Länsförsäkringar Bank raises target levels for capital adequacy

12/18/2003 11:15 AM EST

The Board of Directors of Länsförsäkringar Bank has decided to increase
the target level for capital adequacy as well as to establish a target
level for the tier 1 ratio. The new target levels were set at 10.5
percent for capital adequacy and 8.5 percent for the tier 1 ratio, with
a possible variation of ±0.5 percentage points. Today, the parent
company, Länsförsäkringar AB, provided an unconditional shareholder
contribution of SEK 250 M and a core capital contribution of SEK 290 M
as well as a dated subordinated debenture loan of SEK 580 M. The dated
debenture loan has a term of 10 years.

Pro forma at September 30, 2003, the Bank's tier 1 ratio was 10.6
percent and the total capital adequacy was 13.9 percent.

"This measure demonstrates the owner's ambition to secure the Bank's
future financial position. The increase is the result of the Bank's
increased activity in the mortgage lending market and as an issuer on
the capital market. The intention is to further strengthen the Bank's
market position," says Tomas Johansson, President, Länsförsäkringar
Bank.

For additional information, contact:

Tomas Johansson, President, Länsförsäkringar Bank
+46 (0)8-588 419 82, +46 (0)73-964 19 82
 

Anders Borgcrantz, Executive VP, Länsförsäkringar Bank
+46 (0)8-588 412 51, +46(0)73-964 12 51
 

Mikael Östlund, Vice President Corporate Communications,
Länsförsäkringar
+46 (0)8-588 410 94, +46 (0)70-553 12 82