MOLKA OJSC (‘Angarsky Milk Plant’) is the most famous milk processing plants in the region with a 50-year history and a rich tradition. The designed capacity of the enterprise is 150 tons of milk processed per day. The purchase of MOLKA allows Wimm-Bill-Dann to strengthen its position in a strategically important region and continue its expansion in the Siberian market. By having its own enterprise in Irkutsk region, the company gains the ability to optimize logistical expenditures by eliminating the need for long-distance transport of products between regions. In the near future, Wimm-Bill-Dann plans to make products under its own brands at MOLKA.
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For further enquiries contact:
Marina KaganHead of Public AffairsWimm-Bill-Dann Foods OJSC13 Solyanka St., Bld. 2, Moscow,109028 RussiaPhone: +7 495 105 5205Fax:+7 495 7339725e-mail: kagan@wbd.ru
Anton SaraikinPress SecretaryWimm-Bill-Dann Foods OJSC13 Solyanka St., Bld. 2, Moscow,109028 RussiaPhone: +7 495 105 5805 (ext. 1699)Fax:+7 495 1055800e-mail: saraikinAS@wbd.ru
Some of the information contained in this press release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods OJSC, as defined in the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.We wish to caution you that these statements are only predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially.We do not intend to update these statements to conform them to actual results.We refer you to the documents Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods OJSC files from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically, the Company's most recent Form 20-F.These documents contain and identify important factors, including those contained in the section captioned “Risk Factors” in our Form 20-F, that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements, including, among others, potential fluctuations in quarterly results, and risks associated with our competitive environment, acquisition strategy, ability to develop new products or maintain market share, brand and company image, operating in Russia, volatility of stock price, financial risk management, and future growth.
ABOUT WIMM-BILL-DANN OJSC
Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods OJSC is a leading manufacturer of dairy products and beverages in Russia. The company was founded in 1992.
The Company currently owns 34 manufacturing facilities in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), as well as trade affiliates in 26 cities in Russia and the CIS.
Wimm-Bill-Dann has a diversified branded portfolio with over 1,000 types of dairy products and over 150 types of juice, nectars and still drinks. The company currently employs over 18,000 people.
On May 18, 2006, Standard & Poor’s Governance Services announced the upgrade of WBD’s Corporate Governance Score (CGS) from 7 to 7+ (from 7.3 and 7.7 accordingly on the Russian national scale), which makes the Company’s score the highest rating in Russia. The increase in the score reflects the effective work of the Board of Directors and, in particular, the real influence of independent directors in the decision-making process and the adherence of the controlling shareholders to the highest standards of corporate governance.