Publication of 2007/2008 annual report

Hornbach Baumarkt AG, which operates 125 large-format DIY and garden stores in nine countries throughout Europe, posted a net sales increase of 3.2 per cent for a total of € 2 469 mio in the recently completed business year 2007/2008 (to 29 February 2008). Sales were 0.2 per cent down in like-for-like terms. While net sales revenue in Germany fell 1.5 per cent (-3.6 per cent like-for-like) to € 1 507 mio, the company’s international stores recorded sales up by 11.6 per cent (+6.0 per cent like-for-like) to € 962 mio. There was an increase from 36 to 39 per cent in the proportion of international sales. Hornbach Baumarkt AG’s EBIT (earnings before interest and tax) went down by 20.8 per cent to € 76.1 mio and the group’s annual surplus declined 23.2 per cent to € 46.6 mio.