AMSTERDAM, 18/12/04 - PinkRoccade is to discuss a possible takeover by fellow automation company Ordina after all. Its large shareholders had pushed for this.

Ordina is willing to pay 350 million euros for PinkRoccade, whose own preference is for a bid by Getronics worth 338 million euros. But PinkRoccade's major shareholders (the Dutch State, ING, Delta Lloyd, Fortis ASR and Aegon) consider it must also take Ordina's bid seriously.

Because the "discussion of principle" with the shareholders is causing much unrest in the company, management has now decided to get around the table with Ordina, PinkRoccade announced Friday. The company now sees "room" to talk with Ordina, even though last month it predicted a takeover by Getronics could be finalised in December or January.

Getronics is understanding about the concession made by PinkRoccade to its shareholders. It is not planning to raise its bid. Ordina director R. Kasteel has "high expectations" of a meeting at which he plans to explain the bid and the financial structure.

PinkRoccade's Central Works Council (COR) supports management in its preference for Getronics. The COR says the shareholders' request is endangering PinkRoccade's competitive position. Getronics offers the best guarantees for employment, according to the works council.

Getronics is also the best candidate in the eyes of the unions. Ordina has no collective labour accord (CAO) and does not do business with unions. Additionally, Getronics and PinkRoccade are more complementary, the unions consider. ?