As a result of erroneous information published about Atria during the past few days, Atria would like to release the following information about the company. ATRIA INCREASED ITS LEAD IN THE MEAT INDUSTRY During 2004, Atria Group consolidated its position as the largest company in the meat industry, as its turnover rose by 9% to EUR 833.7 million. During the current year the Group's turnover will also grow strongly; in addition to organic growth, AS Valga Lihatööstus was acquired in Estonia. As a result of IAS/IFRS, we have to alter the Group structure by including A-Farmers Ltd in the Group. In 2004, A-Farmers showed a consolidated turnover of EUR 58.4 million. If this had been taken into account in the same manner it will be handled in 2005, the turnover for Finnish operations in 2004 would have been EUR 587 million with a Group turnover of EUR 892 million. The turnover for Atria Group is expected to clearly exceed EUR 900 million during 2005. Atria Group is also the market leader in domestic retail markets. Products under the Atria and Forssan trademarks held a 24.3% market share in 2004 (Source: A.C. Nielsen Scantrack, weeks 1-52/2004). Furthermore, Atria has a strong market share in Sweden. Last year, turnover for Lithells AB totalled EUR 310.2 million, and the company's share of the Swedish meat product markets stands at about 25%. In fact, Atria Group is the largest manufacturer of meat products in the Baltic Sea area. Atria has attempted to advance in the Russian markets by means of corporate acquisitions. The company will publish information regarding its possible activities in the Russian markets later this spring. Atria's positive development has continued throughout the beginning of this year. During the first quarter, the entire Group's earnings are expected to show improvement over last year. Atria will publish its first quarter result on 28 April 2005. ATRIA GROUP PLC Seppo Paatelainen CEO DISTRIBUTION Helsinki Exchanges Principal media
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