Hakon Invest AB has signed an agreement to invest an additional SEK 14.4 M in Hemmabutikerna i Sverige Utvecklings AB ("Hemma"). Through the acquisition of existing shares, Hakon Invest is increasing it ownership to approximately 59% of the capital and votes. Hakon Invest AB previously held an interest of 49% of the capital and votes in Hemma, which is Sweden's leading white goods retailer. Hemma owns 21 stores in the three metropolitan regions in Sweden and is the member organization for the Hemma chain of independent retailers. Strong development phase "We foresee great potential for Hemma and its continued store expansion," says Johan Örengård, investment manager and member of the Board of Hemma. "Through becoming the majority owner in Hemma, we can increase our contribution of retail know-how and networks which create value for Hemma long term." Hemma is currently in a strong development phase in which the number of stores has increased sharply since the start in 2001. The ambition is to continue building out the Hemma chain, through new establishment of own stores and recruiting more independent retailers as members. At the same time, a reprofiling of the independent retailers' stores to the common Hemma brand is under way. Hemma will continue to increase the number of proprietary stores and the goal in the next five years is to achieve sales exceeding SEK 1,000 M. The Hemma chain comprises a total of more than 130 stores in Sweden, with combined sales of about SEK 2 billion annually. The remaining stores are owned and operated by local retailers who are members of the Hemma chain. For more information, contact: Information Manager Anders Hallgren tel +46 (0)8-55 33 99 66 IR Manager Pernilla Linger tel +46 (0)8-55 33 99 55 This press release is not for publication or distribution in or into the US, Canada, Australia or Japan. Hakon Invest, which is listed the Nordic Exchange, conducts active and long-term investment operations in retail-oriented companies in the Nordic region. Hakon Invest owns 40% of ICA AB, the Nordic region's leading retail company with focus on food. In addition have holdings in Forma Publishing Group, Kjell & Company, Hemma and Cervera. Further information about Hakon Invest is available at www.hakoninvest.se.