Biesterfeld AG Hamburg looks back on year 2009

Biesterfeld achieves good result in 2009 – despite worldwide economic crisis

The Biesterfeld Group - in the difficult economic environment of 2009 - registered sales of 655 Mio. € and an EBIT of € 20 Mio. €, with both figures substantially below previous year. Net income for 2009, however, was fully achieved as planned.

The business development of 2009 was considerably influenced by the worldwide crisis and connected herewith a sharp drop in demand. This development began already in the 4th quarter of 2008 und continued in the first and second quarter of 2009. Demand increased again during the latter half of the year but did not reach prior year's levels. A slow but steady recovery of the business was recorded through the end of the year and gained momentum during first quarter of 2010.

For the current year Biesterfeld counts on a solid recovery of the economy although the level before the crisis will not be achieved yet. The company is confident to emerge stronger than before from this crisis.

For Biesterfeld Plastic, the polymer distribution unit, 2009 was a real challenge due to the global crisis. Especially the automotive sector, one of the most important customer groups, was struck by a significant reduction in demand. The industries of consumer goods as well as electrical appliances and packaging which seemed to continue quite strong at the beginning of the crisis registered a weaker demand in the course of 2009. Starting in the third quarter of 2009 a steady recovery led to a sizeable sales increase again, resulting overall in a satisfactory annual result for Biesterfeld Plastic.

Biesterfeld Spezialchemie, the Group's specialty chemicals distribution unit, achieved a very successful year 2009 in spite of the general setback in economic activity. Due to the diversification of this business unit, strong marketing of the product portfolio in a multitude of industries and diverse applications, results in 2009 virtually equalled prior year's. The acquisition of 85 % of the Polish company Milar Sp. z o. o. gave additional impetus to the European organisation by expanding the product portfolio of the Performance Products division thus achieving additional sales growth in nearly all European markets.

The business unit Biesterfeld International achieved good results in 2009, despite the crisis. Although the results of the outstanding years 2007 and 2008 were not matched, in the context of the medium-term development of Biesterfeld International, 2009 proved to be a quite satisfactory year.

Biesterfeld AG is the strategic holding company of the Biesterfeld Group enjoying more than 100 years’ tradition in the chemicals business. The company is one of the leading enterprises in chemicals and plastics distribution with over 50 locations world-wide in Germany, Europe, the Americas, as well as in Asia. The family-owned company will continue to focus on steady profitable growth.


For further questions please contact:
Dr. Nicole Hamelau
Phone: +49 (0) 40 / 32008-344
Fax: +49 (0) 40 / 32008-478
n.hamelau@biesterfeld.com
Biesterfeld AG
Ferdinandstrasse 41
20095 Hamburg
www.biesterfeld.com