Stockholm, December 14, 2006 – Triton, a European private equity firm, has entered into an agreement with Ratos and 3i to acquire the Alimak Hek Group. The deal is expected to be completed in January 2007.

Triton is an independent European private equity investor focusing on investing in companies with leading market positions in attractive industry niches in the Nordic countries and German-speaking parts of Europe. Triton currently has funds under management of more than &eur;1.7 billion and has offices in Stockholm, Frankfurt and London.

The Alimak Hek Group is a global, leading supplier of mast climbing equipment and added value services for both temporary and permanent installations providing vertical access solutions for people and materials in the construction and general industry. The world wide pro forma 2006 revenues amount to about 230 million US-dollars, with some 880 employees.

Alimak Hek has focused on profitable growth both in terms of geographical coverage and in terms of market segments and applications. The offering now includes construction hoists, mast climbing work platforms, transport platforms, material hoists, industrial lifts, rental services, after sales services, spare parts and used equipment sales. Further, with manufacturing facilities in Sweden, The Netherlands, USA, and China, Alimak Hek is well equipped to globally offer products and services for every customer need.

Petter Arvidson, President and CEO of the Alimak Hek Group says: “Alimak Hek has enjoyed a tremendous development over the past four years, including re-structuring, organic growth, two major acquisitions in the US and in Australia, as well as the start up of manufacturing in China. The company now has a very strong platform for further profitable growth”.