Riksbank plans to sell Tumba Bruk

The Riksbank is planning to sell AB Tumba Bruk. This is because it considers that the company will have better scope for development under a different ownership form and because of the structural changes expected among the world's banknote manufacturers.

Tumba Bruk consists of a paper mill producing banknote paper, the printing press for banknotes and the Mint in Eskilstuna. The company is commissioned by the Riksbank to produce Swedish banknotes and coins. In addition, the company exports banknotes and banknote paper. There are 320 employees and the annual turnover amounts to SEK 500 million. The company is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of the Riksbank.

The Riksbank has carried out a number of analyses into the future of Tumba Bruk. Its conclusion is that the company's activities would have greater opportunity for further development with a different form of ownership. Another factor is the structural transformation expected among banknote manufacturers around the world.

The Riksbank is bound by law to ensure the supply of banknotes and coins in Sweden. If the sale of Tumba Bruk is carried out, the Riksbank will sign agreements with one or more suppliers to ensure the production of banknotes and coins for Swedish requirements.

In the event of a sale, the Riksbank will attach particular importance to operations continuing to be carried out at Tumba Bruk's units in Tumba and Eskilstuna. The Riksbank also wishes to ensure that the unique mill environment at Tumba can be preserved.

During spring 2001 potential buyers will be invited to register their interest with the Riksbank. The result of this tender enquiry will determine the forms and timetable for the planned change in ownership.

For further information, please contact:
Deputy Governor of the Riksbank Lars Nyberg, tel. +46-8-787 01 08
MD Lennart Bergstedt, Tumba Bruk, tel. +46-8-578 695 10