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