2009-08-25 Press release: Interim report no. 2 for the financial year 2009

Significant improvement in results for the majority of the portfolio companies despite the generally weaker economic climate during the period

The Group’s net income amounted to MSEK 14.6 (3.0) corresponding to SEK 0.39 (0.08) per share. Equity as at June 30 2009 amounted to MSEK 345.8 (424.9), corresponding to SEK 9.30 (11.43) per share. Cash and cash equivalents including holdings in liquidity management amounted to MSEK 37.4 (38.8).

Continued positive development in the portfolio companies with increased market shares and significantly improved results, despite the very challenging market situation.

Novestra received dividends from the portfolio companies totaling MSEK 6.0 and none of the larger portfolio companies are expected to have any additional capital needs. MyPublisher decided, after the end of the period, to pay out a minimum of MUSD 4 in dividends during 2009, of which approximately MSEK 7 relates to Novestra.

“Novestra has a portfolio mainly consisting of mature growth companies, with good profitability, in a broad range of industries, which during 2008 had combined sales amounting to approximately MSEK 2 050, with a combined EBITDA amounting to approximately MSEK 100.

The portfolio companies have shown strength and managed the challenging economic climate during the last twelve months excellently. The managements continue to be optimistic with regard to development during 2009 and maintain previously set growth and result targets. Novestra has taken part in ensuring that all the portfolio companies have been very well prepared, both financially and on an operational level, resulting in the companies having the possibility to gain market shares and strengthen their positions.

The strength in the portfolio companies during this recession has shown the quality of the companies and gives good hope for the future”, says Novestra’s Managing Director, Johan Heijbel.

For further information please contact Johan Heijbel, Managing Director, AB Novestra, telephone no. +46 8 545 01750.
The information provided in this report is such that AB Novestra is obliged to make public according to the Securities Market Act [sv. lagen om värdepappersmarknaden]. The information has been released to the media for publication on August 25, 2009 at 8.55 am (CET).

About AB Novestra
Novestra is an independent investment company with a portfolio of investments in a number of privately held growth companies including Diino AB, Explorica, Inc., MyPublisher, Inc., Netsurvey AB, Qbranch AB and Strax Holdings, Inc.

The Novestra shares are listed on the Nasdaq OMX Stockholm, under the symbol NOVE, in the Small Cap section. For further information regarding AB Novestra, reference is made to www.novestra.com

Download interim report (PDF)

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