Gunnar Brock comments on Atlas Copco's Q1 results

Gunnar Brock comments on Atlas Copco's Q1 results

Stockholm, Sweden, April 27, 2009: The impact of the global economic crisis led
to a fall in revenues and profits for Atlas Copco in the first quarter. Actions
to reduce capacity and costs were implemented at a high pace throughout the
period.

Revenues during the first quarter decreased 3% to MSEK 16 577, supported by
positive currency effects. The organic decline was 17%. Order intake dropped 33%
organically. The operating profit was MSEK 2 172 (3 248). Excluding redundancy
costs of MSEK 230, the profit corresponds to an operating margin of 14.5%
(18.9).

“Our profitability is still very good bearing in mind the sharp fall in sales,
the high costs for redundancy measures and under-absorption in most of our
business units. This is a proof of the resilience of our business model.” says
Gunnar Brock, President and CEO of the Atlas Copco Group. 

Since October 2008, major efforts have been carried out in order to adapt
capacity and costs to the present low demand level. During these six months, 3
800 people have left the company and the workforce is likely to be reduced by
around 1 200 more during the coming quarters. This will result in an annual cost
saving of more than MSEK 2 000.

“Although sales of equipment are down considerably, we are pleased to have been
able to maintain a good price level. Additionally, the aftermarket business is
holding up very well,” Gunnar Brock says.

The economic situation still makes the outlook very uncertain. Demand is however
expected to remain weak in most industries and regions and stay around the
current level.

“In these difficult times it is particularly important to concentrate on the
aftermarket business and continue to invest in research and development. Our
financial strength allows us to focus on this and will help us come out of the
crisis an even stronger company,” Gunnar Brock says.

For further information please contact:
Daniel Frykholm, Media Relations Manager
+46 (0)8 743 8060 or +46 (0)70 865 8060

Atlas Copco discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities
Markets Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act. 

Atlas Copco is a world leading provider of industrial productivity solutions.
The products and services range from compressed air and gas equipment,
generators, construction and mining equipment, industrial tools and assembly
systems, to related aftermarket and rental. In close cooperation with customers
and business partners, and with 136 years of experience, Atlas Copco innovates
for superior productivity. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, the Group's
global reach spans more than 160 markets. In 2008, Atlas Copco had 34 000
employees and revenues of BSEK 74 (BEUR 7.7). Learn more at www.atlascopco.com.