Wuppertal, 26 May 2010 – Despite the severe recession in Germany and many export markets, GESCO Group can look back on a distinctly profitable financial year 2009/2010 (1 April 2009 – 31 March 2010). Figures are still unaudited, but for now show Group sales of € 277.7 million (previous year: € 378.4 million), Group net income after minority interests of € 8.9 million (previous year: € 21.6 million) and earnings per share according to IFRS of € 2.95 (previous year: € 7.16).

These figures fall within the forecast range published at the accounts press conference and analysts’ meeting in June 2009, which anticipated Group sales of between € 280 million and € 310 million and Group net income after minority interests between € 7.0 million and € 10.5 million. While actual sales stayed around the lower end of this range, net income came in around the middle of the expected range. The margins were therefore better than anticipated.

Based on these preliminary figures, the Executive Board expects a proposed dividend of € 1.30 per share. The Company distributed € 2.50 per share in the previous year.

The financial statements for 2009/2010 and forecast for the financial year 2010/2011 will be presented at the accounts press conference and analysts’ meeting on 29 June 2010.