Nobia: Continued growth marks start of year

Sales for kitchen company nobia increased during the first quarter by
11 per cent to SeK 3,999 million (3,615). organic growth was 8 per
cent. profit after tax totalled SEK 181 million (173). earnings per
share increased by 4 per cent to SEK 1.03 (0.99). For comparable
units, or if the French business unit hygena had been included since
the beginning of 2006, earnings per share after dilution increased by
31 percent.

Operating profit amounted to SEK 285 million (278) and the operating
margin was 7.1 per cent (7.7). For comparable units, the operating
margin showed an improvement of SEK 55 million compared with the
preceding year, representing an increase of 24 percent. The operating
margin was correspondingly 6.1 per cent in the year-earlier period.
The improvement in operating profit is mainly attributable to the UK
region, where increased sales volumes and higher cost-efficiency had
an effect.

The acquisition of German company Plana Küchenland by Culinoma, the
joint-venture company established during the first quarter, received
final approval from the appropriate competition authorities. The
acquisition will be included in the consolidated accounts as of the
second quarter.

In accordance with the resolution by the Annual General Meeting, a
split will be implemented, by which each share will be divided into
three shares. The record date for the split is 27 April 2007.

Comments from the CEO:"The year began well, particularly in the UK region, where our
efficiency program, combined with our marketing initiatives, resulted
in increased sales and improved margins," says President and CEO
Fredrik Cappelen.