RHI Group records double-digit growth rates in the first three quarters of the year

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finances

Wien (euro adhoc) - In the first three quarters of 2008, RHI, the world market
leader in refractories, increased revenues to EUR 1,220.9 million, up 12.4% on
the same period in 2007. EBITDA rose by 15.1% to EUR 184.9 million; EBIT
improved by 19.6% to EUR 148.0 million. At 12.1%, the EBIT margin thus clearly
exceeded the prior-year figure of 11.4%.
3rd Quarter Q1-Q3
in EUR million 2008 2007*) 2008 2007*)
Revenues 414.1 362.1 1,220.9 1,085.9
EBITDA 62.2 54.7 184.9 160.7
EBIT 49.9 42.1 148.0 123.7
EBIT margin 12.1% 11.6% 12.1% 11.4%
Diluted earnings per share (in EUR) 0.92 0.70 2.69 2.04
*) adjusted

Outlook RHI expects a continued satisfactory business development
until the end of the year, although the growth rates recorded so far
in 2008 are unlikely to continue in the coming year due to
significant production cuts in the steel industry.

The further development of the Steel Division in 2009 will be heavily
dependent on the global environment, with employment in the
automotive, construction and mechanical engineering sectors being
decisive for its customer industry. In the Industrial Division, it
remains to be seen whether projects will be postponed. While the real
estate crisis in some regions of the world slows down cement
consumption, the glass industry currently expects little impact of
the financial crisis on planned investments. Major investment
projects, especially in the nickel, copper and zinc segments, are
influenced by the sharply dropped metal and alloy prices, which are
leading to order postponements. The Raw Materials/Production Division
will suffer from the high energy and raw material costs in the next
few months. The additional supply with own raw materials from China
will have a positive effect on the result in 2009.

Details on the quarterly result are available on the RHI´s website
www.rhi-ag.com. The online version of the quarterly financial report
will be available on the RHI´s website on 30 October 2008.

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

Further inquiry note:

RHI AG

Investor Relations

Mag. Barbara Potisk

Tel: +43-1-50213-6123

Email: barbara.potisk@rhi-ag.com

Branche: Refractories
ISIN: AT0000676903
WKN: 874182
Index: ATX Prime, ATX
Börsen: Wiener Börse AG / official dealing