Metso Acquires Process Optimizing Company

Helsinki, Finland, 10 June 2008 -- Metso has acquired Grabitech Solutions AB, a Swedish company within the process optimizing business, from five private part owners. The transaction was closed on 04 June 2008. The value of the purchase agreement is not disclosed. The acquired company will be integrated into Metso Paper’s Fiber business line.

The acquisition is a part of Metso’s strategy of profitable growth and improves competitiveness within the service business. Grabitech Solutions’ product, MultiSimplex, is patented and used for steering of process equipment, such as refiners and screens. With the new product, Metso strengthens its focus on optimizing customers' processes (to reach lower energy consumption. MultiSimplex will be used together with other process improvement products to reach optimal savings).

Grabitech Solutions AB provides advanced production and optimization tools and expertise for industries, universities, and R&D departments. The core global markets are within the pulp and paper, panelboard, and energy industries. The company was established in 2002 and has its office in Sundsvall, Sweden. The company employs four persons, who will transfer to Metso. Its net sales was approximately EUR 500,000 in 2007.

Metso is a global engineering and technology corporation with 2007 net sales of over EUR 6 billion. Its more than 27,000 employees in approximately 50 countries serve customers in the pulp and paper industry, rock and minerals processing, the energy industry, and selected other industries.

www.metso.com