SRT Sartorius AG

Sartorius (FWB:SRT), a leading international process and laboratory technology provider, published its first-half results today on Tuesday. From January to June, the Group posted sales revenue of 304.0 million euros. This corresponds to a currency-adjusted gain of 3.8% (current exchange rates: -0.2%).* Currency-adjusted order intake reached the year-earlier level (+0.1%) and is at 311.3 million euros (current exchange rates: -3.9%). Operating earnings, reported as EBITA (earnings before interest, taxes and amortization), are at 27.0 million euros, compared with 28.9 million euros posted a year ago. The corresponding EBITA margin is thus 8.9%. At the previous year�s exchange rates, this margin is very close to 10%. Business Development of the Divisions Sartorius Stedim Biotech The Biotechnology Division�s business showed highly dynamic development in Europe, attaining double-digit growth rates. It thus reflects the successful integration of Stedim S.A. In the U.S. market, by contrast, sales revenue fell as a result of the weaker demand of individual key accounts in the biopharmaceutical sector. The reason is that these key accounts had to accept delayed or restricted drug approvals and, as a consequence, manufactured considerably fewer medications than they had originally planned in some instances. In addition, a few key customers initiated programs to reduce their inventory and thus temporarily dampened the demand for our products on top of this. Sales revenue for the Biotechnology Division is at 184.1 million euros, compared with 186.6 million euros a year ago, and corresponds to a currency-adjusted increase of 2.8% or �1.3% at the current exchange rates. Due to fluctuations in project business, order intake dipped slightly to 187.1 million euros from 198.3 million euros a year earlier. EBITA attained 20.4 million euros relative to 21.3 million euros a year ago. The EBITA margin is double-digit again and at 11.1% (first half 2007: 11.4%). On the basis of the previous year�s exchange rates, the Group�s EBITA margin rose to a solid 12%. �Our strong growth in Europe shows that following successful integration, Sartorius Stedim Biotech has positioned itself very well in the market,� commented CEO Dr. Joachim Kreuzburg. �In the USA, we were not immune to the effects elicited by the temporary weakness of the biotech markets, but we handled this challenge very well. By achieving a double-digit EBITA margin, we are continuing to perform at a very solid earnings level.� Sartorius Mechatronics First-half sales revenue for the Mechatronics Division rose by a currency-adjusted rate of 5.5% to 119.9 million euros (current exchange rates: +1.5%). Growth was fueled especially by Asia and also by Europe. On a currency-adjusted basis, the division increased order intake, which was up a currency-adjusted 2.7% (current exchange rates: -1.2%). Its operating earnings were at 6.6 million euros compared with 7.7 million euros a year ago. Thus, the division�s EBITA margin is at 5.5% (first half 2007: 6.5%). Based on the year-earlier exchange rates, this margin is one solid percentage point higher and therefore at the previous year�s level. �In the first half, Sartorius Mechatronics grew robustly. However, its strong first-quarter order intake did not continue on into the second quarter because of the weakening global economic activity. In the second half, we will be especially focusing on further implementing our growth strategy in Asia and on improving our earnings level,� said Kreuzburg. Outlook The company forecasts that second-half sales revenue for both divisions will increase above the first-half figures. For Sartorius Stedim Biotech, the company projects that the growth rate will be higher in the second half than in the first, whereas for Sartorius Mechatronics, it is anticipated that slower economic activity will slightly dampen its pace of growth. For both divisions, profitability in the second half should be higher than in the first. However, the company does not expect to reach its ambitious full-year targets. Yet because of the current uncertainties about the U.S. biotechnology market and the economic climate, it is not possible at this time to give a precise, quantitative forecast. * To ensure the best possible comparability, the figures of the year-earlier period are presented on a pro forma basis and adjusted for special expenses (�underlying�). Conference Call and Webcast Dr. Joachim Kreuzburg, CEO and Executive Board Chairman of Sartorius, will discuss the first-half results with analysts and investors today, July 29, 2008, at 3:30 p.m. Central European Time (CET), in a teleconference. You may dial into the teleconference starting at 3:15 p.m. CET at the following numbers: Germany: +49 (0)69 5007 1317; France: +33 (0)1 70 99 43 03; UK: +44 (0)20 7806 1966; USA: +1 718 354 1390. The dial-in code is 4161181; to view the webcast, log onto http://www.sartorius.com or http://www.livemeeting.com/cc/premconfeurope/join?id=4161181&role=atte nd&pw=pw1017 Current Image Files: Dr. Joachim Kreuzburg, CEO and Executive Board Chairman of Sartorius AG: www.sartorius-stedim.com/media/content/press/support/Dr_Kreuzburg. jpg Sartorius Stedim Biotech: http://www.sartorius.com/media/content/press/support/Sartorius_0095_PG 4.jpg Sartorius Mechatronics: http://www.sartorius.com/media/content/press/support/Mechatronics_ 2_AR_08.jpg (Due to their lengths, some of the above URLs may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove any extra space if one exists.) Upcoming Financial Dates: August 5, 2008* Publication of the First-Half 2008 Financial Report October 2008 Publish of the Quarterly Figures from Jan. � Sept. 2008 * tentative date This is a translation of the original German-language press release. Sartorius shall not assume any liability for the correctness of this translation. The original German press release is the legally binding version. Furthermore, Sartorius reserves the right not to be responsible for the topicality, correctness, completeness or quality of the information provided. Liability claims regarding damage caused by the use of any information provided, including any kind of information which is incomplete or incorrect, will therefore be rejected. A Profile of Sartorius The Sartorius Group is an internationally leading laboratory and process technology provider covering the segments of biotechnology and mechatronics. In 2007, the technology group earned pro forma sales revenue of 622.7 million euros. Founded in 1870, the Goettingen-based company currently employs approximately 4,500 persons. The major areas of activity in its biotechnology segment focus on fermentation, filtration, purification, fluid management and laboratory applications. In the mechatronics segment, the company primarily manufactures equipment and systems featuring weighing, measurement and automation technology for laboratory and industrial applications. Key Sartorius customers are from the pharmaceutical, chemical and food and beverage industries and from numerous research and educational institutes of the public sector. Sartorius has its own production facilities in Europe, Asia and America as well as sales subsidiaries and local commercial agencies in more than 110 countries. Sartorius Corporate Administration GmbH, 37070 Goettingen, Germany http://www.sartorius.com