Metall Zug Group increases net income

In 2009, the METALL ZUG GROUP achieved gross sales of CHF 790.2 million, a drop of 2.3% compared to the previous year (CHF 808.6 million). Excluding acquisition and currency exchange effects, the decrease in sales was 4.9%.

The group's operating income (EBIT) of CHF 61.8 million was 31.7% below 2008 figures (CHF 90.5 million). Financial market recovery led to a positive financial result of CHF 22.7 million.

Despite the somewhat weaker operating result, net income increased from CHF 31.8 million in 2008 to CHF 71.7 million in 2009 (+ 125.3%).

Request to keep current dividend amounts
Given the group's solid annual result, the board of directors proposes the general meeting of shareholders to distribute an unchanged dividend of CHF 20.25 million, i.e. CHF 4.50 per registered share of type A and CHF 45 per registered share of type B.

Changes in the board of directors
With regard to enabling a continuous development of the board of directors in the long term and to diversify the expertise among the board members, it will be proposed to the general meeting that Peter Terwiesch (1966), Dr. sc. techn. ETH, Chief Technology Officer at ABB Group, and Martin Wipfli (1963), lawyer, Managing Partner of Baryon AG, be elected as new members of the board of directors.

To allow the stepwise renewal of the board of directors, Günter F. Kelm (1940) has decided to resign from his position at the 2010 general meeting of shareholders. The board of directors wishes to thank him for his outstanding commitment and his successful contribution over the last five years.

More detailed information will be available at the annual media conference on 15 April 2010 in Zug.


Contact: Stephan Wintsch, CEO Phone: +41 41 748 10 20 Fax: +41 41 748 10 29 info@metallzug.ch www.metallzug.ch

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