On Wednesday May 24, 2006, VIOHALCO, S.A. presented to the Union of Greek Institutional Investors its activities, holdings and future prospects. VIOHALCO has been established in 1937 and it's been listed in the Athens Exchange since 1947. It holds investments in more than 80 companies, having as object the manufacture of steel products, the copper and aluminum processing, the cable production, as well as the real estate development. During 2005 VIOHALCO continued to grow, achieving an 8% increase over 2004 of its consolidated turnover, which amounted to Euro 2.331 mil. The increase was due to the increase of the volume of sales, as well as to the increase the metals' prices. The consolidated profits before taxes and minority rights amounted to Euro 59 mil. decreasing by 43%. The profits before taxes, interest and depreciation (EBITDA) amounted to Euro 219 mil. showing a decrease of 16% compared with those of 2004. Depreciation for the period, charged to the results, amounted to Euro 116 mil., increasing by 4%. The financial results of the Group were negatively affected by the remarkable increase of the prices of raw materials and the energy cost, the unfavorable for the exports parity of the EURO, especially during the first six months of 2005, as well as the post Olympic Games natural deceleration of significant public works in Greece. Being export oriented, the companies of VIOHALCO constantly strengthen their presence in the international market. As a result of this 2/3 of their turnover is effected abroad, performing about 8% of the Greece's aggregate exports. The companies of the Group continue to invest in new technology and equipment, having as main goals the high level of productivity, the reduction of costs and the further improvement of the products' quality. The protection of the environment, as well as the improvement of the working conditions, regarding safety and hygiene in their installations, continue to have priority in the companies' management concern. The forthcoming, in 2007, admission of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Community, will be significantly profitable to the Group, which has considerable production facilities in these countries. It is estimated that, following their admission, both countries will develop their relevant infrastructures and strengthen their domestic markets. Finally, VIOHALCO has started the materialization of a program, aiming at the development of its considerable real estate property, in order to create a stable income source, in addition to those derived from the industrial activities of the Group.