Hal acquires optical retail chain in Norway

On February 3th, Pearle Europe B.V., a 98.7% subsidiary of Hal Holding N.V., entered into an agreement for the acquisition of 100% of the shares in Optikk Norge A/S.

The company provides services to more than 80 stores in Norway operating under the Interoptik brand name. The stores have annual system-wide sales of approximately € 65 million. As part of the transaction, the Interoptik stores will enter into a franchise agreement with Optikk Norge A/S.

The transaction is subject to anti-trust approval and due diligence. It is expected that the acquisition will close during the second quarter of 2006.