SanomaWSOY refines its press distribution organization by transferring the Dutch press distributor Aldipress to Rautakirja. Aldipress, which is currently part of Sanoma Magazines, the magazine publishing division of SanomaWSOY, will be consolidated with Rautakirja as of January 1, 2007.
The deal confirms the strategic importance of distribution to SanomaWSOY. By providing a focal point for sharing knowledge and expertise, the transfer will strengthen SanomaWSOY's position in the European distribution and retail market.
SanomaWSOY's President and CEO Hannu Syrjänen comments: "With this transfer we consistently continue the internationalization strategy of our press distribution."
"The challenges in distribution and in retail require us to fully use the expertise within the Group. This acquisition just takes the cooperation between Aldipress and Rautakirja's press distribution operations substantially forward," says Erkki Järvinen, President and CEO of Rautakirja.
"This transfer is in line with the one we made in June 2005 when the Russian distribution company TK Pressexpo was transferred from Sanoma Magazines' Independent Media to Rautakirja. Aldipress and Rautakirja will both benefit from the transfer because they will be able to share each others expertise and knowledge of the distribution and retail industry," Eija Ailasmaa, President and CEO of Sanoma Magazines, says.
With net sales of EUR 118.6 million in 2005, Aldipress is the leading press distributor in the Netherlands. The company employs some 380 people whose contracts of employment will not be affected by this transaction. Rautakirja's press distribution net sales totalled EUR 98.5 million in 2005.
Additional information:
Erkki Järvinen, President and CEO, Rautakirja, tel. +358 9 852 8401
Eija Ailasmaa, President and CEO, Sanoma Magazines, tel. +31 20 851 21 01
SANOMAWSOY CORPORATION
Matti Salmi
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