Tarkett AG
Tarkett AG: interim report for the 1st half-year 2005

Corporate-news processed and transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. —————————————————————————— Tarkett AG: interim report for the 1st half-year 2005 Frankenthal.- In the 1st half-year 2005, Tarkett AG achieved sales amounting to EUR 764.4 million as compared to EUR 708.7 million in the reference period 2004. This corresponds to an increase of 7.9 % at current exchange rates and 4 % at constant exchange rates and at comparable structure. The sales development by product segment – at constant exchange rates and comparable structure – (figures at current exchange rates in brackets) was as follows: Resilient Floorings grew slightly by 0.9 % (+7.2%), with a plus of 3.7 % (3 %) in the Residential and a minus of 1.3 % (+10.7 %) in the Commercial sector, including Linoleum. Sales in the Hardwood segment increased by 1,3 % (-0.5 %), while Laminate was once again able to continue its growth with a strong plus of 50.3 % (50.3 %). Sales by region and market at constant exchange rates and comparable structure (figures at current exchange rates in brackets) developed as follows: West Europe recorded a slight plus of 1.8% (+ 8.2 %). The markets in detail: France decreased by 5.6 % (- 6.1 %) and the UK/Ireland region showed a minus of 6.8 % (+45%). In contrast to this, South Europe, including the Benelux countries, grew by 11.4 % ( +7.7 %) ; the German market, including Switzerland and Austria, reports a plus of 4.4 % (+ 7.5 %); whereas North Europe recorded an increase of 8.9 % (+ 9.9 %). Once again, sales in East Europe, including Russia, showed a double-digit growth of 17.9 % (19.1 %), benefiting from the sales contribution from the joint venture with Sintelon. North America grew slightly by 2.8 % (1.7 %). The Group’s EBITA for the 1st half-year 2005 reached EUR 42.6 million, a decrease of 20.4 % compared to the EUR 53.5 million achieved in the comparable period 2004. This development is mainly attributable to the high raw material prices for resilient products as well as the limited margin for selling price increases against the background of a fierce competition especially in the Residential area. Tarkett’s net profit for the 1st half-year 2005 amounts to EUR 25.7 million, slightly below the EUR 26.5 million achieved in the 1st half-year 2004. In accordance with the new IFRS standards, the profit figure does not include any goodwill amortization. Based on the new standard, the net profit for 2004 would have amounted to EUR 33 million. In the context of petrol remaining close to the all time highs of this summer, Tarkett expects a scenario of persistently high raw material prices on one hand and a generally more precautious economic climate. The sales estimation follows the trends of the first semester with results, on a full year basis, below our expectations. Therefore Tarkett emphasizes the focus on product innovation, growth markets and productivity. End of announcement (c)DGAP 22.09.2005 —————————————————————————— WKN: 700200; ISIN: DE0007002008; Index: Listed: Amtlicher Markt in Frankfurt (General Standard); Geregelter Markt in Berlin-Bremen; Freiverkehr in Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, Stuttgart 221307 Sep 05