28.05.09
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EnviTec Biogas presents figures for the first quarter

- Start to the year 2009 according to plan - Sales rise 27% to EUR 19.2 million - Target for 2009 confirmed: Increase in sales and EBIT

Lohne, 28 May 2009 – EnviTec Biogas AG’s [ISIN: DE000A0MVLS8] start to the fiscal year 2009 went according to plan. After the difficult year 2008, which was marked by the discussion about the amendment of the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), the biogas plant manufacturer wants to grow both sales and EBIT again in 2009. Sales are projected to rise to EUR 150 million to EUR 200 million in 2009. 

Sales revenues increased already in the first three months. At EUR 19.2 million, sales were up by approx. 27% on the prior-year quarter (Q1 2008: EUR 15.1 million). Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) stood at EUR -2.6 million (Q1 2008: EUR -0.8 million). The decline is mostly attributable to higher personnel costs due to increased headcounts as well as the expansion of the international marketing. New staff were hired with a view to reach the sales target. At the end of March, EnviTec employed 352 people, 97 more than in the previous year. “The first three months are usually the weakest for weather-related reasons. In addition, there were also arising delays in sanctions and funding. However, sales and earnings will pick up sharply as the year goes on,” Jörg Fischer, CFO of EnviTec Biogas. The high order backlog forms the basis for a successful year; at the end of March, the company had orders worth EUR 167.5 million on hand. “Also, we are currently in promising talks about new large-scale projects and framework agreements in Germany and especially abroad." 

The value chain for the operators of both small and large plants must be extended with a view to tapping additional sources of income. In the first quarter, EnviTec Biogas made an important strategic step towards this goal by taking over A3 and its sister company, MMF. The two technology companies have extensive expertise in the processing of fermentation residues from the production of biogas and wastewater treatment technology, thus complementing the products and services provided by the “EnviTec Filtration” unit so far. The companies will joint refine this technology, which also represents an important investment incentive for plant operators. Especially in livestock-intensive regions and co-fermentation processes, it is difficult to find fields for certified fertiliser spreading as an outlet for the fermentation residues. Once processed, the fermentation residue has a high nutrient content, making it an excellent natural fertiliser. It is also very easy to transport, which clearly increases its marketing opportunities. What is more, in Germany the processing of fermentation residues may be counted towards the CHP bonus and can therefore help to improve the profitability of a biogas plant considerably.

The report on the first three months of 2009 is available for downloading at www.envitec-biogas.de.

EnviTec Biogas AG covers the entire value chain for the production of biogas - including the planning and turnkey construction of biogas plants as well as their commissioning. The company provides the biological and technical service and also offers the full plant and operating management. In Güstrow, in the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, EnviTec builds the world’s largest plant for the production of biogas to natural gas standards with an electrical connected load of 22 megawatts. In addition, the company also operates its own biogas plants. Today, the company is represented in more than 15 countries throughout Europe and as well in China and South Korea. In 2008 EnviTec generated revenues of EUR 101 million and EBIT of EUR 3.2 million. The EnviTec Group currently has about 350 employees. Since July 2007 EnviTec is listed on the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Investor Relations: 
Olaf Brandes
EnviTec Biogas AG
Tel: +49 44 42 80 65-118
E-Mail: ir@envitec-biogas.de

Press Contact:
Fabian Lorenz, Grit Pauli
HOSCHKE & CONSORTEN Public Relations GmbH
Tel: +49 40 36 90 50-56 /-31
E-Mail: f.lorenz@hoschke.de; g.pauli@hoschke.de


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EnviTec Biogas AG

Administration
Industriering 10a
D-49393 Lohne

T +49 (0) 44 42 / 8016 - 8100
F
+49 (0) 44 42 / 8016 - 98100

info@envitec-biogas.com

EnviTec Biogas AG
Sales & Implementation
Boschstraße 2
D-48369 Saerbeck

T +49 (0) 25 74 / 88 88 - 0
F +49 (0) 25 74 / 88 88 - 800

info@envitec-biogas.com