Europris AS: Europris to exercise option for remaining 80 per cent of Runsvengruppen/ÖoB
Fredrikstad, 31 January 2024: Europris owns 20 per cent of Runsvengruppen AB. As communicated in the notice from the company published 18 December 2023, the tribunal ruled that Europris' option to acquire RuNor's shareholding in Runsvengruppen had not expired. Europris has decided to exercise its option to acquire ÖoB and the process to finalise the acquisition will now be initiated.
The preliminary option strike price of approximately NOK 211 million for the remaining 80 per cent of the shares in Runsvengruppen will be settled with treasury shares. The final purchase price will be based on an average of Runsvengruppen's EBITDA for 2019 and 2020. The EBITDA for 2020 is not yet agreed between the parties. Once EBITDA for 2020 is agreed or otherwise determined the final purchase price will be settled.
ÖoB is one of the leading discount variety retailers in Sweden. The chain has around 90 stores and an annual turnover of about SEK 4 billion. The ÖoB concept is similar to that used by Europris, with a large product overlap - particularly for non-food items. However, Europris' assessment is that ÖoB needs a turnaround after several years of limited sales growth and weak profitability.
The group will provide the market with information on closing and when the final purchase price has been settled. More information about operational plans for ÖoB will be shared at a later stage.
For further inquiries, please contact:
CEO Espen Eldal, Europris, espen.eldal@europris.no,+47 48 29 24 24
CFO Stina Charlene Byre, Europris, stina.byre@europris.no,+47 41 10 58 08
This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation article 17 and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange release was published by Trine Engløkken, Head of investor relations in Europris ASA on the time and date set out in the notification.