The Outokumpu Group has today published a stock exchange release regarding preliminary information on its full-year results for 2002.  AvestaPolarit will not separately comment on the stainless steel figures included in the Outokumpu release until its own annual accounts are announced. AvestaPolarit's results will be issued on 17 February, as previously announced.

Contact for further inquiries:

Hannele Öbrink, Manager - Investor Relations
Telephone: +358 9 5764 5547 or +46 70 652 1032
e-mail: hannele.obrink@avestapolarit.com