• Sales increased 4% compared to the first half of 2011 
• EBITDA up by 19% compared to the first half of 2011 
• Net profit increased 53% compared to the first half of 2011 and 26% on a like for like basis 
• Successful refinancing in a challenging environment with maturity profile extended to four years
  

S&B Industrial Minerals First Half Year 2012 Financial Results (IFRS) Press Release:
(Please click on the link below to view full press release)

http://www.sandb.com/wp-content/uploads/PR-Q212-EN-03_08_12.pdf

Kriton Anavlavis, CEO of S&B, commented:
“We delivered an increase in our top-line performance for the first half of the year, despite the slowdown in global industrial activity. Our market positions within our geographically diverse operations remain broadly stable and through our revenue growth initiatives we continue to maintain solid profit margins and higher levels of profitability.

“Demand trends continue to vary by geography in line with latest industrial production
indicators. We continue to monitor the volatile macroeconomic environment, especially in
Europe and Asia and remain cautiously optimistic for the rest of the year. At the end of the first half we successfully completed our refinancing requirements amidst challenging conditions, diversifying in parallel the origin of our funding in line with our broad geographic footprint. With debt maturities now extending to four years in the future, we are able to focus exclusively on our strategy to expand our international presence and achieve sustainable value growth for the benefit of all our stakeholders.”

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This document may contain forward-looking statements about S&B, including statements  reflecting management’s current view relating to future market conditions, future events and expected operational and financial performance. Forward-looking statements may be found throughout this document. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that these expectations will materialize. Because forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and estimates, and are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results could differ materially from those described or implied herein. S&B does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law or stock exchange regulation.