In the first half of 2009, Gerresheimer AG achieved sales at the prior year level despite the continuing worldwide economic crisis. This result was mainly attributable to sales growth for pharmaceutical packaging and systems, with which Gerresheimer today makes more than 70% of Group sales. In contrast, sales declines were recorded in the more cyclical segments of cosmetics and laboratory glassware. In comparison with the prior year, sales in Q2/2009 declined by 4.3% on a nominal basis to EUR 264.4M &, excluding the Technical Plastics business just sold, by 2.2% to EUR 251.6M. The operating margin (adjusted EBITDA margin) excluding the business just sold reached a high level in Q2/09 at 18.9%. For the year as a whole, Gerresheimer expects the sales trend excluding Technical Plastics to be +1% to -3% with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 18.0% to 18.5%.
