• First half operating result (EUR 306 million) down from 2008 (EUR 548 million) due to the economic downturn
• Sales (EUR 4,051 million) down by 14% compared to the first half of 2008. Evolution by Sector is contrasted.
• Operating result:
  • Pharmaceuticals  (EUR 206 million): down by 16% but distinctly higher than result from the first half of 2008 aside from miscellaneous income (EUR 71 million in the first half of 2008)
  • Chemicals (EUR 122 million): Despite weak demand and pressure on some prices, decrease limited      (-10%) compared to the first half of 2008; second quarter of 2009 up compared to last year 
  • Plastics (EUR 8 million): sharply down compared to the first half of 2008 in the context of the global economic crisis that especially affected the major markets in this Sector (construction, automotive and electronics)
• Net income of Group (EUR 181 million), down from the net result of EUR 351 million in the first half of 2008
• Solid financial structure:
  • Net debt to equity ratio: 39.5%                                       
  • No significant maturity dates for debt reimbursement before 2014  More

For further information please contact :

Patrick Verelst , Head of Investor Relations
SOLVAY SA
Tel: 32 2 509 72 43
Fax: 32 2 509 72 40
E-mail : patrick.verelst@solvay.com

Erik De Leye , Corporate Press Officer
SOLVAY SA
Tel: 32 2 509 72 30
Fax: 32 2 509 72 40
E-mail : erik.deleye@solvay.com