First-quarter report 2011

In the first three months of 2011, the EMS Group, globally active in the business areas Performance Polymers and Fine Chemicals / Engineering and with its companies consolidated in EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG, achieved an increase in local-currency net sales of 18.1% compared to the same period of the prior year. Net sales in Swiss Francs amounted to CHF 438 million (404), 8.4% higher than in the prior year.

A sustained positive economic trend in the main sales markets worldwide, together with successfully launched new applications with speciality products, led to a very positive development of sales volumes. As anticipated, significantly lower foreign currency exchange rates than in the prior year and steadily increasing raw material prices, hamper growth of net sales and result in Swiss Francs.

EMS anticipates a continuing positive economic trend with further raw material price increases and an unfavourable currency situation. Net sales and operating income (EBIT) in 2011 are expected to be slightly above those of the prior year.