Walter Meier AG (SWF:WMHN) Walter Meier Is Expanding Into Austria And Hungary

Walter Meier AG (SWF:WMHN) Corporate news announcement processed and transmitted by Hugin AS. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------



The climate and processing technology group Walter Meier is expanding the market presence of its Climate Division into Austria and Hungary. The establishment of a subsidiary in Vienna and the acquisition of Eichler Klima GesmbH and Eichler Hungária Kft. are the first steps in the Group's expansion into Eastern Europe.

The growth markets of Eastern Europe fall within Walter Meier's strategic focus. The establishment of a subsidiary in Vienna, Walter Meier (Klima Österreich) GmbH, and the acquisition of the two Eichler companies as of January 1, 2009, are the first steps in the eastward expansion of the international climate and processing technology group. Eichler Klima GesmbH operates in Austria, while Eichler Hungária Kft. is active in Hungary. "We are starting our direct presence in these markets with our own established humidification products under the Condair and Defensor brands. These will be complemented in an ideal way by Eichler's ventilation components business. In the future, we will gradually expand our product portfolio, most notably in the areas of heat pumps, chillers and dehumidification," says CEO Silvan G.-R. Meier, explaining the Group's entry into these markets.

Eichler is already a long-standing distributor for Walter Meier Eichler has been a successful distributor for Walter Meier on the humidification market for over 40 years. This means that many processes have already been harmonized, which will accelerate the companies' integration into the Walter Meier Group. Together, the two newly acquired companies generate annual sales of approximately EUR 4 million and have 16 employees, all of whom will be taken on. Christian Werro will take on overall responsibility for the Austrian and Hungarian markets and the integration of the companies into the Walter Meier Group. The previous General Managers Wolfgang Baumgartner in Austria and Akos Kálmán in Hungary will remain in their roles and will continue to be responsible for their respective markets.

Further information Patrick Bossart, Head of Corporate Communications +41 44 928 15 24, patrick.bossart@waltermeier.com

Key dates December 31, 2008 Fiscal year closes 2008 February 24, 2009 Annual report 2008 plus Media and Financial Analysts' Conference March 24, 2009 Annual shareholders' meeting

Walter Meier is an international climate and processing technology group. The company was founded in 1937 and today generates sales of over CHF 800 million with 1800 employees. Walter Meier sets great store by customer-specific total solutions and comprehensive support services. Shares in Walter Meier are listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange (symbol WMN).

The media release can be downloaded from the following link:
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Walter Meier AG Laubisrütistrasse 24 Stäfa

WKN: 1594024; ISIN: CH0015940247; Index: SPI, SPIEX, SSCI; Listed: Main Market in SWX Swiss Exchange;



LINK: http://hugin.info/120056/R/1264248/277780.pdf

Walter Meier AG

http://www.waltermeier.com

ISIN: CH0015940247

Stock Identifier: XSWX.WMN