Münster. - buch.de internetstores AG (ISIN: DE0005204606, Symbol: BUE) is set to generate sales of around EUR 70 million for the financial year 2008 according to preliminary, unaudited figures, up 8 percent year-on-year (EUR 65 million). As recently forecast, earnings before taxes will come in between EUR 1.2 million and EUR 1.8 million (previous year: EUR 1.5 million).
The 8 percent increase in sales puts the figure in line with the adjusted full year sales forecast released on 20 October. Slower growth in sales compared to the previous year was attributable to media supplier TMI ceasing business due to insolvency, which resulted in a decline in growth at the beginning of the fourth quarter. However, a significant upturn in sales was achieved from the end of November, with the rapid transition of business to the new media wholesaler playing a key role. This was also the basis for sustaining upbeat development over the Christmas period.
Based on the preliminary figures for the fourth quarter of 2008, the Management Board is confirming its October forecast. According to that, the group will report full year earnings before taxes (EBT) of between EUR 1.2 million and EUR 1.8 million.
The key figures from the company’s final annual consolidated financial statements will be published on 12 March 2009 together with a forecast for development in the coming year. The complete Annual Report 2008 will be available at
www.ag.buch.de from 31 March 2009.
Other dates 2009:
7 May 2009: Key figures Q1 2009 / Interim report
4 June 2009: Annual General Meeting 2009
6 Aug. 2009: Key figures 1st half 2009
31 Aug. 2009: Half year report 2009 published online
5 Nov. 2009: Key figures Q3 2009 / Interim report
Information and notes on the issuer of this ad-hoc release:
buch.de internetstores AG is a public company headquarted in Münster, Germany. It is subject to German law and listed in the regulated market of the Frankfurt stock exchange. The company was founded in 1998 and is specialised on retailing books, music, films, software and games online. Its product range is complemented by office goods and consumer electronics.
With its subsidiary buch.ch AG (Winterthur/Switzerland), buch.de internetstores AG currently operates 18 web shops in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as the Alexandria online community. These web shops include buch.de, bol.de, alphamusic.de, flexist.de, buch.ch, bol.ch and lion.cc as well as the internet site of Thalia book shops thalia.de, thalia.at and thalia.ch.
The authorised capital of buch.de internetstores AG is EUR 10.4 million. The main shareholders are Thalia Holding GmbH, a majority of which is held by Douglas Holding AG, with 35.2 percent and Reinhard Mohn GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bertelsmann AG, with 26.7 percent.
