The decision by the Norwegian economic crime authority to indict Ola Rollén, Hexagon’s President and CEO, on insider trading charges stemming from investments unrelated to Hexagon doesn’t change sentiments. For Ola Rollén and Hexagon, it’s business as usual. The Board continues to confirm its trust and support in Rollén, stating that he will continue as Hexagon’s President and CEO.
“I speak on behalf of the Board and everyone else who has given Ola fantastic support throughout this entire process – from his family to the Hexagon employee and shareholder base – that we stand united with Ola to see this ordeal through to the end,” said Melker Schörling, Hexagon’s Chairman of the Board. “I’m confident that the charges brought against Ola will be righted in the courts.”
Gun Nilsson, Hexagon’s Vice Chairman of the Board, and the Board stand firmly behind the expression of confidence given by Schörling. “It is without a doubt that Ola will continue as President and CEO during this period with the Board’s full support,” says Nilsson. “His handling of this frustrating ordeal and focus on Hexagon throughout this process show that he is an extraordinary leader.”
Ola Rollén’s lawyers, Christian B. Hjort and Erik Keiserud, issued the following statement: “We are disappointed in today’s decision. We believe that the case against Ola Rollén is based on a misconception of the rules that apply. We remain convinced that the court will recognise there is no case against him.”
“I will continue to lead Hexagon with full force for as long as the Board and our shareholders want me to,” said Ola Rollén. “At this point the case is in the hands of my lawyers and will not distract me from fulfilling my duties as President and CEO for Hexagon.”
Webcast and conference call
The series of facts and conclusions that have led to the Board’s unwavering support for Ola Rollén will be presented on an audio webcast and conference call tomorrow 16 March at 10:00 CET (in English). Ola Rollén, Gun Nilsson, Christian B. Hjort (Rollén’s lawyer), Hans Strandberg and Olle Kullinger (attorneys hired on behalf of Hexagon’s Board), and Knut Bergo (Norway’s leading expert on insider trading) will be available for questions.
