Ad-hoc | 4 March 2002 20:06

Sartorius AG english

In 2001, the Sartorius Group Increases EBIT According to the IAS by 85% Ad-hoc-announcement processed and transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– In 2001, the Sartorius Group Increases EBIT According to the IAS by 85% Over the Previous Year’s Figure – The adjusted EBIT figure even increases 130% – Revenue and order intake also show positive development Following an initial review of results for 2001, the Sartorius Group boosted its earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) according to the International Accounting Standards (IAS) by 85% to EUR 13.7 million in a difficult economic climate. The comparable figure for the year-earlier period is EUR 7.4 million. Adjusted for special items of the upfront expenses for expanding the Vivascience/Biolab business area, the EBIT figure is EUR 17.0 million. This equals an increase of 130% compared with the year-earlier EBIT. In 2001, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose 36% to EUR 34.0 million from EUR 25.0 million the previous year. This positive earnings development can be attributed in particular to the lasting impact that the activities of the Biotechnology Task Force have had. As a result, overall earnings expectations were surpassed. In 2001, Sartorius Group revenue rose 9% to a new record level of EUR 449.3 million, up from the IAS figure calculated at EUR 414.1 million the previous year. Whereas the Biotechnology/Environmental Technology Divisions posted a sizeable gain in revenue of 18%, the Mechatronics Division improved its revenue by 1%. Adjusted for the impact of foreign currency, organic growth in revenue was 8%. The Sartorius Group’s order intake grew 10% to EUR 481.0 million. Therefore, the Group’s exceptionally ambitious overall growth targets were attained. The Executive Board will suggest to the Supervisory Board to pay dividends at the previous year’s levels, and therefore will continue to follow its dividend policy that focuses on continuity and consistency. During its meeting on March 15, 2002, the Supervisory Board will consider this proposal as well as the approval of the annual financial statements. The figures stated above are subject to the final audit of the independent auditing company. The final numbers will be reported on April 24, 2002, the date of the annual press conference. The Annual Shareholders’ Meeting will be held on June 19, 2002 in Goettingen, Germany. end of ad-hoc-announcement (c)DGAP 04.03.2002 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 716560; ISIN: DE0007165607; Index: SDax Listed: Amtlicher Handel in Frankfurt (SMAX), Hannover; Freiverkehr in Berlin, Hamburg 042006 Mär 02