CEO Per Lindberg comments on the development during Q1 2010:

“With an operating profit of SEK 234 million for the first quarter of 2010 we now have two consecutive quarters behind us when we have achieved our target of an operating margin in excess of 10%. This, combined with continued stable demand, is a sign that the recovery is now standing on increasingly firm ground.

The favourable demand means that work to restore price levels is well set to continue. Since we are forced to adapt the pace of these price increases to our customers’ market situation, these increases are being implemented in stages as their business improves. In parallel the work of developing our products is also under way. We continuously see the result in terms of new customers, new applications and commercial successes. It is satisfactory to see what we have achieved in terms of new ideas and innovations, even though a lot remains to be done.

Billerud now stands strong both as a business and financially and we are looking forward with confidence to the continued recovery.”

Solna, 29 April 2010
Billerud AB (publ)

Per Lindberg
President and CEO

For further information please contact:
Per Lindberg, president and CEO, +46 8 553 335 01 or +46 70 248 15 17
Bertil Carlsén, CFO, +46 8 553 335 07 or +46 73 021 10 92

Billerud’s business concept is to offer demanding customers packaging materials and solutions that promote and protect their products – packaging that is attractive, strong and based on renewable materials. Billerud has a world-leading position within several product segments including paper for consumer packaging and industrial applications. Production takes place at three integrated pulp and paper mills in Sweden and at one paper mill in the UK.