Bekaert - First quarter trading update 2009

Summary:
 
Bekaert reports stable consolidated sales
Volume drop offset by integration of Latin American entities and
currency movements
 
Bekaert's first quarter consolidated sales were stable in comparison
with the first quarter of an exceptional 2008, with strong
differences between regions. Weak market demand in EMEA and North
America drove an organic sales decline of 14.3%. This was fully
offset by the integration of Prodac (Peru) and Ideal Alambrec
(Ecuador) in Latin America, which added 6.5%, and the positive impact
of currency movements, which contributed 7.7%.[1]
Combined sales[2] decreased 12.7% in comparison with the first
quarter of last year. This was a result of lower market demand that
was reflected in an organic decline of 15.0%, slightly tempered by
favorable exchange rate differences of 2.3%.
 
[1] All comparisons are made relative to the first quarter sales of
2008, which have been readjusted according to the new segment
reporting.
The figures in this press release are provisional and unaudited.
[2]  Combined sales are sales of consolidated companies plus 100% of
sales of joint ventures and associates after intercompany
elimination.
 
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