Nokian tyres Releases Convertible Bonds

On June 20 Nokian Tyres announced its intention to offer convertible bonds to the total value of 130.4 million euros. Nokian Tyres has granted financial services group Nomura International an over-allotment option to subscribe for up to 19.6 million euros of additional bonds solely to cover over-allotments, if any, to a total amount of 150 million euros. The shares to be issued upon conversion of the bonds will represent up to approximately 3.4 per cent of Nokian Tyres’ current issued share capital, assuming the over-allotment option is fully exercised.

At the company’s annual general meeting on April 3 the board of directors were given authority to carry out this operation despite existing pre-emptive subscription rights held by shareholders. The board of directors made the decision to exercise this authority for what it claims are “important financial reasons,” and intend to use the bonds to finance investments “in accordance with the company’s investment strategy”, to re-finance existing financing facilities and for general corporate purposes.

The bond offering will be carried out in a book building process aimed at both Finnish and international institutional investors. The book building began on the morning of June 20 and according to the company was scheduled to end by 5.00 pm Finnish time that same day. Nomura International has the option of closing the books early should investor demand warrant such an action. The offering’s settlement is expected to take place on or about 27 June 2007.