Gerresheimer holds its own in difficult environment

Düsseldorf (ots) -

- Cross reference: Press release including Group Key Figures is
available at http://www.presseportal.de/dokumente abrufbar -

* Sales in the first half of 2009 (excluding Technical Plastics)
at prior year level
* Growth in the pharma business
* Sales decline in the cyclical segments of cosmetics and
laboratory glassware

In the first half of 2009, Gerresheimer AG achieved sales at the
prior year level despite the continuing worldwide economic crisis.
This result was mainly attributable to sales growth for
pharmaceutical packaging and systems, with which Gerresheimer today
makes more than 70% of Group sales. In contrast, sales declines were
recorded in the more cyclical segments of cosmetics and laboratory
glassware. In comparison with the prior year, sales in the second
quarter of 2009 declined by 4.3% on a nominal basis to EUR 264.4m
and, excluding the Technical Plastics business just sold, by 2.2% to
EUR 251.6m. The operating margin (adjusted EBITDA margin) excluding
the business just sold reached a high level in the second quarter of
2009 at 18.9%. For the year as a whole, Gerresheimer expects the
sales trend excluding Technical Plastics to be +1% to -3% with an
adjusted EBITDA margin of 18.0% to 18.5%.

In the course of its continued focus on the markets of pharma &
life science the sale of the Technical Plastics business was
successfully completed as per July 1, 2009. The transaction price
including debts taken over was around EUR 12m.

"Growth in our core markets of pharma & life science has been and
remains the basis of our profitable business development. This
applies all the more at a time of economic crisis," says Dr. Axel
Herberg, CEO of Gerresheimer AG. "With the successful sale of the
peripheral business of Technical Plastics we have taken another
important step in focusing the business," Herberg adds.

Growth for pharmaceutical products

Regardless of the continued trend towards inventory reductions by
some pharma companies, Gerresheimer achieved sales growth with
products for the pharma industry once again in the second quarter of
2009. Major contributions were made by Medical Plastic Systems, which
continue to be a particular growth generator, and good sales of
pharmaceutical primary packaging such as ampoules and vials in Europe
and China. Installation of the third RTF(r) syringe line was
completed according to plan so that customer-specific validations
could be commenced.

As in the first quarter, however, continuing weak demand in the
cosmetics segment led to a decline in sales of cosmetic packaging. A
similar situation applies for laboratory glassware products, where a
temporary sales decline was experienced because of inventory
reductions and purchasing cautiousness by customers.

Outlook for 2009

Despite the imponderable factors with regard to further world
economic development Gerresheimer continues to expect growth in the
field of pharmaceutical packaging and systems. In the more cyclical
segments cosmetics and laboratory glassware, Gerresheimer experienced
a marked decline in demand in the first half year. Forecasts for the
further course of the financial year are difficult. Gerresheimer AG
does not however assume any short-term recovery of these markets. The
sound balance sheet and long term financing structure as well as a
good operating performance will enable Gerresheimer to continue the
growth strategy in the pharma & life science segment going forward.

About Gerresheimer

Gerresheimer employs around 10,000 people in 40 locations in
Europe, America and Asia. In the financial year 2008, worldwide sales
totaled EUR 1.06bn. The product portfolio ranges from pharmaceutical
vials made of glass and plastic through to complex drug-delivery
systems for the pharma & life science industry. These include sterile
syringes, inhalers and other system-based approaches for safe dosage
and application of medications. The Group enjoys a leading position
in markets which are characterized by high technical and regulatory
barriers.

Originaltext: Gerresheimer AG
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Contact Press
Burkhard Lingenberg
Director Corporate Communication & Marketing
Phone +49 211 6181-250
Fax +49 211 6181-241
e-mail b.lingenberg@gerresheimer.com

Contact Investor Relations
Anke Linnartz
Director Corporate Investor Relations
Phone +49 211 6181-314
Fax +49 211 6181-121
e-mail a.linnartz@gerresheimer.com