Corporate | 11 October 2005 13:26

Ludwig Beck AG: Turnover higher than last year – continuing trend to growth

Corporate-news transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. —————————————————————————— Munich, October 11, 2005 – LUDWIG BECK (ISIN DE0005199905) continued its positive development in turnover within the first nine months of the year on a like for like basis. Gross turnover amounts to 68.5 (67.9) million EUR. This corresponds to an absolute development of 0.9 %. Adjusted to sales area this means an increase of 2.6%. Within the third quarter (July 1st – September 30th 2005) – with sales revenue of 24.8 (24.3) million EUR – a 5.5 % increase in turnover adjusted to sales area could be achieved, even though there was one day less for sales compared to the same period last year. After a restrained start into the third quarter in July dynamics in turnover increased clearly within the months of August and September. LUDWIG BECK still continues to distance from the development in the textile sector. While up to now the sector ranges in the area of -2.0% on an accumulated basis, LUDWIG BECK shows a positive increase in turnover. Reorganisation within the departments with the aim of better approaching designated target groups clearly shows positive effects in turnover and earnings. Compared to September 30th, 2004 the Group is running 13 stores (previous year 19). In the third quarter the store in Hechingen was closed by August 31st 2005. The stores in Kuchen and Memmingen will be closed by December 31st 2005. Due to this enjoyable development within the first nine months of the year LUDWIG BECK is looking forward to the important fourth quarter. A successful autumn and Christmas trade will contribute to break even. The detailed report for the first 9 months of 2005 will be published on October 28th, 2005. End of announcement (c)DGAP 11.10.2005 —————————————————————————— WKN: 519990; ISIN: DE0005199905; Index: Listed: Amtlicher Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard) und München; Freiverkehr in Berlin-Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg und Stuttgart 111326 Okt 05