BENE AG: Bene gives first estimate of results for 2011/12

Vienna/Waidhofen an der Ybbs (pta009/13.04.2012/08:45 UTC+2) In the scope of an institutional investors event, the Vienna Stock Exchange listed Bene Group publishes today a first estimate of results for the financial year 2011/12 ended on January 31, 2012. In the past business year, after a strong fourth quarter and according to preliminary figures, the Austrian office furniture manufacturer could significantly increase sales and EBITDA and achieve a clearly positive EBIT. According to preliminary figures, in the financial year 2011/12, total sales of the Bene Group rose by around 13 % compared to the reference period of the prior year (2010/11: EUR 170.8 million). As the previous financial years, the past business year was again marked by the cyclicality of the sales development. In the second half-year of 2011/12, the Bene Group generated again considerably higher sales than in the first six months.

The strong increase in sales and a balanced spending policy resulted in a positive EBITDA, which is expected to reach approximately EUR 10 million and thus should be substantially higher than the reference value of the last year (2010/11: EUR 0.5 million). As a result of the sales growth and a selective control of the product portfolio, the Bene Group significantly improved the EBIT in all segments in comparison with the previous year. Overall, according to preliminary figures, the Bene Group achieved a clearly positive EBIT in the financial year 2011/12 (2010/11: EUR - 8.2 million). Pursuant to the financial calendar, the final results for the business year 2011/12 will be published on May 15, 2012.

About Bene.
Bene is convinced that there is a clear connection between the design of office and working environments, corporate culture, and the success of a company. Bene's concepts, products, and services put this philosophy into reality. Development, design, and production as well as consulting and sales are covered under one roof. With 85 sites in 36 countries and 1,321 employees worldwide, Bene offers its customers regional access to all of its services. Bene is market leader in Austria and number six in Europe.

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Emitter:	BENE AG Schwarzwiesenstraße 3 3340 Waidhofen an der Ybbs Austria
Contact Person:	Klaus Fahrnberger
Phone:	+43 7442 500 3100
E-Mail:	ir@bene.com
Website:	www.bene.com
ISIN(s):	AT00000BENE6 (Share)
Stock Exchange(s):	Vienna Stock Exchange (Official Trade)