Graefelfing/Munich, 10 December 2009

According to preliminary figures, the Hoenle Group earned sales revenues of T€ 11,374 in the fourth quarter (PY: T€ 15,857). The operating result (EBIT) came to T€ -1,872 (PY: T€ 821), and the consolidated result was T€ -2,427 (PY: T€ 619).
Special one-off effects that reduced income by the amount of T€ -1,861 in the fourth quarter were mainly associated with restructuring and the integration of the new companies. Excluding the one-off effects, the Hoenle Group’s operating result was balanced in the fourth quarter.

The Hoenle Group’s sales revenues declined from T€ 48,744 in the financial year 2007/2008 (annualised T€ 67,588) to T€ 44,985 in financial year 2008/2009, and the operating result dropped from T€ 5,630 in the previous year to T€ -3,938 in the year under review. In the same period the pretax result fell from T€ 5,908 to T€ -4,073, and the consolidated result from T€ 4,569 to T€ -4,083. Earnings per share decreased from € 0.79 to € -0.76.

The Hoenle Group’s liquid assets amounted to T€ 3,158 as at 30 September 2009. The liquid assets, financial assets and own shares portfolio (market value as at 30 September 2009) totalled T€ 5,061. The equity ratio stood at 65.6 %.

Outlook:
Hoenle successfully integrated the newly acquired companies in financial year 2008/2009 and, in so doing, significantly extended the basis for strong earnings growth. Extensive action plans were systematically implemented so that, as from sales of € 42 million, a positive result is expected in financial year 2009/2010. As a consequence, the Hoenle Group is well positioned even in an economically difficult environment.

The orders position improved in all corporate segments at the end of the financial year. Both incoming orders and the orders on hand were above the previous quarters. It is particularly satisfactory that positive development is also recognisable in the offset and digital printing segment.
Hoenle expects an increase in sales revenues in the first quarter, in comparison with the previous quarter, and an operating result of between T€ 500 and T€ 1,000. It is difficult to forecast the whole year due to the uncertain development of the economy. Nevertheless Hoenle assumes for the financial year as a whole, further positive profit contributions in the following quarters even in light of a weak economic development.

Contact: Dr. Hönle AG, Peter Weinert, Lochhamer Schlag 1, 82166 Gräfelfing/Munich, Phone: 089-85 608-173, Fax: 089-85 608-148, peter.weinert@hoenle.de, www.hoenle.de.