Swiss Exhibition with good half-year results

The Swiss Exhibition Group reports a pleasing result for the first half of 2006. Due to the weaker exhibition program, the figures are below those of the previous year, but clearly above those of 2004.
Consolidated income amounted to CHF 151.0 million (2005: CHF 157.5 million / 2004: CHF 126.0 million). The profit for the semester amounted to CHF 18.2 million (2005: CHF 32.2 million / 2004: CHF 13.1 million). A direct comparison with the previous year is only possible to a limited extent, as the program of events does not include the same exhibitions every year. Furthermore, the SDA news agency reports that the event program in the second half of the year is generally significantly weaker than in the first half.

Participation in Expomobila AG MCH Swiss Exhibition (Holding) Ltd. and Expomobilia AG, based in Effretikon, have agreed that Swiss Exhibition will acquire a 40 percent stake in the stand construction company as of January 1, 2007. Expomobilia AG is to be fully integrated into the Swiss Exhibition Group as an independent subsidiary by January 1, 2010 at the latest. Founded in 1980, Expomobilia AG is one of the leading exhibition stand construction companies in Europe and operates worldwide. The company generates over two thirds of its turnover abroad.