Wuppertal, 25 May 2012 – GESCO Group generated record sales and earnings in financial year 2011/2012 (1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012). According to the as yet unapproved figures, Group sales soared by around 24 % to € 415.4 million (previous year: € 335.2 million). Group net income after minority interest rose even more steeply with at least 48 %, reaching € 22.6 million (€ 15.3 million).

These figures slightly exceed the last increased guidance from February 2012, which forecast Group sales of € 410 million and Group net income after minority interest of € 22 million.

The dividend is also expected to hit a record level: based on the preliminary figures, the Executive Board assumes a dividend proposal of € 2.90 per share. This would correspond to a 45 % rise compared to the previous year’s figure of € 2.00 per share.

The financial statements for 2011/2012 and the guidance for financial year 2012/2013 will be announced at the accounts press conference and analysts’ meeting on 28 June 2012.