Kifissia/Greece - Rilken reported sales of 21,415 TEURO vs 16,734 TEURO of the corresponding period of 2002, a total increase of 28%. This increase is mainly due to the change of the distribution agreement into distribution under consignment, since January 1st, 2003, as well as the improved business picture related to the discontinuation of the distribution of Coppertone brand. The organic growth was appr. 5.7%

The change of the distribution agreement between Rilken and Schwarzkopf & Rilken Hellas affected significantly the Gross Operating Profit of this period (29.1% increase), the Net Operating Profit, as well as the Selling Expenses. The Selling Expenses increased by 34.4% vs the corresponding period of 2002. This increase is mainly due to the distribution commission while the rest of selling expenses were kept on a lower level in comparison to previous year.

Profits before taxes increased by 15.9% to 1,987 TEURO vs 1,714 TEURO of last year, due to the reasons given above that resulted in the change of Net Operating Profit.

For the Rilken Group, which consists of Rilken SA and its retail distribution company Schwarzkopf & Rilken Hellas S.A, consolidated net sales reached 25,038 TEURO. The decrease of 21.6% vs last year is the result of the new distribution structure. From January 1st, 2003, Rilken Group does not include Henkel Hellas cosmetics anymore, but only the commissions for the sale of these products through Schwarzkopf & Rilken Hellas.

Net Operating Profit of the Group increased by 1,086 TEURO to 3,329 TEURO. Consolidated profits before taxes increased by 868 TEURO (42.8% increase) to 2,898 TEURO. These increases are due to the change of distribution agreement which resulted to higher Gross Profits and lower Operating Expenses in comparison to the corresponding period of previous year.

Rilken S.A. is an Athens based manufacturer and marketer of Cosmetics, specialized in Hair Care products. The company is a member of the Henkel Group which is the majority shareholder of Rilken S.A. via its subsidiary Henkel Hellas S.A.

The financial statements of Rilken S.A. for the nine months of 2003, including the consolidated financial statements, will be published on 27th November 2003.