Stock exchange release
October 10, 2003
FISKARS PREPARES FOR EUR 75 MILLION IMPA
FISKARS PREPARES FOR EUR 75 MILLION IMPAIRMENT CHARGES The goodwill and fixed asset impairment is associated with Fiskars Brands Inc.s pottery and resin furniture businesses acquired during the latter part of the 1990´s. The write-downs do not have a cash effect and they will be booked during the fourth quarter. Fiskars Brands is also reviewing its strategic options regarding its resin furniture business in the USA. The options include a potential divestiture of the business. Moreover, Fiskars Brands has, as a part of its development programs in the USA, divested the Bucket Boss product line for approximately EUR 6 million in cash. The company will book a slight profit from the transaction. All announced measures are in accordance with Fiskars Brands strategy to focus on branded, value added consumer products. Fiskars Corporation has previously announced that the operating profit for 2003 will be at the previous years level. With respect to the operational results this view is still intact, however due to the one-time write-downs the full year net profit for 2003 will be negative. Fiskars Corporations financial position remains stable. The solvency and net gearing ratios are expected to be at levels of 50% and 60% respectively. Fiskars Corporation will publish its Interim Report for January- September on November 11, 2003. Heikki Allonen President & CEO