On January 6, 2006, preliminary approval of the proposed settlement
of a securities class action in the United States against the Dutch
company, Royal Ahold, was granted by the United States District Court
for the District of Maryland. Under the terms of the agreement in the
securities class action suit, the lead plaintiffs agree to settle all
claims against Ahold in the securities class action for a sum of USD
1.1 billion. The settlement entails that those who purchased common
shares in Royal Ahold between July 30, 1999 and February 23, 2003 and
who still had these shares in their possession on February 24, 2003
("qualifying shares") can apply to participate in the largest part of
the amount allocated for the settlement (USD 1.1 billion).

Hakon Invest, which owned qualifying shares in Royal Ahold on
February 24, 2003, is following the settlement to ensure itself of
the opportunity to participate in the settlement. The size of the
amount depends on how many of the shareholders affected apply to
participate. In addition, the settlement could be terminated, if
holders of a specified number of shares opt out of the settlement.

Final approval of the settlement from the District Court for the
District of Maryland is expected during the second quarter of 2006.
Provided that final approval is granted in accordance with the
schedule, payments are expected to be made to the shareholders
included in the settlement during the first quarter of 2007. More
specific information regarding the amount of the settlement accruing
to Hakon Invest will be provided when all terms have been met,
preliminarily during the third quarter of 2006.

For further information, please contact:
General Counsel
Fredrik Hägglund
Tel: +46 8-553 39908

Head of Investor Relations
Pernilla Grennfelt
Tel: +46 8-553 39955

Hakon Invest, which is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange
(Stockholmsbörsen) O-list, conducts active and long-term investment
operations in retail-oriented companies in the Nordic region. Hakon
Invest owns 40% of ICA AB, the Nordic region's leading retail company
with focus on food. In addition, Hakon Invest owns 100% of the shares
in Forma Publishing Group, which is one of Sweden's largest
publishers. Further information about Hakon Invest is available at
www.hakoninvest.se