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Zurich, August 22, 2005

During the first half of 2005 Von Roll made further progress towards strengthening its position vis-à-vis customers and securing further improvements on the operating side. While orders rose only marginally to CHF 230.5 million, sales increased by 6.1% to CHF 229.5 million. Operating results before non-recurrent income rose 12.0% to CHF 9.1 million. In addition, non-recurrent income amounting to CHF 10.1 million was recorded. The net income for the first half year of 2005 totalled to CHF 14.7 million.

Good sales performance, increasing cost pressure

Orders are in line with the comparatively high figures of the previous year. Sales rose 6.1%. In accordance with the development of the market, growth was generated mainly in America and Asia. The difficult situation in the raw material markets had negative consequences both on cost as well as on supply capabilities.

Non-recurrent income

The adjustment of various matters outstanding from the former restructuring of the Von Roll Group led to mon-recurrent income of CHF 6.4 million. In addition, tax losses amounting to CHF 3.7 million were capitalised.

Strategic projects on target

Projects which are essential for the further development of the company are proceeding to plan. Expansion of the capacity of the site in Bangalore, India will be completed by the end of the year. Production activities in Shanghai, China started this spring. Standardisation and centralisation of the ERP systems, which are needed to implement optimised busines processes, is proceeding as expected. The essential restructuring rquired to simplify the legal structure was realised with the company mergers in France, Great Britain, Germany and Switzerland.

Sale of Calidus

Following the approval of the South African competition authorities, the sale of the 51% stake in the South African trading company Calidus will be completed in August. As already reported, however, sales in South Africa will continue to be channelled through this company.

Outlook

While Von Roll is expecting the raw materials situation to remain difficult, the market is unlikely to deteriorate any further. The company is not expecting any rapid improvement of the market for Industrial in Europe. Overall, however, it is the company's assumption that net income for the year 2005 as a whole will show an improvement as compared to 2004.

Change of the Board of Directors

At the Shareholder's Meeting 2005, Mr Claude F. Elsen stepped down. Dr. Thomas Straumann was elected as a new member of the Board of Directors. Mr Oskar K. Ronner became Chairman, while Mr Alfred M. Niederer was elected as Deputy Chairman.

Von Roll - key figures

1 calculated based on average equity 2 calculated based on weighted average number of shares

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