Ad-hoc | 27 April 2001 11:07

Ad hoc-Service: Rational AG english

Ad hoc announcement processed and transmitted by DGAP. The issuer has the sole responsibility of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– RATIONAL continues strong growth trend despite the slow-down in the global economy 19% sales growth in the first quarter Technology lead increased still further Capacity extension in Landsberg RATIONAL AG continued its dynamic growth in the first three months of 2001. Against the background of a slow-down in the global economy, group sales rose strongly by around 19% to EUR 36.5 million (EUR 30.8 million). The positive sales trend shows that RATIONAL products, which are highly cost-effective and so pay for themselves in just 4 – 12 months, have excellent sales potential even in economically difficult times. The technology lead and the competitiveness of our products have been enhanced even further by the introduction of internationally unique innovations in the first quarter. CombiCheck(R), an intelligent early-recognition system for faults with online troubleshooting, guarantees maximum operational reliability and lower service costs. The patented UltraVent(R) condensation exhaust system absorbs the steam and cooking smells produced during cooking, thereby doing away with the need for special air discharge installations. Rapidly increasing demand has prompted us to expand our production capacity from the current 20,000 appliances a year to 30,000 units. The new production facilities in Landsberg will be coming on stream shortly. For 2001, RATIONAL’s Managing Board expects planned sales growth of 15% to EUR 176 million and the planned 14% increase in EBIT to EUR 33 million to be achieved. Contact: RATIONAL AG Erich Baumgärtner Beatrix Melis Finance Director Investor Relations Phone: ++49/ 8191/ 327-0 Phone: ++49/ 8191/ 327-0 end of ad hoc announcement, (c) DGAP 27.04.2001 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 701 080; Index: SDax Listed: Geregelter Markt in Frankfurt (SMAX); Freiverkehr in Berlin, Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, München, Stuttgart 271107 Apr 01