The industrial holding AURELIUS AG (ISIN: DE000A0JK2A8), Munich, has further increased group revenues and profit due to a successful acquisition and restructuring management in the first nine months of 2009. In a year-on-year comparison group revenues from continued operations increased by 128 per cent to 559.6 million euros (previous year: 245.8 million euros). The acquisitions of the last twelve months are also reflected in group profit. EBITDA more than tripled with 155.6 million euros (previous year: 50.6 million euros), the consolidated profit quadrupled with 106.6 million euros (previous year: 25.5 million euros). Free cashflow added up to 82.0 million euros (previous year: -1.6 million euros). Cash and cash equivalents rose to 157.7 million euros (December 31, 2008: 72.6 million euros) and equity ratio to 35 per cent (December 31, 2008: 24 per cent).

The reversal of negative goodwill recognized on subsidiaries acquired during the reporting period, the so-called “bargain purchase”, has had significant impact on the result.

The corresponding figures totalled 142.9 million euros in the reporting period (previous year: 13.0 million euros). The effect from the acquisition of the Blaupunkt Group is hereby included for the first time. Furthermore, the corresponding figures from the acquisition of Book Club Associates, Consinto (former Thales Information Systems), LD Didactic Group and sit-up TV are included.

Profit were negatively influenced by restructuring expenses from the recently purchased subsidiaries as well as start-up losses from the Blaupunkt Group, totalling 22.9 million euros. Net of these positive and negative one-off effects EBITDA added up to 35.6 million euros.

“We see a clear upward trend for all our portfolio companies and positive signs that the trough of this severe economic recession lies behind us,” says Dr Dirk Markus, CEO of AURELIUS AG. “Particularly the British subsidiary sit-up TV, the spirit producer Berentzen, Einhorn Mode Manufaktur, manufacturer of exclusive shirts for men and the 3-star hotelgroup GHOTEL have developed very successfully.”

“We are expecting further growth for AURELIUS by the end of the year,” adds Dr Markus, “and we feel well prepared for the expansion of the company. The necessary financial resources as well as the opportunities are on hand.”