Ad-hoc | 31 August 2001 06:30

ORBIS AG english

Ad-hoc-announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– Orbis reports half-year revenues increase of 57 per cent Saarbrücken, 30 August 2001 – During the first half of 2001, Orbis AG (WKN 522 877; Neuer Markt) achieved sales of 16.7 million EUR, corresponding to an increase by 57 per cent as compared to the same period in 2000. While growth was particularly strong in the Consulting Unit, which achieved earnings of 12.7 million EUR, a year-on-year rise of 91 per cent, sales in the Solutions Unit were only slightly higher than at this time last year. Due to the company’s growth the overall costs rose by 59% to approximately 21 million EUR. Taking operating income into account the operating result (EBIT) in the first six months of 2001 amounted to -3.7 million EUR, compared to -2 mil- lion EUR in the first six months of last year. The rise in operating costs was caused mainly by the increase in staff, totalling 414 as of 30 June 2001, com- pared to 293 at this time last year, as well as the expansion and integration of new companies and branch offices. Moreover, substantial expenses associated with the conversion of Orbis to a stock corporation and stock exchange listing costs were incurred for the first time in contrast to the same period of 2000. The half-year result after taxes and minority interest amounted to -2.2 million EUR as compared to the previous year figure of -1.6 million EUR. The 2001 goals of consolidating the company and boosting profitability that we announced at the beginning of the year and confirmed at the AGM will remain in effect. Suitable action intended to improve Orbis’ earnings situation and strengthen our market position as an e-business solution provider have already been launched to achieve these objectives. For additional information please contact ORBIS AG, Investor Relations, Olivier Schmidt-Berteau Phone-+49-681-99 24 999, Fax -+49-681-99 24 101 ir-orbis@orbis.de end of ad-hoc-announcement (c)DGAP 31.08.2001 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 522 877; Index: Listed: Neuer Markt in Frankfurt; Freiverkehr in Berlin, Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, München, Hannover und Stuttgart 310630 Aug 01