Surge in growth at GESCO: Earnings per share of € 5.92, Dividend proposal of € 2.42

27.05.2008

Wuppertal, 27 May 2008 – The Prime Standard-listed investment holding company GESCO AG enjoyed strong growth in the financial year 2007/2008 (1 April 2007 – 31 March 2008). According to unaudited figures, Group sales rose by 24% to around € 333 million (previous year: € 268 million). Group net income after minority interests showed above average improvement of 34% reaching € 17.9 million (previous year: € 13.3 million), which represents earnings per share of € 5.92 (previous year: € 4.83) according to IFRS. GESCO Group was able to achieve record results for the fourth year in succession.

On the basis of the preliminary figures, the Executive Board is assuming a proposed dividend of € 2.42 per share. This consists of a basic dividend of € 2.20 plus a 10% bonus of € 0.22 to mark the 10 year anniversary of the company’s IPO. The previous year’s dividend amounted to € 1.50 per share.

The financial statements for the 2007/2008 financial year and the forecast for the 2008/2009 financial year will be presented at the accounts press conference on 26 June 2008.