Sanoma Corporation is investing FIM 456 million in new printing technology. Following this replacement investment, the printing quality, the four-colour printing capacity and the possibilities of Sanomala to introduce a flexible newspaper structure will be significantly improved. Also cost efficiency and productivity will improve.

The investment comprises two printing machines, an intermediate storing facility for mailing, and construction of a new printing hall at Sanomala, Vantaa, as well as the acquisition of new folder equipment for the Varkaus printing plant. The printing capacity of Sanoma Corporation's subsidiary Kymen Lehtimedia Oy as producer of printing to order was taken into consideration when deciding on the scope of the investment. The investment will not increase Sanomala?s capacity to produce printing work based on customers' orders.

The investment decision includes a provision for a production line for the Forssa printing unit and a printing machine for the Varkaus printing plant. These investments will be carried out if the currently negotiated printing co-operation agreements are finalised and other requirements are fulfilled.

The investment is in line with the development objectives of Helsingin Sanomat. The new printing machines can print an entire newspaper in four colours with parts whose size can be adjusted to the situation of the day. The different parts of the newspaper can also be focused to meet the needs of regional news coverage and sales of media space. A later publication deadline permits the inclusion of increasingly actual material. The new printing technology will thus respond to the demands of future editorial work and media sales.

Advance information on SanomaWSOY's result

Sanoma-WSOY Oyj will publish advance information on its 1999 pro forma financials on 3 March 2000 at 2.15 p.m., including net sales, operating profit, profit before extraordinary items and taxes, and earnings per share. The release on the financial statements will be published on 15 March 2000 at 1 p.m. as announced previously.

Sanoma-WSOY Oyj's Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 28 April 2000 at 10 a.m. in the Congress Wing of Finlandia Hall, Mannerheimintie 13, Helsinki.

SANOMA-WSOY OYJ


Raija Kariola
Vice President, Investor Relations and Group Communications

DISTRIBUTION: Helsinki Exchanges, principal media