Heidelberg Presents Figures for First Six Months of Financial Year

As at September 30, 2006, the Heidelberg Group had a workforce of 19,093 worldwide (previous year: 18,774). Some 300 new employees were added to the workforce during the first six months of the year.

Increased sales and results in the divisions in the first half year

In the Press Division (offset printing), sales rose to 1.423 billion Euro in the first six months (previous year: 1.330 billion Euro). Incoming orders in the period under review amounted to 1.762 billion Euro (previous year: 1.557 billion Euro). The result of operating activities in the first half year totaled 96 million Euro (previous year: 64 million Euro).

In the Postpress Division (finishing), half-yearly sales were 186 million Euro (previous year: 174 million Euro). Incoming orders were 215 million Euro (previous year: 178 million Euro). The result of operating activities achieved break-even (previous year: minus two million Euro).

Sales in the EMEA, North America, Latin America and Eastern Europe regions in the first half year exceeded the comparable figures for the previous year. In the Asia/Pacific region, sales figures were almost on a par with the high levels of the previous year. The temporary suspension of the tax exemption in China had a decelerating effect on incoming orders and sales.

Outlook for financial year 2006/2007 confirmed

For financial year 2006/2007, the company anticipates that sales will be around five percent up on financial year 2005/2006. Heidelberg plans to increase its result of operating activities to around ten percent of sales during the current financial year.

Additional transfer of funding to Heidelberg Pension Trust e.V.

Thanks to an additional funding of 50 million Euro, Heidelberg was able to reduce pension provisions in its balance sheet as at September 30, 2006 to 148 million Euro. At the end of the first half year 2006/07, the Heidelberg pension fund totaled around 520 million Euro. The Management Board, as already reported, had decided back in February 2006 to transfer the funding of pension obligations for existing and retired employees through a Contractual Trust Arrangement (CTA).