Comment regarding events in the U.S.

9/13/2001 12:17 PM EST

Terrorism has committed its most dreadful atrocity. Thousands of people
have become the victims of these terrible attacks and many more are
indirectly affected. All of us share feelings of deep sorrow and anger.
Our thoughts are with victims, their families, friends and colleagues.

The following is a description of Securitas' position as of 4pm CET,
Thursday, September 13, 2001:

* Two of our colleagues, both guards, remain missing. They were
in one of the two towers when it collapsed. Our thoughts are with them
and those close to them.

* We have about 6,000 employees based in Manhattan, of which
about 2,000 in the southern financial district - Downtown. One of our
three Manhattan offices is located very close to the World Trade Center,
within the area that is now closed off, and it is being used as one of
several crisis centers.

* One reaction to this atrocity is an immediate demand for extra
security until the situation becomes clearer. This demand is related
above all to the U.S., but also to several countries in Europe. We are
assisting with all the resources we have, and many people are working
long overtime hours.

* Burns' subsidiary, Globe Security, takes care of passenger
checks for American Airlines at Boston's airport. There is nothing to
indicate that checks were not performed correctly, in accordance with
our instructions. The information available to date regarding the
"weapons" that were used - "pen knives and box cutters"- also indicates
that no forbidden weapons were carried on board by passengers. Our
contract with American Airlines binds us to confidentiality and specific
inquiries should be made to the FBI.

q There is speculation in the media and the world of finance
regarding the effects of this atrocity on Securitas. Suggestions range
from presumed large claims for damages to fantastic business deals as a
result of an increased requirement for security. We are gathering our
resources in order to help in any way we can in the immediate crisis and
will not take part in any form of speculation. We have delivered
security and handled associated risks for 150 years and have learned
that prosperity grows better in a peaceful world than in a world at war
that is terror-filled. It is prosperity that in its turn generates
demand for our services.

No individual or single organization alone can fight evil or change the
world. But we can all do something. Our responsibility in Securitas is
to continue to strive to deliver first-rate security and by doing that,
make our contribution to a better future.

Further information can be obtained from Thomas Berglund, President and
CEO, Amund Skarholt, Deputy CEO, or Håkan Winberg, Executive Vice
President and CFO,
tel +44 20 8432 6500.