Landsberg, November 8, 2007. RATIONAL AG, world market leader in cooking technology for professional kitchens, has successfully continued its worldwide growth.

In the first 9 months of 2007 the company’s sales revenues rose by 36.9 million euros, from 198.8 million euros in the previous year to 235.6 million euros. “This equates to sales growth of 19 percent, which is well above expectations”, reports Dr. Günter Blaschke, CEO of RATIONAL AG.

With growth of 13.2 million euros, likewise equivalent to 19 percent, sales revenues in the 3rd quarter of 2007 stood at 81.7 million euros (previous year 68.5 million euros).

Despite sharp increases in the price of raw materials, RATIONAL achieved an EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) of 60.5 million euros in the first 9 months of 2007 (previous year 53.2 million euros). This represents an increase over the previous year of 7.3 million euros or 14 percent, which is within the forecast range.

“Because of the significant easing in raw material prices we expect a positive reversal of the trend in cost of sales for the 4th quarter of 2007. Against this background, and in view of the positive trend experienced in the first 9 months, we expect a growth in sales of more than 15 percent, accompanied by a simultaneous increase in EBIT of 15 percent to 93 million euros, during fiscal year 2007”, reports Dr. Blaschke.

Contact:

RATIONAL Aktiengesellschaft
Dr. Günter Blaschke
Tel. +49 (0)8191 327-364
Fax +49 (0)8191 327-272
g.blaschke@rational-online.de
www.rational-ag.com

Information for editors:

RATIONAL is the world market and technology leader for the thermal preparation of food in professional kitchens. The company, founded in 1973, employs more than 1.000 people, more than 600 of whom are in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Since the IPO in 2000 RATIONAL was floated in the Prime Standard on the German stock market and is currently represented in the SDAX. The Price of RATIONAL shares has duplicated several times since the IPO.

The company’s principal objective is to offer customers maximum benefit at all times. Internally RATIONAL is committed to the principle of sustainability, expressed in its policies on environmental protection, leadership and social responsibility. Numerous international awards bear witness year on year to the high level of RATIONAL’s work.