Helsinki Stock Exchange News

DNV will acquire Helsinki-headquartered cyber security services firm Nixu following a public tender offer which resulted in DNV taking ownership of more than 93% of Nixu’s shares. DNV will combine its cyber security businesses with Nixu following a process to acquire the remaining shares in Nixu and de-list the company from the Nasdaq Helsinki Stock Exchange. The $107-million deal will create one of Europe’s fastest growing cyber security services businesses.

The cruise vessel to be delivered in autumn 2004 for Birka Line had to day its keel laid at Aker Finnyards in Rauma. The vessel will be named Birka Paradise. The name reflects the vessel´s concept, the pattern of a Caribbean luxury cruiser. Next year a dip in the pool and lunch under palm trees in an exotic atmosphere is possible also in the Baltic! Over 50 of the 3500 suggestions received in the name contest arranged last summer proposed “Birka Paradise”. The new vessel is a full-blooded cruiser without car decks. It will be 177 m long and 28 m wide comprising eleven decks, five of which are dedicated to passenger accommodation: there are cabins and suites for in all 1,800 passengers.

Risto Rinne M.Sc.(Eng.) has been appointed President of Fortum's Oil Sector and member of the Corporate Executive Committee as of January 15, 2004. He will also be President and CEO of the new oil company, which will be listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange. Rinne, who has held several prominent positions within the oil industry for more than 20 years, has most recently been President of the Oil Refining business unit. The current President of the Oil Sector, Mr Veli-Matti Ropponen, will continue as advisor to the group management regarding the initial public offering of the new oil company. He will continue to report to the President and CEO of Fortum Oyj.

Aker Finnyards and Birka Line have signed a contract for the building of a 1,800 passenger cruise vessel. The worth ca $ 155.2 million vessel to be delivered in 2004. The 581-ft. DNV`s Clean Design rule defining several environmental solutions as to the ship structures, and the Comfort Class rule securing a noiseless and vibration free environment for the passengers. In addition, the vessel of course complies with the same environmental quality standards as the already sailing Birka Princess, i.e. equipped with catalyzers and closed sewage treatment systems, with atoxic bottom painting etc. A novelty is also the energy saving automation in the cabins, which for the time being has been seen in some hotels.