Reference is made to Orkla's notice to the Oslo Stock Exchange today regarding approval from the EU Commission of Orkla's acquisition of Rieber & Søn:

"The EU Commission has on 4 March 2013 approved Orkla's acquisition of Rieber & Søn. The Norwegian part of the transaction has been transferred to the Norwegian Competition Authority and the EU Commission's conclusion therefore does not include Norway.

The Norwegian Competition Authority has notified that they need some more time, and will consequently notify the parties that intervention may take place which is a statutory requirement in order to continue processing beyond the first 25 working days. We are not aware of any circumstances that would indicate that the transaction cannot be completed.

We are working with the Norwegian Competition Authority to ensure that the matter is clarified as quickly as possible also where Norway is concerned, and hope for a clarification in the course of March. However, it cannot be ruled out that it will take a little longer due to the Norwegian Competition Authority's administrative procedures."

Bergen, 5 March 2013
Rieber & Søn ASA

Contact person:
CFO Fredrik Witte, tel.: + 47 97 01 67 69


This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl (Norwegian Securities Trading Act)
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