centrotherm photovoltaics acquires solar silicon specialist SolMic

Expertise for fully integrated factories entirely under one roof

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merger, acquisition and takeover

Blaubeuren (euro adhoc) - centrotherm photovoltaics acquires solar
silicon specialist SolMic: Expertise for fully integrated factories
entirely under one roof

- Expansion of the high-growth solar silicon division - Consistent
implementation of Group strategy - Plan to integrate centrotherm
Thermal Solutions by increasing non-cash capital

Blaubeuren, August 22, 2008 - centrotherm photovoltaics AG,
Blaubeuren, is consistently pursuing its strategy of integrating key
equipment and technology into the Group. The aim is to further expand
technology leadership along the solar value-creation chain. The
Management Board, with the agreement of the Supervisory Board, has
today signed an agreement relating to the complete takeover of SolMic
GmbH, Burghausen. SolMic is a specialist for technology and
engineering services revolving around design and process-optimization
for the production of polysilicon, ingot and wafers. The complete
acquisition of this important company for its solar silicon division
allows centrotherm photovoltaics to combine technology and plant
engineering. It allows the company to completely combine its
expertise for fully integrated factories under one roof.

centrotherm photovoltaics has so far held 50 percent of SolMic via
its subsidiary GP Solar GmbH. Managing director Dr. Albrecht Mozer
held the remaining shares. SolMic, with a workforce of 30 employees,
generated total output of EUR 10 million in the first half of 2008.
The company achieved total output of EUR 13.1 million in 2007
financial year. Confidentiality was agreed concerning the purchase
price, which consists of equity and cash components. The complete
acquisition of SolMic also allows centrotherm photovoltaics to raise
its direct stake in the former centrotherm SiQ GmbH joint-venture
from 80.5 percent to 100 percent. centrotherm photovoltaics procures
key equipment for the manufacturing of solar silicon, particularly
Siemens reactors and converters, as well as vent gas recovery plants,
via centrotherm SiQ. Centrotherm SiQ, with a workforce of around 30
employees, generated total output of EUR 5.9 million as of June 30,
2008. Total output was EUR 0.8 million in 2007. The next step
envisages merging both subsidiaries in order to simplify structures.
Albrecht Mozer will manage the merged company, and will be
responsible for all centrotherm photovoltaics' activities in the
solar silicon area in the future.

"This strategic acquisition expands our share of this important step
in the solar value-creation chain," commented Robert Hartung, CEO of
centrotherm photovoltaics. Albrecht Mozer (56) is an experienced
polysilicon manufacturing specialist. A holder of a degree in
physics, Albrecht Mozer was for many years CTO of a renowned, German
manufacturer of polysilicon, ingot and wafers, before founding SolMic
in 2005. He holds over 20 patents in the semiconductor technology and
modules area, and has published over 50 specialist publications as
both an author and a co-author. "We have planned a number of things
in the research and development area," commented Albrecht Mozer. "For
instance, we intend to engage intensively with the optimization of
polysilicon production. In the case of crystallization processes,
among other things, we are working particularly on the option of
mixing metallurgical silicon with pure silicon." Robert M. Hartung
commented: "We are extremely pleased to have such a well-known expert
as Dr Albrecht Mozer on board. This means that, along with Chief
Technology Officer Dr. Peter Fath, we have now also secured the
engagement of the second company founder of SolMic, and an expert in
the solar silicon area. This allows us to safeguard valuable knowhow
for the entire Group."

In only April of this year, centrotherm photovoltaics acquired the
remaining shares in GP Solar, and appointed Peter Fath to the
Management Board, as part of its strategy of integrating key
equipment and technology into the company. The company is now
pursuing this path further with the acquisition of SolMic, and is
simultaneously simplifying its Group structure as a result. Robert
Hartung went on to comment: "As part of our consistent pursuit of our
strategy, we, together with the Supervisory Board, are currently
examining the option of integrating sister company Thermal Solutions
GmbH & Co. KG into the Group by way of an increase in non-cash
capital. centrotherm Thermal Solutions is a leading producer of
manufacturing plant for the photovoltaics and semiconductor
industries, and the largest supplier of centrotherm photovoltaics.
centrotherm photovoltaics procures key equipment from the company as
part of an exclusive supply agreement.

end of announcement euro adhoc
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ots Originaltext: centrotherm photovoltaics AG
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Further inquiry note:

Company contact:

Saskia Schultz-Ebert

Senior Manager Investor Relations

Tel: +49 7344 918-8890

E-mail: saskia.schultz-ebert@centrotherm.de

Press contact:

Christina Siebels, Grit Pauli

HOSCHKE & CONSORTEN Public Relations GmbH

Tel: +49 40 3690 50-58 /-31

E-mail: c.siebels@hoschke.de; g.pauli@hoschke.de

Branche: Energy
ISIN: DE000A0JMMN2
WKN: A0JMMN
Börsen: Börse Frankfurt / regulated dealing/prime standard