Heraeus continues on record course in 2011

Hanau (ots) -

- Product revenue up 19 percent in 2011 to EUR 4.8 billion
- EBIT rises 23 percent to EUR 489 million in 2011
- Net income increases to EUR 315 million
- Cash and cash equivalents and securities jump to EUR 834 million
- Good start to first quarter of 2012

The Hanau-based Heraeus precious metals and technology Group in
2011 once again surpassed the previous year's record results,
tallying the most successful year in the company's history. This was
announced by the Heraeus Holding GmbH Board of Management at a press
conference on annual results held in Frankfurt on May 10. With
product revenues of EUR 4.8 billion, Heraeus surpassed the previous
year's level by 19 percent. Operating results (EBIT) also increased
by 23 percent to reach a total of EUR 489 million. Precious metals
trading revenue reached EUR 21.3 billion, topping the EUR 20 billion
threshold for the first time. This represents an increase of 19
percent over the previous year's level.

Robust financial structure and high liquidity underpin the Group's
success

Over the past financial year, Heraeus increased its after-tax
earnings (net income) by 21 percent over the previous year, to EUR
315 million (2010: EUR 260 million). Cash flow from operating
activities increased significantly over the previous year to EUR 311
million. A key factor here was the attainment of net income targets.
Relative to 2010, shareholders' equity increased by 14 percent to a
total of EUR 2.2 billion. The Group's equity-to-assets ratio now
stands at 55 percent.

Outlook: Good start to 2012 in first quarter

"After two record years in a row, our focus in this financial year
is on maintaining our revenues and earnings at this high level. The
first quarter was a good start," noted Dr. Frank Heinricht.

Particularly in the automotive electronics, telecommunications,
medicine, steel, semiconductor and environmental technology
industries, Heraeus plans to further develop its business over the
long term. Regionally, we are focusing on further growth in Asia,
especially in China.

Heraeus, the precious metals and technology group headquartered in
Hanau, Germany, is a global, private company with over 160 years of
tradition. Our fields of competence include precious metals,
materials and technologies; sensors; biomaterials and medical
products, as well as dental products, quartz glass, and specialty
light sources. With product revenues of EUR 4.8 billion and precious
metals trading revenues of EUR 21.3 billion, as well as more than
13,300 employees in over 120 subsidiaries worldwide, Heraeus holds a
leading position in its global markets.

Service: The current annual report can be found at:
http://ots.de/r8wvx

Current photo materials can be found at: www.heraeus-media.com

For additional information, please contact:
Christoph Ringwald
Corporate Communications
Head of Business Media & Corporate Responsibility
Heraeus Holding GmbH
Heraeusstraße 12-14
63450 Hanau, Germany
Tel. +49 (0) 6181.35-3832
F +49 (0) 6181.35-4242
christoph.ringwald@heraeus.com
www.heraeus.com