Third quarter trading update 2005

Bekaert achieves 11% sales growth

In the first nine months of 2005, Bekaert achieved consolidated sales of € 1 440 million and combined sales of € 2 286 million, an increase of 11% and 14% respectively.     
 
The consolidated sales’ increase was 10% from organic growth and 2% from the net movement in acquisitions and divestments, offset by adverse currency movements of 1%.

In the third quarter, Bekaert recorded a strong performance in advanced wire products but there is a definite slowing of demand in various markets in Europe and North America. In Latin America market demand remains stable. Only in Asia, and in China in particular, Bekaert realised accelerated growth. Sales in other advanced wire products increased, partly through the acquisition of ECC Card Clothing. 

Bekaert also performed strongly in advanced materials. Besides organic growth, activities were also strengthened by the recent acquisition of Southwest Screens & Filters SA, in fibre technologies, and the earlier takeover of Solaronics, in combustion technologies.

Sales growth in advanced coatings remained limited. It was mainly the strongly project-driven activities in industrial coatings that underperformed. In specialised films, window film experienced strong growth.

With the opening of the new branch in Suzhou (China), Bekaert will strengthen its position in advanced materials and coatings in the Asian market.

Outlook
While sales will continue to grow in the fourth quarter, Bekaert expects the weakening of the European and North American markets to continue. 

                                             Press                                 Investor Relations
                                             Françoise Vanthemsche        Jacques Anckaert
                                             Tel. +32 56 23 05 71            Tel. +32 56 23 05 72

Profile Bekaert (www.bekaert.com) seeks sustainable profitable growth based on its two core competences: advanced metal transformation and advanced materials and coatings. Bekaert aims to consolidate its position as both market and technological leader around the world. With its broad range of high technological products, systems and services, Bekaert offers high added value for its customers. Bekaert (Euronext Brussels: BEKB) is an European based company, headquartered in Belgium, employing 16 400 people. Bekaert, present in 120 countries, generates sales of €2.7 billion.