Press release 30 June 2010
DNA Ltd reached an agreement with Sanoma on 31 May to purchase Welho’s business operations. The Finnish Competition Authority approved the sale today. The service portfolio of Welho and DNA will expand, and the development of content services gains new momentum.
With the authorities’ approval, the business transaction between DNA Ltd and Sanoma has green light, and Welho will be incorporated into DNA Ltd on 1st July 2010.
This business transaction will combine the resources of two powerful companies: Welho has a tight grip on the fixed-network business in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, while DNA is one of the major nationwide telecommunications service providers, with a market share of 25%, as well as the leading fixed-network service provider in the Oulu, Lahti, Turku, Pori, and Kuopio regions.
After the transaction, DNA will have some three million customers, almost 600,000 of whom have cable television subscriptions. This will make DNA a leading TV operator.
New and improved content services
Despite the change in ownership, it will be business as usual for Welho’s existing customers: they can use Welho services as before. With two powerful companies coming together, DNA and Welho customers will benefit from a more extensive service portfolio and superior customer service. DNA has the most satisfied mobile communication and Welho the most satisfied broadband communication customers.*
‘We will continue to focus on providing excellent customer service and user-friendly, high-quality services to our customers. Together, DNA and Welho have a wide and diverse service portfolio and we will also work on developing new content services alongside Sanoma,’ says Riitta Tiuraniemi, president and CEO of DNA Ltd.
DNA currently employs some 800 people, while Welho employs around 200. Welho’s personnel will transfer to the employ of DNA as existing employees. The business transaction will have no immediate impact on the personnel.
* International EPSI Rating study, 2009.
Sources of further information:
Riitta Tiuraniemi, President & CEO, DNA Ltd, at tel. +358 290 996 201
Ilkka Pitkänen, CFO, DNA Ltd, at tel. +358 44 044 4001
DNA Corporate Communications, at tel. +358 44 044 8000, viestinta(a)dna.fi