EANS-Adhoc: RHI AG / Preliminary result 2008 of RHI AG: further increase in revenue - decline in earnings due to increased precautionary measures

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Disclosure announcement transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer is responsible
for the content of this announcement.
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12.03.2009

RHI, the world market leader in refractories, increased consolidated
revenues by 8.8% to EUR 1,596.7 million in 2008 (previous year: EUR
1,467.6 million); however, the operating result, at EUR 148.4
million, fell short of the prior-year-figure of EUR 165.8 million.
This is due to increased precautionary measures (market risks and
impairments) in the balance sheet totalling EUR 39 million in the
context of the global recession.

The profit of the RHI Group amounted to EUR 100.6 million; at 31
December 2007 it was EUR 111.0 million. The RHI Management Board will
propose to the Annual General Meeting on 28 May 2009 to carry forward
the accumulated profit 2008 of RHI AG in its entirety in order to
further strengthen equity and with a view to the economic situation.

The year 2008 showed varied developments for the group: while
two-digit growth rates in revenues and earnings were recorded in the
first three quarters, the fourth quarter reflected first effects of
the global economic crisis. The Steel Division suffered a 6.5%
decline in revenues in Q4; the Industrial Division resisted this
trend with a 7.8% increase in revenues.

In order to be prepared for further growth, the Management Board of
RHI AG has decided to reorganise the group. As of 1 July 2009 the
respective production facilities and research activities will be
allocated to the Steel, Industrial and Raw Material Divisions. In the
third quarter of 2009 RHI will report according to the new structure
for the first time. Moreover, a comprehensive cost-cutting programme
with a savings target of approx. EUR 80.0 million has been launched
for 2009/2010.

In the first months of the year 2009 the negative trend of the last
quarter of 2008 continued. Economic recovery plans worldwide should
have a positive impact on RHI´s customer industries in the second
half of 2009. Lower raw material and energy prices as well as
internal cost savings should partially counteract future price
pressure.

All of the above figures for 2008 are preliminary; the final results
and the consolidate balance sheet 2008 will be published following
the approval of the balance sheet on 23 April 2009.

end of announcement euro adhoc
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ots Originaltext: RHI AG
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Further inquiry note:

RHI AG

Investor Relations

Mag. Barbara Potisk

Tel: +43-1-50213-6123

Email: barbara.potisk@rhi-ag.com

Branche: Refractories
ISIN: AT0000676903
WKN: 874182
Index: ATX Prime, ATX
Börsen: Wiener Börse AG / official dealing