DGAP-News: Masterflex AG Masterflex records growth in profitable core business Nine months report 2008

| Source: EQS Group AG EQS Group AG 

Masterflex AG / Quarter Results/Quarter Results

07.11.2008 

Release of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a company of EquityStory AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Report on the first nine months of 2008

Masterflex records growth in profitable core 
business

-Core High-Tech Hose Systems business unit enjoys high 
 growth rates in the USA
-Revised forecast for 2008 as a whole

Gelsenkirchen, November 7, 2008. In the first nine months of the 2008
financial year, Masterflex AG increased its consolidated revenue by 2.5%
year-on-year to €103.4 million. Operating earnings before interest and
taxes (EBIT) remained unchanged compared with the previous year at €9.6
million. However, this figure failed to meet the Company’s ambitious growth
targets due to the effects of the financial crisis and valuation allowances
in the second quarter.

The core High-Tech Hose Systems business unit developed positively in a
difficult economic environment, further reiterating the success of
Masterflex’s focus on its core activities. Segment revenue increased by
7.8% to €34.7 million, while operating segment EBIT improved by 8.2% to
€7.0 million. The core business unit again proved to be the most important
segment, accounting for 73.0% of consolidated earnings development. Strong
progress was made in the global expansion process, particularly in the USA.

By contrast, Masterflex AG's non-core activities – and the Advanced
Material Design segment in particular – were considerably more susceptible
to periods of economic weakness. The newest business unit, Fuel Cell
Technology, is not yet sufficiently developed to make a positive
contribution to the Group’s business performance. With the expansion of its
profitable High-Tech Hose Systems segment, Masterflex AG is aiming to
return to a situation where it is affected by external factors to a lesser
extent.

The Company expects to meet its forecasts for the current financial year in
the High-Tech Hose Systems and Medical Technology business units. However,
the financial crisis is likely to have a further adverse effect on the
other business units. As a result, the Executive Board of Masterflex AG now
expects operating EBIT for the 2008 financial year as a whole to decline to
around €12-13 million. The Company had previously forecast growth of 6-12%.

CEO Dr. Andreas Bastin emphasised the fact that Masterflex AG has
established a clear vision that provides a roadmap for the future, with a
focus on its superior core competencies. Although the challenges have
intensified as a result of the difficult environment, the systematic
restructuring of the Masterflex Group will continue.

The report on the first nine months of 2008 can be downloaded from the
Company’s website at www.masterflex.de.

IFRS (€ thou.)    30.09.2008  30.09.2007 Change
      (figures in brackets: excluding adjustments)
Revenue       103,355   100,801  2.5%
EBITDA       11,654 (12,036) 11,902  -2.1%   (1.1%)
EBIT        7,316 (9,645)    9,692  -24.5 % (-0.5%)
EBT        -1,184(7,210)    7,901  -115.0% (-8.7%) 
Net profit      -1,160 (4,716)  4,974  -123.3% (-5.2%)
Earnings per share (€)  -0.27 (1.08)    1.14   -123.7% (-5.3%)
Net profit margin   -1.1% (4.6%)    4.9%
EBIT-margin      7.1% (9.3%)    9.6%
Staff       752      789    -4.7%

      30.09.2008  31.12.2007 Change
Equity      30,364 (36,240) 34,772  -12.7% (4.2%)
Total assets   131,438(137,115)130,087   1.0% (5.4%)
Equity ratio     23.1% (26.4%)  26.7%   -13.5% (-1.1%)



Further information: Masterflex AG, Investor Relations, Willy-Brandt-Allee
300,D-45891 Gelsenkirchen, stephanie.kniep@masterflex.de, Tel. +49 209
97077 44, Fax +49 209 97077 20


Further information: Masterflex AG, Investor Relations, Willy-Brandt-Allee
300,D-45891 Gelsenkirchen, stephanie.kniep@masterflex.de, Tel. +49 209
97077 44, Fax +49 209 97077 20


DGAP 07.11.2008 
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Language:     English
Issuer:       Masterflex AG
              Willy-Brandt-Allee 300
              45891 Gelsenkirchen
              Deutschland
Phone:        +49 (0)2099 70 77-44
Fax:          +49 (0)2099 70 77-20
E-mail:       stephanie.kniep@masterflex.de
Internet:     www.masterflex.de
ISIN:         DE0005492938
WKN:          549 293
Indices:      Prime all share
Listed:       Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr
              in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, München, Stuttgart
End of News                                     DGAP News-Service
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