Consolidated sales and net profits of the S&B Group of companies showed increases of 8.4% and 17.2% respectively in the first quarter of 2006, compared to the corresponding period of 2005. More specifically, the consolidated sales revenue of the Group amounted to euro 104.49 million, compared to euro 96.38 million, and the net profits reached euro 6.09 million versus euro 5.20 million.

In the Industrial Minerals Activities sector (representing 80% of Group sales) consolidated sales were at euro 85.01 million, up by 4.2% from the euro 81.55 million of the first quarter of the previous year, while EBITDA showed an increase of 6.4% reaching ?15.98 million from euro 15.02 million.

The Commercial Activities sector (MOTODYNAMICS S.A. and ERGOTRAK S.A.) had a very strong rebound in the first quarter of 2006 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. Consolidated sales were increased by 31.9% reaching euro 19.56 million (from euro 14.83 million), and EBITDA stood at ?204 thousand versus euro 76 thousand in the first quarter of 2005.

S&B s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Efthimios O. Vidalis commenting on the financial results of the first quarter of 2006 noted: "The positive results of the S&B Group of companies for the first quarter of this year are according to our expectations and attest to our Group s steady growth course and potential". The relevant financial statements will be published in the press on Thursday, May 18, 2006, as well as in the company s website www.sandb.com.