Metsäliitto Group's fourth quarter and full year 2008 operating result excluding non-recurring items clearly weaker than previously expected

In connection with the publication of its result for third quarter
2008, Metsäliitto Group announced that it expected its fourth quarter
operating result, excluding non-recurring items, would remain below
the level of the third quarter. It said that this would be due not
only to seasonal factors but also to the difficult market situation
in the wood products industry. The operating result for the whole
year 2008 was also expected to be clearly weaker than in 2007.

In addition to being affected by seasonal variation and the further
deterioration of the wood products industry market, the operating
result has been also eroded by the reduced demand for paper products
in the weakening world economy as well as the decline in market pulp
prices. For these reasons, Metsäliitto Group's fourth quarter
operating result, excluding non-recurring items, will be weaker than
previously expected. In this situation, the operating result
excluding non-recurring items for the whole year 2008 will also be
clearly weaker than for 2007.


Further information
Ilkka Pitkänen, CFO, Metsäliitto Group, tel. +358 10 465 4260