Von Roll: Successful first half-year 2008 highlights Von Roll's growth strategy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ots.CorporateNews transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer is responsible for
the content of this announcement.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

finances/Half- year results

Au / ZH (euro adhoc) - 4 August 2008

- Sales up 12% to CHF 343 million
- Operating income up 21% to CHF 34 million
- EBIT margin target of 10% achieved
- Outlook confirmed for the whole of 2008

Von Roll Holding AG, one of Switzerland's longest established
companies, has demonstrated its strong growth potential with a
successful first half-year 2008. The Swiss global market leader in
insulation products was able to increase sales by 12% to CHF 343
million in the first six months of the current year. Adjusted for
currency effects, sales rose by as much as 19%. Order intake also
showed double-digit growth of 11% to CHF 382 million compared to the
first half-year 2007. The operating income (EBIT) was up 21% on the
previous year to CHF 34 million, thus achieving the EBIT margin
target of 10%. The net income / profit after tax improved by 22% to
CHF 28 million.

Thomas Limberger, CEO of Von Roll, said "Our growth strategy is so
solid that we have grown twice as strongly as the market. Our
expertise in implementing operational measures has enabled us to
significantly increase our first-half results compared to the
previous year."

Both business units on a successful path

Both business units, Electrical and Industrial, have contributed to
Von Roll's growth. The crucial factors contributing to this growth
were the continuous streamlining of production and sales processes as
well as the new products that were extremely well accepted by the
market.

Around 1,500 employees in the Electrical unit contributed to sales of
CHF 257 million, a 10% increase on the previous year. The operating
income of this segment improved by 14% to CHF 28 million. The
ever-increasing worldwide need for electricity will continue to lead
to an ongoing demand for Von Roll products and efficient solutions
for generating power.

The Industrial unit generated sales of CHF 86 million, representing a
year-on-year increase of 17%. The operating income improved above
average by 29% to CHF 8 million compared to the same period in the
previous year. There is every reason to believe that sales and profit
in the second half-year will also remain above the level of the
previous year. Thanks to the measures introduced to increase
productivity and profitability, all production sites are profitable
again for the first time in years. Furthermore, numerous innovations
for the future use of alternative raw materials have also been
launched and promoted.

Asia remains a growth engine

At 53% growth, adjusted for currency effects, following the
acquisition of Shenzhen Mica in China, Von Roll has secured itself an
excellent position on the Asian market. Good relations with key
customers in Europe and the USA are important for the rapidly
increasing number of contracts in Asia.

On the American continent, Von Roll was able to record 24% growth
adjusted for currency effects. The optimisation of sales processes
and of the cost of production sites, as well as market share
expansion, particularly in South America, contributed to this success
in the first half-year.

Von Roll continued to strengthen its position as the market leader in
Europe's high-voltage market. Despite the general downward economic
trend in Western Europe, the chemical legislation REACH prompted a
boom specific to the area where Von Roll is active with its
environmentally friendly resins and varnishes. This enabled the
company to increase its sales in Europe by 9% adjusted for currency
effects.

Bank formation on schedule

Preparations for the announced formation of a bank are running
according to plan. Subject to the approval of the Swiss Federal
Banking Commission, the bank is scheduled to start operations in
early 2009. Shareholders of Von Roll Holding AG will be offered
shares in the bank proportionally to their previous shareholdings.
Once the transaction has been completed, Von Roll Holding AG plans to
keep no more than 5% of its shares in the bank.

Positive outlook for 2008 confirmed

The positive half-year results form the foundation for the
implementation of Von Roll's dual growth strategy. The Electrical and
Industrial units will continue to grow and active portfolio
management will become a key strategic pillar. The Von Roll portfolio
is to be expanded through acquisitions focusing on key technologies,
which will play an increasingly important role due to the global
trends "demographic change" and "urbanisation".

Thomas Limberger said, "We are convinced that our growth strategy
will be successful. Thus we will continue to build on our recent
business development in the second half-year. As far as the next few
months are concerned, we are extremely optimistic and confirm our
positive outlook for the whole year 2008."

The conference call and the chart presentation will be broadcast live
at 10.00 a.m. CET under
http://vonroll040808-live.cyber-presentation.de.

About Von Roll Holding AG: As one of Switzerland's longest
established industrial companies, Von Roll Holding AG focuses on
products and systems for power generation. Von Roll is the global
market leader in insulation products, systems and services and is
represented at 32 locations in 18 countries with around 3,000
employees.

This press release is based on information currently available.
Unforeseeable risks and influences may lead to discrepancies in the
details provided here. Rounding differences may result in
discrepancies in the published figures.

end of announcement euro adhoc
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ots Originaltext: Von Roll Holding AG
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Further inquiry note:

Contact:

Sven Ohligs, Head of Corporate Communications,

T: +41 (0)44 204 3031, F: +41 (0)44 204 3039, E: press@vonroll.com

Branche: Misc. Industrials
ISIN: CH0003245351
WKN: 324535
Index: SPI, Midcap Market Index
Börsen: SWX Swiss Exchange / official dealing