Atlas Copco finalizes the acquisition of Ingersoll-Rand Drilling Solutions

Ingersoll-Rand Drilling Solutions is a manufacturer and distributor of drilling equipment and consumables for surface mining and construction. The business has a leading position within these product areas in the United States and a strong position on many markets elsewhere. Drilling Solutions has its head office is in Garland, Texas, and production sites in the United States, Japan and China. The transaction also includes Drilling Solutions assets in India, subject to approval by the shareholders of Ingersoll-Rand’s Indian company, with this part of the transaction expected to close in the third quarter of 2004. The transaction does not include Ingersoll-Rand’s France-based Montabert business unit. The acquisition will give Atlas Copco the products to expand in the open pit mining market. It is a strategic move towards making Atlas Copco a leading supplier to the world’s largest construction and mining market, the United States. Following the acquisition, a new division has been created within the Construction and Mining Technique business area, with the name Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions. Bob Fassl has been appointed President of this new division. In 2003, Construction and Mining Technique Business Area had revenues of MUSD 1 100 (MSEK 7 894). Through the acquisition of Ingersoll-Rand Drilling Solutions, and calculated on 2003 figures, the business area will have annual revenues of more than MUSD 1 400 (MSEK 10 100) and 6 350 employees.

• Björn Rosengren, Business Area Executive, Construction and Mining Technique +46 (0)70 417 85 02
• Joanna Canton, Media Relations Manager, Group Communications +44 1442 222312 or +44 7971 650115