RAPALA'S NEW SUFIX 832 FISHING LINE AWARDED IN THE USA

22. Juli 2010 Rapala VMC Corporation Press Release July 22, 2010 at 2.00 p.m. Rapala VMC Corporations's (Rapala) new braided line, SufixÂ® 832 has been honored with the Best Line Award at the 2010 International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) in Las Vegas, US. ICAST is the most important fishing tackle show that gathers together all the key parties of the fishing tackle industry worldwide. Â The show takes place annually at mid-July. Rapala, one of the leading fishing tackle companies in the world and Yao I, one of the leading manufacturers in precision-engineered superior premium fishing line - in partnership with GoreÂ®, the makers of Gore-TexÂ® Fabrics, has created a brand new breakthrough in fishing line technology: Sufix 832. Six years in development, Sufix 832 allows anglers for the first time to have a fishing line designed with all of the characteristics to match any application worldwide. Superiority of Sufix 832 is comprised of three main technology features. The first is DyneemaÂ® fibers, which contribute to the small diameter, high strength and sensitivity of the fishing line. Secondly, the GoreÂ® Performance Fibers add improved abrasion resistance, noise and vibration reduction, along with improved casting length and accuracy. Lastly, the R8 Precision Braiding and fiber technology developed by Yao I add superior strength, roundness and line consistency. Formulated with eight fibers - seven DyneemaÂ® and one GoreÂ® - at 32 pics (weaves) per inch, Sufix 832 is the only fishing line to combine both DyneemaÂ® and GoreÂ® polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) fibers. "The composition of these two fibers coming together creates the strongest, most abrasion-resistant, fastest-sinking, UV-protected, roundest fishing line on the market," says Lars Ollberg, Head of Rapala's Accessory and Fishing Line Business. "We're excited to see the quality of Sufix 832 recognized with the Best Line Award." Rapala acquired the Sufix brand in 2008 from the Taiwanese Yao I, with whom Rapala has an exclusive supply agreement for fishing lines. More information on Sufix 832 line can be found at www.sufix.com. RAPALA VMC CORPORATION Jorma Kasslin Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Lars Ollberg, Head of Accessory and Fishing Line Business, tel. +358 9 7562 540 Jorma Kasslin, Chief Executive Officer, tel. +358 9 7562 540 Jouni GrÃ¶nroos Chief Financial Officer, tel. +358 9 7562 540 Olli Aho, Company Counsel, tel. +358 9 7562 540 Distribution: Main media Rapala VMC Corporation is a leading fishing tackle company and the global market leader in fishing lures, treble hooks and fishing related knives and tools. The Group also has a strong global position in other fishing categories and it is one of the leading distributors of outdoor, hunting and winter sport products in the Nordic countries. The Group has the largest distribution network in the industry. The main manufacturing facilities are located in Finland, France, Estonia, Russia and China. The Group brand portfolio includes the leading brand in the industry, Rapala, and other global brands like VMC, Storm, Blue Fox, Luhr Jensen, Williamson, Marttiini and Sufix. The Group, with net sales of EUR 235 million in 2009, employs more than 2 000 people in 31 countries. Rapala's share is listed and traded on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki stock exchange since 1998. [HUG#1433406] Sufix_832_ Image: http://hugin.info/120091/R/1433406/379277.jpg Press_release_Rapalas_Sufix_832_Line_Awarded: http://hugin.info/120091/R/1433406/379280.pdf This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. All reproduction for further distribution is prohibited. Source: Rapala VMC Oyj via Thomson Reuters ONE