EANS-Adhoc: BENE AG / In consequence of challenging environment Bene implements work-time model.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ad-hoc disclosure transmitted by euro adhoc with the aim of a Europe-wide
distribution. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this
announcement.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

03.08.2009

- Broad approval by employees

Vienna / Waidhofen/Ybbs, August 3rd, 2009. As of August 1st, the Bene
AG implements a work-time model, which provides for a reduction in
working time to 80 % and a corresponding reduction in salary for all
salaried employees in Austria. The model forms part of the extensive
cost cutting and efficiency increase program and will lead to a
further significant relief in personnel costs in the second half-year
of 2009/10.

The new work-time model applies to the salaried employees of the Bene
AG in Austria. It was accepted by 99.5 % of the affected salaried
employees. Instead of a working time of previously 38.5 hours, as of
August 1st, 2009, the model includes a part-time agreement with a
reduced working time of 80 % - hence 30.8 hours - limited until July
31, 2010. In return, 423 of the in total 425 affected salaried
employees and the Management Board of the Bene AG waive 20 % of their
gross salary for one year. 50 % of the lost net-salary difference may
be received in form of an advance on salary. After expiry of the
part-time arrangement, this advance will be returned as of August
1st, 2010.

In total, with the implementation of the part-time model, Bene has
identified a cost-cutting potential in the amount of about EUR 4.5
million. "The broad approval of our employees for the model is
extremely pleasing and reflects the solidarity and our culture within
the Company. Especially in these economically challenging times it is
of particular importance, to jointly find solutions for sustainably
securing the Company´s future on a healthy basis to emerge
strengthened from the crisis," says Frank Wiegmann, Chairman of the
Management Board of the Bene AG.

Overall, in line with the economic conditions and the cyclicality of
the business, in the year 2009/10 Bene assumes a decline in sales. In
the medium to long-term the Company expects a clearly positive
economic outlook.

About Bene. Bene is convinced that there is a clear connection
between the design of office and working environments, company
culture and the success of a company. Bene´s concepts, products and
services put this philosophy into reality. Development, design and
production as well as consulting and sales are covered under one
roof. With 82 sites in 33 countries and 1.525 employees worldwide,
Bene offers its customers regional access to all of its services. In
the business year 2008/09, consolidated sales of the Bene Group
amounted to EUR 265.3 million. Bene is market leader in Austria and
number six in Europe. The Annual Report 2008/09 as well as the First
Quarter Report 2009/10 are available under http://bene.com.

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

ots Originaltext: BENE AG
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Further inquiry note:

Investor Relations:

Frank Wiegmann

Chairman of the Management Board

Schwarzwiesenstraße 3, A-3340 Waidhofen/Ybbs

IR Hotline: +43-7442-500-3100

ir@bene.com

Public Relations:

Ursula Grabher

Head of Public Relations

Renngasse 6, A-1010 Wien

Tel. +43-1-534 26-1265

Branche: Furnishings & Furniture
ISIN: AT00000BENE6
WKN:
Index: ATX Prime
Börsen: Wien / official market