Following a Record Year in 2008 Gerresheimer Again Sets its Sights on Substantial Grow...( DUSSELDORF Germany February 17 /- ...)

    DUSSELDORF, Germany, February 17 /PRNewswire/ --

    - Sales Grow by 10.7% to EUR1.06bn

    - Adjusted Earnings per Share Improves by 36.6% From EUR1.34 Euro to
      EUR1.83

    - Adjusted EBITDA Margin Rises From 19.0 to 19.5%

    - CEO Dr. Axel Herberg: "Following the record year in 2008 Gerresheimer
      again considers itself well equipped to meet the global challenges in
      2009 and is aiming for further substantial sales growth of 6% to 7% in
      the core business."

In 2008 Gerresheimer AG had another record year marked by important milestones, and achieved all its published objectives. The international Group with its main base in Dusseldorf, Germany, increased its sales by 10.7% (12.8% on a like-for-like exchange-rate basis) and thereby passed the billion euro mark. Operating results (Adjusted EBITDA) rose by 13.7% to EUR206.4m (prior year: EUR181.6m). The Adjusted EBITDA margin reached 19.5% in 2008 (prior year: 19%). There was a substantial improvement of 36.6% in adjusted earnings per share in the past financial year to EUR1.83 (prior year EUR1.34).

"Our strategy of internationalization and focus is bearing fruit," says Dr. Axel Herberg, CEO of Gerres-heimer AG. "Even in a phase of worldwide economic downturn, pharmaceutics and life science are still growth markets and, with its broad technology base and worldwide presence, Gerresheimer has a strong position here." The shareholders of Gerresheimer AG should participate in the success of Gerresheimer AG as in the prior year. The Management Board and Supervisory Board of Gerresheimer AG will therefore propose to the Shareholders' Meeting that a dividend of EUR0.40 per share is paid.

In December 2008, Gerresheimer AG was included in the second-largest German selection index MDax. This means increased visibility for our company on capital markets, and greater appeal for our shares.

Further substa
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