Corporate | 10 January 2005 15:00

LUDWIG BECK closes 2004 with significant sales growth

Corporate-news announcement sent by DGAP. The sender is solely responsible for the contents of this announcement. —————————————————————————— LUDWIG BECK closes 2004 with significant sales growth – Sales in fiscal 2004 up by no less than 8% in year-on-year comparison. Munich, 10 January 2005 – Fiscal 2004 saw LUDWIG BECK (ISIN DE 0005199905) increase turnover significantly, with gross sales up by no less than EUR 7.4 million to EUR 100.3 million, in other words by 8% in comparison with the fiscal 2003 figure of EUR 92.9 million. Adjusted by floor area, turnover rose by 2.4%, with sales growth of 0.6% in the first six months and 3.8% in the second half of the year. This was in contrast to the general trend in the textile sector, where, according to provisional calculations by “TextilWirtschaft”, the German trade journal, sales fell by 3% in 2004. The positive turnover trend and the continued success of LUDWIG BECK’s corporate strategy are the results of an increasingly satisfying course of business in 2004, above all in the second half of the year, with lively seasonal business in November and December providing additional impetus. The measures initiated by the Management Board showed their effects, and the customers themselves evidently got more pleasure and enjoyment again in terms of purchasing and giving presents. As regards 2005, LUDWIG BECK is confident of maintaining its positive business trend, especially where its activities in Munich are concerned, driven by successful corporate strategy and a slight improvement in the overall economic situation. Detailed figures on fiscal 2004 are scheduled for publication on 17 March 2005. Contact: Barbara Gruber (Press) Tel. +49 89 23691-669, Fax +49 89 23691-606 Jens Schott (Investor Relations) Tel. +49 89 23691-798, Fax +49 89 23691-600 end of message, (c)DGAP 10.01.2005 —————————————————————————— WKN: 519990; ISIN: DE0005199905; Index: Listed: Amtlicher Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard) und München; Freiverkehr in Berlin-Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg und Stuttgart 101500 Jän 05