First-Quarter Report 2001 of the EMS Group

To date, the EMS Group with worldwide activities in the fields of Performance Polymers, Fine Chemicals and Engineering and companies combined within EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG has always published regular 4-month reports. As of the current year, and in conformity with IAS requirements, EMS will announce the quarterly sales figures as well as, on a half-yearly and yearly basis, the consolidated sales and income results.

In the first 3 months of 2001 the EMS Group boosted consolidated net sales revenues in its traditional field by 3.8 % over the previous year to CHF 303 million (292 million). If the takeover of the Axantis group - effected retroactively per beginning of 2001 - is taken into account, the increase amounts to 14.9 % to CHF 335 million. Development of both sales and income thus lies within the anticipated scope.

In particular as a result of the acquisition of Axantis, EMS expects double-digit sales growth and operating income (EBIT) on the level of the previous year for 2001 as a whole.