners Ltd
For further information regarding Laxey Partners Ltd, please contact: Laxey Partners Ltd
Stanley House
9-11 Market Hill
Douglas
Isle of Man IM1 2BF

About AB Novestra
Novestra is an independent venture capital investment company with focus on investments in growth companies providing enabling network technologies and services for the communications industry. Novestra’s portfolio of companies includes B2 Bredband AB, Continuum Group Ltd, myPublisher, Inc., Netsurvey AB, Qbranch AB and Strax Holdings, Inc. Novestra’s shares are listed on the O-List of Stockholmsbörsen.

For information regarding AB Novestra, please see www.novestra.com .