Ad-hoc | 23 March 2001 07:32

*vwd Ad-hoc-Service: TePla AG english

Ad hoc announcement processed and transmitted by DGAP. The issuer has the sole responsibility of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– Sales in 2000 increased significantly Feldkirchen, March 23, 2001: In the financial year 2000 TePla AG increased preliminary sales by 68 percent to approximately DM 31.0m. This includes fourth quarter sales of MetroLine Industries Inc., USA, which was acquired in October 2000. While the TePla Group (including TePla Inc. and TePla France) exceeded sales projections at DM 26.4m (+43 percent compared to previous year) by DM 1.0m, revenues at MetroLine Industries Inc. were slightly below expectations. This was attributable to the deferment of a large order to the first quarter of 2001. According to the individual financial statements (HGB), operating profit (EBIT) of TePla showed a positive development of DM 1.2m in 2000. On a consolidated basis the result suffered from integration and start up costs of MetroLine Industries, TePla France as well as TePla Inc.. In addition EBIT was reduced by R&D expenses, which amounted to DM 3.3m representing a 120 percent increase compared to the previous year. In total the TePla Group posted an EBIT of approximately DM -0.5m in 2000 (1999: DM 0.2m). The positive development of orders in hand in the first months of 2001 indicates further dynamic sales growth and a significant increase in profitability. Due to the restructuring measures introduced at MetroLine and the successful development of TePla France and TePla Inc., the company expects positive results for all subsidiaries in 2001. For 2001 the Group projects sales of DM 50.0m and an EBIT of approximately DM 2.0m. The detailed consolidated financial statements of TePla AG for the financial year 2000 will be released on March 29, 2001. The figures are presented at the annual press conference on April 2, 2001 in Munich. end of ad hoc announcement, (c) DGAP 23.03.2001 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 746100; Index: Listed: Neuer Markt in Frankfurt; Freiverkehr in Berlin, Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, München und Stuttgart 230732 Mär 01