Gunnar Brock comments on Atlas Copco's Q1 results

Gunnar Brock comments on Atlas Copco's Q1 results

Stockholm, Sweden, April 26, 2007: Atlas Copco today reported first quarter
results with record profitability and continued strong demand from the mining,
construction, manufacturing and process industries, in all geographical areas.

“This is our 20th straight quarter of volume growth, and we are continuing to
strengthen our market presence,” says President and CEO Gunnar Brock. “In the
near term, we expect that demand from most customer segments will remain at the
current high level.”

Atlas Copco's revenues increased 12% to MSEK 13 390, representing organic growth
of 17%. Operating profit increased 21% to MSEK 2 541 and the operating margin
was 19%, the highest ever achieved for the Group. Organic order growth in the
first quarter was 24%. 

“We took several measures during the first quarter to further strengthen the
market organization, for example by opening new customer centers in Pakistan and
Tanzania,” Brock says. Atlas Copco also expanded manufacturing capacity in many
locations to meet the increase in orders, and today the company announced an
investment of MSEK 224 at its drill steel factory in Fagersta, Sweden. 

Selective acquisitions will continue to be part of the Group's growth strategy.
The purchase of Dynapac, announced in February, is making Atlas Copco a leading
supplier of compaction and paving equipment for road development, and the
acquisition of Greenfield improves the offering of compressors aimed at the
natural gas vehicles market. The Dynapac deal is expected to be closed in the
second quarter.

“With three focused business areas, that all are contributing to the improvement
in profits, Atlas Copco has a strong base for future growth,” Brock says. “We
are using our solid financial position to increase the sales force, make
acquisitions in interesting growth segments and invest in our factories.  At the
same time, we are able to carry out a significant return of cash to our
shareholders.”

Atlas Copco's Annual General Meeting will be held today. The Board of Directors
has proposed that shareholders approve an ordinary dividend of SEK 4.75 per
share and a mandatory redemption procedure, through which SEK 40 per share will
be distributed.


For further information please contact:
Daniel Frykholm, Media Relations Manager 
+46 (0)8 743 8060 or +46 (0)708 65 8060


Atlas Copco is a world leading provider of industrial productivity solutions.
The products and services range from compressed air and gas equipment,
generators, construction and mining equipment, industrial tools and assembly
systems, to related aftermarket and rental. In close cooperation with customers
and business partners, and with more than 130 years of experience, Atlas Copco
innovates for superior productivity. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, the
Group's global reach spans more than 150 markets. In 2006, Atlas Copco had 25
900 employees and revenues of BSEK 51 (BEUR 5.6). Learn more at
www.atlascopco.com.