Micronic Shows Strong Recovery in Order Intake and Reports a Fully Subscribed Rights Issue


TABY, Sweden, July 17, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Micronic Laser Systems AB (Other OTC:MICLF) (Stockholmsborsen:MICR), is at the forefront in semiconductor and display laser pattern generators for the production of photomasks to the worldwide electronics industry.

Micronic today presents the Group's Interim Report for January 1 - June 30, 2003. (Figures in brackets relate to the same period in 2002.)

- Order intake during the first six months in 2003 was MSEK 418 (258), ofwhich the second quarter accounted for MSEK 342 (209).

- Net sales during the first six months were MSEK 120 (270), of which MSEK 98 (218) relates to the second quarter.

- The first six months' result after financial items was MSEK -97 (-58), ofwhich MSEK -44 (4) relates to the second quarter.

- The reporting period net result was MSEK -70 (-29), which is equivalent to SEK -3,66 (-1,49) per share. The second quarter net result was MSEK -32 (3), equivalent to SEK -1,65 (0,14) per share.

- Closing order book was MSEK 522 (250).

"The first six months of 2003 are characterized by a significant change in the market segments where we operate. The positive signals we experienced during the latter part of the first quarter have continued throughout the second quarter. Order intake has been good. The launch of our new advanced display laser pattern generator has been successful, resulting in one order. Unfortunately, due to delays in customer preparation activities, we are still negatively influenced by delays in shipments since the beginning of this year", says Sven Lofquist, president and CEO of Micronic Laser Systems and continues: "Our aggressive development work on the Sigma systems has also paid off well. The good results we saw during the first quarter led to orders for two systems during the second quarter. We are happy to have announced a joint development agreement with Intel. We also successfully completed a new share issue. The new share issue was strongly supported by our shareholders and is now fully subscribed, providing us with a strong capital base for the growing market for our current products as well as for future commitments".

Taby, 17 July, 2003 Micronic Laser Systems AB (publ.)

Sven Lofquist, President and CEO

For further information, please contact Sven Lofquist, CEO Tel: +46 8 638 52 00 e-mail: sven.lofquist@micronic.se


 Company contact:           Agency contact:
 Sven Lofquist              Dylan McGrath
 President & CEO            The Loomis Group, Inc.
 +46 8 638 52 00            +1 (415) 882-9494
 sven.lofquist@micronic.se  dylan@loomisgroup.com

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