Oslo Børs And Nord Pool Will Not Submit Joint Bid For NOS

Nord Pool ASA and Oslo Børs Holding ASA have jointly assessed their respective relationships with NOS ASA. Among the alternatives considered was presenting a joint tender to purchase all NOS shares. Nord Pool and Oslo Børs have decided not to proceed with such a joint bid.

This notice is in reference to the press release of 3 April 2002, in which Nord Pool and Oslo Børs stated that the two parties would conduct an assessment of their relationships with NOS, a company that delivers clearing and settlement services for derivatives instruments to both parties. Most NOS revenues are generated from activities associated with the marketplaces operated by Nord Pool and Oslo Børs. Nord Pool´s power derivatives market is by far NOS´ largest revenue source.

Nord Pool and Oslo Børs´ joint assessment of their respective relationships with NOS has now ended. Oslo Børs has decided not to continue the joint process with Nord Pool, choosing to continue as a NOS customer under a renegotiated agreement.

Nord Pool, which has taken cognizance of Oslo Børs´ decision, has an indirect customer relationship with NOS, through the company Power Clearing Systems AS (PCS). The agreement between Nord Pool and PCS, which runs through 31 December 2003, is unaffected by Oslo Børs´ decision.

Nord Pool owns approximately 20% of NOS shares. Oslo Børs is not a NOS shareholder.