The Board of Management today finished preparation of the preliminary financial statements for fiscal year 2010/2011.

On Group basis Leica Camera AG was able to increase sales in the last fiscal year (April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011) by 57.3 % to EUR 248.9 million (previous year: EUR 158.2 million). EBIT rose to EUR 42.4 million (previous year: EUR 7.4 million) and thus increased almost six-fold. Group net income was EUR 30.4 million (previous year: EUR 3.2 million). These figures evidence that the positive development seen in the third quarter was confirmed and consolidated also in the fourth quarter. Against the background of this development the Board of Management will propose to the Supervisory Board and the General Meeting that a dividend be declared for the first time since 1997. According to the proposition the Board of Management will recommend to the General Meeting to resolve upon a dividend payment in the amount of EUR 0.30 per share. The proposition thus provides for a distribution to shareholders in the total amount of about EUR 5.0 million.

The positive development is mainly due to the continuing strong demand for the Leica M system, the professional S system, the compact cameras and the Leica sport optics products. The financial statements will contain a detailed report on the business development of the last fiscal year, as well as the business prospects for the current fiscal year. The financial statements will be published after having been certified by the auditors and approved by the Supervisory Board. Until then all figures are preliminary and unaudited.