Kesko the best in its sector in the Dow Jones sustainability indexes

For the third year in succession, Kesko was included in the Dow Jones sustainability indexes. This year the work done by Kesko for corporate responsibility was rated the best in the sector (retailing) both in the European (DSJI STOXX) and the world (DJSI World) indexes. Previously, Kesko has not been included in the world index. Kesko's performance has improved in all areas of responsibility. The best ratings were given to Kesko in procedures concerning economic responsibility, in environmental efficiency, enhancement of human capital, stakeholder co-operation and corporate responsibility reporting.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI World), established in 1999, is the first international index to measure sustainable development. In 2001, the Dow Jones index family enlarged when the DJSI STOXX Index was established to measure the performance of European listed companies.

This year 317 companies from 24 countries were accepted for the global Dow Jones index (DJSI World), and 156 companies from 12 countries for the European index (DJSI STOXX). The companies have been classified in ”Supersectors”, 18 in all, and in smaller subsectors (such as general retailing, food retailing), of which there are 55 in the European index and 58 in the world index. The assessment was carried out by an independent party, SAM Group of Switzerland. As in previous years, the review covered all areas of corporate responsibility: environmental affairs and the economic and social responsibility of the company.

According to SAM Group, this year's review shows that the work done for sustainable development has now expanded to cover nearly all sectors of economy. Corporate transparency has improved, sustainability indicators are increasingly linked to economic performance and the importance of human capital to the success of companies is more emphasised. However, there is still scope for improvement in many areas.

As only some of the companies assessed qualify for the world and European indexes, Kesko’s achievement can be considered as major recognition of the systematic work over many years in the area of corporate responsibility.

Further information:
Jukka Pokki, Investor Relations Manager, tel. +358 1053 22645
Jouko Kuisma, Head of Corporate Responsibility, tel. +358 1053 23140
www.sustainability-indexes.com