Atea increase earnings in Q4 2009

Atea, the number one supplier of IT infrastructure products and services in the
Nordic and Baltic region, today announced fourth quarter 2009 results with an
EBITDA of MNOK 234.5 up 22.5% compared to Q4 2008. Full year 2009 revenue
reached MNOK 14,588.6 and EBITDA for 2009 was MNOK 550.3, which are at the same
levels as in 2008.
 
In Q4 2009 Atea generated revenue of MNOK 4,409.1 representing a negative growth
of 6.4% but a flat revenue level in constant currency. EBITDA ended at MNOK
234.5 up 22.5% and the EBITDA margin was improved to 5.3% from 4.1% in fourth
quarter last year.
 
Full year 2009 Atea reached revenue of MNOK 14,588.6 which is 1.2% lower than in
2008 and EBITDA ended at MNOK 550.3 and a margin of 3.8%, which is up from MNOK
547.5 and 3.7% in 2008.  Atea generated MNOK 731.8 in cash from operations in
2009, which is up from MNOK 501.3 in 2008.
 
"In a challenging market in 2009 Atea delivered a strong performance and gained
market shares. I am pleased to see that our attack plans and cost saving program
have worked effectively and that we successfully have maintained the winning
spirit and high motivation in the organization. Atea is today even stronger and
better positioned for reaching our growth targets in our 20:11:1 plan," says
Claus Hougesen, CEO in Atea.
 
Atea acquired four companies during Q4 2009 within growth areas; the leading
video conferencing and AV solution provider Calamus Danmark and the software
license sales company Aprismo in Denmark, the video conferencing and IP
telephony company A Communication in Finland and Uni Networks, specialized in
delivery of wireless and cabled infrastructure in Norway.
 
Net interest bearing debt ended at MNOK 214.1 as of December 2009 and the
operational gearing measured by net interest bearing debt divided by EBITDA was
0.4, indicating a solid financial position of Atea.
 
The solid result in 2009 and the strong cash flow of more than MNOK 700 together
with the expectations for 2010, gives again Atea the opportunity to pay
dividend. The Board will suggest to the General Assembly to pay NOK 1.25 per
share in dividend for 2009.
 
Atea has a 20:11:1 growth plan with the intent to reach NOK 20 billion in
revenue and NOK 1 billion in EBITDA in 2011. "Our aim is to continuously be
offensive and to keep gaining market shares within IT infrastructure. In order
to reach our ambitious target 20:11:1 Atea is expecting to grow both organically
and through acquisitions in 2010 and 2011," says Claus Hougesen.
 
The quarterly report and presentation is available at www.atea.com/reports
<http://www.atea.com/reports>
The press conference is available through webcast at www.atea.com/webcast
<http://www.atea.com/webcast>
The Stock Exchange Announcement is available at www.atea.com/ose
<http://www.atea.com/ose>
 
For further information, please contact:
Claus Hougesen, CEO Atea ASA, mobile + 45 3078 1200
Rune Falstad, CFO Atea ASA, mobile + 47 906 14 482
 
About Atea
Atea is the leading Nordic and Baltic supplier of IT infrastructure with
approximately 4400 employees. Atea is present in 72 cities in Norway, Sweden,
Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Atea delivers IT products from
leading vendors and assist its customers with specialist competencies within IT
infrastructure services. Atea has an annual revenue of approximately NOK 15
billion and is listed on Oslo Stock Exchange. www.atea.com
<http://www.atea.com/>
 
[HUG#1380053]
 
Atea Q409 report: http://hugin.info/85/R/1380053/339779.pdf