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Masterflex SE: A Solid Start to 2013

DGAP-News: Masterflex SE / Key word(s): Quarter Results
Masterflex SE: A Solid Start to 2013

07.05.2013 / 08:10

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Masterflex SE: A Solid Start to 2013

* Q 1: Turnover of EUR 14.3 million

* Good international order volume

* Equity ratio now over 40 %

Gelsenkirchen, Germany, 7 May 2013 - The start of 2013 has been nearly
solid for Masterflex SE, the worldwide specialist for high-tech hoses and
connection systems. A turnover of EUR 14.3 million was achieved and is a
strong result compared to the previous year (EUR 14.5 million) especially
considering the lower number of actual working days. The declining sales in
Europe were compensated almost completely by the international sites in
Asia, USA and Russia.

Dr. Andreas Bastin, CEO: 'We are gradually gathering real momentum in those
areas, which we see as harbouring the lion's share of our growth in the
long term. For this reason, we are convinced that we can achieve our
forecast for 2013 with an above-average increase in turnover and a
double-digit EBIT margin. Because the general conditions for our business
have hardly changed: In Europe, the economy is stagnating due to the
continuing economic and financial discussions; whereas the rest of the
world is witnessing ever-increasing dynamics of growth'.

That's why the only publicly listed hose manufacturer invests with its
growing employee base in its international future, as well as in the
internal optimisation of integral processes. This is evident in the figures
compared to Q1/2012: The EBIT (Earnings before interest & taxes) is
reported as EUR 1.8 million (Q1/2012: EUR 2.1 million) and the EBIT margin
as 12.2 % (14.6 %). The investments are going to be successful: 'In the
meantime, we are happy with our good order volume and the first sustained
sales figures for Asia', summarized Bastin.

The second pillar of growth, innovation, is not neglected here. The first
quarter in 2013 saw the Group introduce a new multifunctional hose onto the
market under the brand name Masterflex. This new hose, resulting from the
further development of the renowned Master-PUR range, combines the
additional features 'anti-static' and 'microbe-resistant' in a single hose
as standard, as frequently requested by our customers. Even more product
developments are currently in the pipeline.

In addition, a new mid-term syndicated financing with a volume of up to EUR
40 million was agreed in early May of this year. This, in conjunction with