Following a record year in 2008 Gerresheimer again sets its sights on substantial growth in 2009

Düsseldorf (ots) -

- Cross reference: The press release including Group Key Figures
can be downloaded at http://www.presseportal.de/dokumente -

* Sales grow by 10.7% to EUR 1.06bn
* Adjusted earnings per share improves by 36.6% from EUR 1.34 Euro
to EUR 1.83
* Adjusted EBITDA margin rises from 19.0 to 19.5%
* CEO Dr. Axel Herberg: "Following the record year in 2008
Gerresheimer again considers itself well equipped to meet the
global challenges in 2009 and is aiming for further substantial
sales growth of 6% to 7% in the core business."

In 2008 Gerresheimer AG had another record year marked by
important milestones, and achieved all its published objectives. The
international Group with its main base in Düsseldorf, Germany,
increased its sales by 10.7% (12.8% on a like-for-like exchange-rate
basis) and thereby passed the billion euro mark. Operating results
(Adjusted EBITDA) rose by 13.7% to EUR 206.4m (prior year: EUR
181.6m). The Adjusted EBITDA margin reached 19.5% in 2008 (prior
year: 19%). There was a substantial improvement of 36.6% in adjusted
earnings per share in the past financial year to EUR 1.83 (prior year
EUR 1.34).

"Our strategy of internationalization and focus is bearing fruit,"
says Dr. Axel Herberg, CEO of Gerresheimer AG: "Even in a phase of
worldwide economic downturn, pharmaceutics and life science are still
growth markets and, with its broad technology base and worldwide
presence, Gerresheimer has a strong position here." The shareholders
of Gerresheimer AG should participate in the success of Gerresheimer
AG as in the prior year. The Management Board and Supervisory Board
of Gerresheimer AG will therefore propose to the Shareholders'
Meeting that a dividend of EUR 0.40 per share is paid.

In December 2008, Gerresheimer AG was included in the
second-largest German selection index MDax. This means increased
visibility for our company on capital markets, and greater appeal for
our shares.

Further substantial growth for pharma & life science

All the divisions of Gerresheimer AG participated in the
substantial sales growth achieved in the past financial year. The
business in the pharma & life science markets proved to be
particularly stable and high-growth, and today already represents 75%
(prior year: 72%) of Gerresheimer's total sales. The continuing high
level of demand for RTF(c) syringe systems, which grew by 36% in
2008, made a decisive contribution to this. Another growth
contributor was the business in plastic systems, which today accounts
for around 32% of the total sales of Gerresheimer AG. In this
Division there was particularly strong demand for inhalers for asthma
treatment and products for diabetes diagnosis and treatment.

Extensive investment in growth markets

In order to secure future growth in its core pharmaceutical
markets Gerresheimer AG invested extensively during the financial
year 2008 in capacity expansion programs and new projects such as,
for example, the construction of a third facility for RTF(r) syringe
production and the build-up of production of insulin pen systems.
Investments in capital assets (including intangible assets) during
the past financial year totaled EUR 107.8m (prior year: EUR 98.9m).

Continued focus on internationalization and a wider product range

An important success factor for Gerresheimer AG has been - and
continues to be - the consistently implemented strategy of
internationalization and focus. In 2008 Gerresheimer again expanded
its global presence and thereby also widened its product range. The
Brazilian manufacturer of pharmaceutical plastic packaging Allplas
(now Gerresheimer Plásticos São Paulo Ltda.) and the Spanish company
EDP (now Gerresheimer Zaragoza S.A.) which were taken over at the
beginning of 2008 were successfully integrated in the Gerresheimer
Group during the year. Both companies rank among the market leaders
in their region and have already made a positive contribution in 2008
to the development of our Plastic Systems Division.

In the course of concentration on the pharma & life science
markets, further steps were taken in the financial year 2008. In June
2008 Gerresheimer discontinued its Consumer Healthcare business.

Outlook for 2009

Gerresheimer will continue its successful international course in
the financial year 2009 and, despite the generally challenging
economic situation, is confident that it can achieve its growth
targets: "After the record year in 2008, Gerresheimer AG is well
positioned for the global challenges in 2009, and is aiming for
further substantial growth," says the CEO Dr. Axel Herberg. For 2009,
sales growth of 6% to 7% is expected in the core business, with an
adjusted-EBITDA margin of 19.0% to 19.2%. The core business does not
include the Technical Plastics business, for which sales of EUR
35-45m are expected in 2009.

About Gerresheimer

Gerresheimer employs 10,200 people in 42 locations in Europe,
America and Asia. In the financial year 2009, worldwide sales
totalled EUR 1.06bn. The product portfolio ranges from pharmaceutical
vials made of glass and plastic through to complex drug-delivery
systems for the pharma & life science industry. These include sterile
syringes, inhalers and other system-based approaches for safe dosage
and application of medications. The Group enjoys a leading position
in markets which are characterised by high technical and regulatory
barriers.

Originaltext: Gerresheimer AG
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ISIN: DE000A0LD6E6

Contact Press
Burkhard Lingenberg
Director Corporate Communication & Marketing
Phone +49 211 6181-250
Fax +49 211 6181-241
e-mail b.lingenberg@gerresheimer.com

Contact Investor Relations
Anke Linnartz
Director Corporate Investor Relations
Phone +49 211 6181-314
Fax +49 211 6181-121 e-mail
a.linnartz@gerresheimer.com