Today Rilken S.A. publishes the nine months results of 2005 according to International Accounting Standards. The figures of the corresponding period of 2004 are adjusted in order to be comparable with the statement of 2005. In the first nine months of 2005 Rilken realized net sales of 17,777 T EURO, a decrease of 9.9% compared with the corresponding period of 2004. Domestic sales declined by 1.4% mainly due to weak retail markets. Changing market structures and unfavourable exchange rates led to a decline of export sales by 57.4% during the first nine months. Gross operating profit declined, due to the sales development, by 6.5% and amounted to 11,419 T EURO vs. 12,212 T EURO in 2004. The gross margin improved to 64.2%, as a consequence of the reduced export sales and the improved manufacturing costs. Earnings after taxes amounted to 344 T EURO compared with the first nine months of 2004, where the result was a loss of 234 T EURO. The Rilken Group, consisting of Rilken S.A. and its retail distribution company Schwarzkopf & Rilken Hellas S.A., recorded consolidated net sales of 20,186 T EURO, a decrease of 9.7% compared with the corresponding period of 2004. The decrease is related to the above-mentioned reasons. Earnings after taxes amounted to 474 T EURO compared with the first nine months of 2004, where a loss of 21 T EURO was recorded. Rilken S.Α. 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.