SAS in discussions with ISS about a possible take over of SGS Finland
As earlier stated, in conjunction with the launch of the new governance structure for the SAS Group, SGS Finland is subject to an individual process for divestment or outsourcing.The SAS Group confirms that discussions regarding a possible take over of SGS Finland are currently ongoing with ISS.
ISS Finland provides a wide range of facility services to the private and public sector. ISS offer high quality services related to Property Investment Services, Cleaning, Maintenance, Catering, Facility Services, Security Services and Technical Services. ISS employs over 12 000 people nationwide. ISS Finland is part of the international ISS Group, www.iss.fi www.issworld.com
ISS has extensive knowledge of providing support services to airline companies and is committed to the long-term future of developing personnel rich services for the needs of airline business. Therefore, investing in ground services is a logical next step for ISS.
“The transaction of SGS´s ground services business will complement ISS Finland’s service range with a well-known and respected business. We highly value the know-how and personnel recourses of SGS Finland. ISS will get a number of exciting new competencies and tasks and we enlarge our business activities in the airport environment. This deal is very important for us. It will enhance our ability to continue to offer our customers’ high quality and integrated services”, says director Mr. Mika Martola of ISS Finland.
“In ISS we are convinced that we have found a ground-handling provider that supports a positive development in financial result as well as quality for Core SAS. ISS has a vast experience of transfer of businesses and they have a serious attitude and they acknowledge the competence, the loyalty and experience of our staff at SGS Finland”, comments Mr. Björn Nordgren, Vice President Structural Affairs and Strategy SAS Group also member of the Board of SGS Finland.
A letter of interest concerning the general commercial terms of a transfer has been signed between the SAS Group and ISS. In order to be able to sign a final agreement a Due Diligence process has to be finalised by both parties. The aim is to be able to conclude this process in the beginning of May 2009.
SAS Group Corporate Communications
For further information please contact:
Björn Nordgren, Vice President Structural Affairs and Strategy SAS Group. Tel. +46 (0)8 797 2785
Mika Martola, Director, ISS Finland, Tel. +358 40 703 5198
www.sasgroup.net
www.flysas.com