text: Published Jan 9, 2008 11.00.00 +2 GMT
  The refiner-related operations in Sundsvall, Sweden, will remain in Metso's ownership and are not included in the transaction. This unit with its 40 employees will continue to supply fiber preparation technology to the global MDF industry as a part of Metso Paper.
  The panelboard operations in Finland with all its 60 employees and in Sweden with its 40 remaining employees will be transferred to Dieffenbacher.
  Metso Panelboard, a part of Metso Paper business area, has been going through an improvement program since 2006, and has been able to improve its profitability and operational efficiency.
  Dieffenbacher GmbH + Co. KG, Germany, develops and manufactures press systems and complete production systems for the wood-based panel industry. The 2006 turnover was EUR 260 million and the group employs over 900 people worldwide.
  Further information for the press, please contact: Pentti Välimäki, President, Metso Panelboard, tel. +358 40 500 5009
  Further information for investors, please contact: Olli Vaartimo, Executive Vice President and CFO, Metso, tel. +358 20 484 3010
  Such factors include, but are not limited to: (1) general economic conditions, including fluctuations in exchange rates and interest levels which influence the operating environment and profitability of customers and thereby the orders received by the company and their margins (2) the competitive situation, especially significant technological solutions developed by competitors (3) the company's own operating conditions, such as the success of production, product development and project management and their continuous development and improvement (4) the success of pending and future acquisitions and restructuring