Forbo First Half Sales Down 8% Vs. Last Year

Baar, Switzerland, July 2, 2009--Forbo said its sales slide continued during the first six months of 2009 at it expected, despite good performance in some key markets.

Forbo said it is anticipating net sales of around $812 million for the first six months, approximately 8% lower than in the first half of 2008.

Exchange rates had a negative impact of about 4% on net sales development, while the acquisitions in 2008 made a gratifying contribution of about 10% to net sales development.

Forbo is also forecasting an operating profit (EBIT) of around $41.5 million due to the cost-cutting measures implemented since the third quarter of 2008 and the investments made in recent years to develop growth markets.

Barring further deterioration in the economic environment, Forbo expects net sales in the second half to be on a par with the first six months.