Saab acquires majority in Grintek

“For Saab this investment is the clearest possible signal that we have great confidence in South Africa's economy and in the country's future and that we are here to stay," said Saab South Africa CEO Per Erlandsson. Saab acquires Grintek shares, that it not already own other than the 29% shares held by Kunene Bros Holdings, for a cash consideration of R1.90 per Grintek share. The total sale is estimated to R 316 million. The offer is subject to conditions precedent such as the approval of the offer by all necessary regulatory authorities, including the Competition Commission. The deal is likely to be formalized in late April 2005. “We welcome this further indication of Saabs long-term commitment to our partnership and to South Africa says Grintek chairman Zoli Kunene. Grintek Ltd is a manufacturer and supplier of electronics related products and services to the telecommunications, defence, mining, avionics, air traffic management, security and power utilities markets in South Africa and selected export markets. The group is currently listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange and employs some 1300 people, a large percentage of whom are engineers and technicians. Turnover for the financial year to June 2004 was R 1.4-billion.