Südzucker with dividend of EUR 0.40

Südzucker Group's repeat performance on consolidated revenues of EUR 5.8 billion, and a consolidated operating profit of EUR 233 million (last year: 419), once again beat forecasts in 2007/08. However, compared to last year, the company had to contend with significant profit deterioration.

As a result, and in view of the still encumbered profit situation for 2008/09, the executive and supervisory boards recommend payment of a dividend of EUR 0.40 (last year: 0.55) per share. Because the restructuring of the sugar market has still not come to a close, Südzucker expects revenues and operating profit for the current 2008/09 business year be at last year's level; however, the company is forecasting operating profit to increase to at least EUR 400 million as early as 2009/10.