Kirn, 31 July 2009. The SIMONA Group has proved robust during the current economic crisis. A significant downturn in orders from the core sectors of chemicals and mechanical engineering resulted in a severe decline in revenue. Despite this situation, however, the Group managed to achieve positive earnings, supported by a timely package of streamlining measures as well as the company's solid market position. In the first six months of 2009 the SIMONA Group generated revenue of EUR 106.3 million, corresponding to a decline of 32.3 per cent compared to the very solid first half of 2008, when sales revenue stood at EUR 157.1 million. As Wolfgang Moyses, Chief Executive Officer, today told the Annual General Meeting, pre-tax earnings amounted to EUR 3.5 million (prev. year: EUR 13.5 million).

Further details will be published on 26 August 2009 as part of the interim report for the first half.