HELSINKI, Finland, Sept. 3, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- The assets of Metso Corporation's (NYSE:MX) Finnish construction equipment distribution company, Oy Rolac Ab, were transferred to Bilia AB on August 31, 2002, after the sale received the approval of the Finnish competition authorities. Bilia will continue the operations under the Rolac company name. The divestment is a part of Metso Minerals' integration process, following the Svedala acquisition.
Rolac's net sales in 2001 were approximately EUR 50 million, and it employed 90 people who will transfer to Bilia as old employees. Oy Rolac Ab became a part of Metso Corporation in 2001 as a result of the Svedala acquisition.
Metso Corporation is a global supplier of process industry machinery and systems, as well as know-how and aftermarket and services. The corporation's core businesses are fiber and paper technology (Metso Paper), rock and mineral processing (Metso Minerals) and automation and control technology (Metso Automation). In 2001, the net sales of Metso Corporation were EUR 4.3 billion and the personnel totaled approximately 30,000. Metso Corporation is listed on the Helsinki and New York Stock Exchanges.